James F. Kirk

Large intestine-targeted nanoparticle-releasing oral vaccine to control genitorectal viral infection

Both rectal and vaginal mucosal surfaces serve as transmission routes for pathogenic microorganisms. Vaccination through large intestinal mucosa, previously proven protective for both of these mucosal sites in animal studies, can be achieved successfully by direct intracolorectal (i.c.r.) administration, but this route is clinically impractical. Oral vaccine delivery seems preferable but runs the risk of the vaccines destruction in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, we designed a large intestine–targeted oral delivery with pH-dependent microparticles containing vaccine nanoparticles, which induced colorectal immunity in mice comparably to colorectal vaccination and protected against rectal and vaginal viral challenge. Conversely, vaccine targeted to the small intestine induced only small intestinal immunity and provided no rectal or vaginal protection, demonstrating functional compartmentalization within the gut mucosal immune system. Therefore, using this oral vaccine delivery system to target the large intestine, but not the small intestine, may represent a feasible new strategy for immune protection of rectal and vaginal mucosa.

Mechanical and biocompatible characterization of a cross-linked collagen-hyaluronic acid wound dressing

Collagen scaffolds have been widely employed as a dermal equivalent to induce fibroblast infiltrations and dermal regeneration in the treatment of chronic wounds and diabetic foot ulcers. Cross-linking methods have been developed to address the disadvantages of the rapid degradation associated with collagen-based scaffolds. To eliminate the potential drawbacks associated with glutaraldehyde cross-linking, methods using a water soluble carbodiimide have been developed. In the present study, the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) hyaluronic acid (HA), was covalently attached to an equine tendon derived collagen scaffold using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) to create ntSPONGE™. The HA was shown to be homogeneously distributed throughout the collagen matrix. In vitro analyses of the scaffold indicated that the cross-linking enhanced the biological stability by decreasing the enzymatic degradation and increasing the thermal denaturation temperature. The material was shown to support the attachment and proliferation of mouse L929 fibroblast cells. In addition, the cross-linking decreased the resorption rate of the collagen as measured in an intramuscular implant model in rabbits. The material was also shown to be biocompatible in a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays. These results indicate that this cross-linked collagen-HA scaffold, ntSPONGE™, has the potential for use in chronic wound healing.

Preclinical Toxicology, Pharmacology, and Efficacy of a Novel Orally Administered Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) Formulation

Strategy, Management and Health Policy Enabling Technology, Genomics, Proteomics Preclinical Research Preclinical Development Toxicology, Formulation Drug Delivery, Pharmacokinetics Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing Postmarketing Phase IV

Osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity of NanoFUSE® DBM

Bone graft substitutes have become an essential component in a number of orthopedic applications. Autologous bone has long been the gold standard for bone void fillers. However, the limited supply and morbidity associated with using autologous graft material has led to the development of many different bone graft substitutes. Allogeneic demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has been used extensively to supplement autograft bone because of its inherent osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. Synthetic and natural bone graft substitutes that do not contain growth factors are considered to be osteoconductive only. Bioactive glass has been shown to facilitate graft containment at the operative site as well as activate cellular osteogenesis. In the present study, we present the results of a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo characterization of a combination of allogeneic human bone and bioactive glass bone void filler, NanoFUSE® DBM. NanoFUSE® DBM is shown to be biocompatible in a number of different assays and has been cleared by the FDA for use in bone filling indications. Data are presented showing the ability of the material to support cell attachment and proliferation on the material thereby demonstrating the osteoconductive nature of the material. NanoFUSE® DBM was also shown to be osteoinductive in the mouse thigh muscle model. These data demonstrate that the DBM and bioactive glass combination, NanoFUSE® DBM, could be an effective bone graft substitute.

Radiographic and Histologic Comparison of Two Bioactive Glass Bone Void Fillers in a Rabbit Spinal Fusion Model

Bone graft substitutes and bone graft extenders have been routinely used for spine fusions for decades and have become an essential component in a number of orthopedic applications including spinal fusion. Bioactive glass ceramics have the ability to directly bind to bones and have been widely used as bone graft substitutes due to their high osteoconductivity and biocompatibility. The objective of this study was to compare the fusion rates of two bioactive glass containing bone void fillers (Nano FUSE® and Nova Bone Putty) in a posterolateral fusion rabbit model. Nova Bone Putty and Nano FUSE® alone and in combination with autograft were implanted in the posterior lateral intertransverse process region of the rabbit spine. The spines were evaluated for fusion of the L4-L5 transverse processes in skeletally mature rabbits. Radiographical and histological measurements demonstrated the ability of Nano FUSE® to induce new bridging bone across the transverse processes. The material in combination with autograft performed much better than the material alone. In contrast, Nova Bone Putty did not induce bridging bone across the transverse processes at any time point. This in vivo study demonstrates the novel formulation of Nano FUSE®, a bioactive glass combination with porcine gelatin, could be an effective bone graft extender in posterolateral spinal fusions.