Jenna L. Bowen

Aptamer-MIP hybrid receptor for highly sensitive electrochemical detection of prostate specific antigen

This study reports the design and evaluation of a new synthetic receptor sensor based on the amalgamation of biomolecular recognition elements and molecular imprinting to overcome some of the challenges faced by conventional protein imprinting. A thiolated DNA aptamer with established affinity for prostate specific antigen (PSA) was complexed with PSA prior to being immobilised on the surface of a gold electrode. Controlled electropolymerisation of dopamine around the complex served to both entrap the complex, holding the aptamer in, or near to, its binding conformation, and to localise the PSA binding sites at the sensor surface. Following removal of PSA, it was proposed that the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) cavity would act synergistically with the embedded aptamer to form a hybrid receptor (apta-MIP), displaying recognition properties superior to that of aptamer alone. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to evaluate subsequent rebinding of PSA to the apta-MIP surface. The apta-MIP sensor showed high sensitivity with a linear response from 100pg/ml to 100ng/ml of PSA and a limit of detection of 1pg/ml, which was three-fold higher than aptamer alone sensor for PSA. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated low cross-reactivity with a homologous protein (human Kallikrein 2) and low response to human serum albumin (HSA), suggesting possible resilience to the non-specific binding of serum proteins.

In-vitro transcutaneous delivery of ketoprofen and polyunsaturated fatty acids from a pluronic lecithin organogel vehicle containing fish oil.

This work explored the use of pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) as a base for the delivery of bioactive polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and ketoprofen. PLO was adapted to contain fish oil, ketoprofen, or both, and 1,8‐cineole as penetration enhancer, and used to determine the in‐vitro permeation from infinite and finite dosing protocols across full thickness porcine skin. Oruvail gel (2.5% ketoprofen) was included for comparison. No EPA or DHA was found to permeate skin when applied as an infinite dose. From multiple finite doses, small amount (max. 0.22%) of fish oil were found to permeate the skin. This indicates retention of fish oil within the gel matrix and that the viable domain of full thickness skin was a significant barrier. Greater amounts of EPA and DHA were delivered in the presence of ketoprofen indicating co‐transport resulting from selective complexation, although no enhancement was observed using 1,8‐cineole. Unlike EPA and DHA, substantial amounts of ketoprofen permeated when applied as infinite doses. Oruvail, a Carbopol 940‐based hydrogel containing 2.5% ketoprofen and ethanol, delivered the greatest amount, although similar to the PLO gel containing 5% ketoprofen. The addition of propylene glycol enhanced permeation, although the presence of fish oil in the PLO gel inhibited ketoprofen permeation. When applied as multiple finite doses a maximum of 76μmcm2 (1.12%) was delivered, which was reduced by the presence of 1,8‐cineole. Greater permeation was again observed with Oruvail by a factor of two and with half the ketoprofen dose. To conclude, a PLO‐based gel is capable of delivering EPA and DHA via a repeat finite dosing regimen, although there is evidence for the retention of these very lipophilic molecules within the gel matrix. Although to a lesser extent than EPA and DHA, ketoprofen was also substantially retained, as exemplified by the superior delivery rates from Oruvail. Finally, this work has highlighted the importance of using an appropriate topical dosing method to match the intended use of a product.

Twenty years since ‘antibody mimics’ by molecular imprinting were first proposed: A critical perspective

Abstract In February 1993, the group of Klaus Mosbach published their milestone study in Nature where, for the first time, non-covalent molecular imprints were employed in a competitive binding assay. In this seminal piece of work, and also for the first time, they refer to molecularly imprinted polymers as being ‘antibody mimics’ and hypothesised that these synthetic materials could one day provide ‘a useful, general alternative to antibodies’. This perspective article examines how far we have come in the 20 years since this publication in terms of realising this hypothesis and poses the question of whether we actually need molecularly imprinted polymers to be a general alternative to antibodies.

Controlling the Nanoscale Patterning of AuNPs on Silicon Surfaces

This study evaluates the effectiveness of vapour-phase deposition for creating sub-monolayer coverage of aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) on silicon in order to exert control over subsequent gold nanoparticle deposition. Surface coverage was evaluated indirectly by observing the extent to which gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited onto the modified silicon surface. By varying the distance of the silicon wafer from the APTES source and concentration of APTES in the evaporating media, control over subsequent gold nanoparticle deposition was achievable to an extent. Fine control over AuNP deposition (AuNPs/μm2) however, was best achieved by adjusting the ionic concentration of the AuNP-depositing solution. Furthermore it was demonstrated that although APTES was fully removed from the silicon surface following four hours incubation in water, the gold nanoparticle-amino surface complex was stable under the same conditions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study these affects.

Evidence of Nonuniformity in Urothelium Barrier Function between the Upper Urinary Tract and Bladder

PURPOSE We compared the relative permeability of upper urinary tract and bladder urothelium to mitomycin C. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ex vivo porcine bladder, ureters and kidneys were dissected out and filled with 1 mg ml(-1) mitomycin C. At 60 minutes the organs were emptied and excised tissue samples were sectioned parallel to the urothelium. Sectioned tissue was homogenized and extracted mitomycin C was quantified. Transurothelial permeation across the different urothelia was calculated by normalizing the total amount of drug extracted to the surface area of the tissue sample. Average mitomycin C concentrations at different tissue depths (concentration-depth profiles) were calculated by dividing the total amount of drug recovered by the total weight of tissue. RESULTS Mitomycin C permeation across the ureteral urothelium was significantly greater than across the bladder and renal pelvis urothelium (9.07 vs 0.94 and 3.61 μg cm(-2), respectively). Concentrations of mitomycin C in the ureter and kidney were markedly higher than those achieved in the bladder at all tissue depths. Average urothelial mitomycin C concentrations were greater than 6.5-fold higher in the ureter and renal pelvis than in the bladder. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge we report for the first time that the upper urinary tract and bladder show differing permeability to a single drug. Ex vivo porcine ureter is significantly more permeable to mitomycin C than bladder urothelium and consequently higher mitomycin C tissue concentrations can be achieved after topical application. Data in this study correlate with the theory that mammalian upper tract urothelium represents a different cell lineage than that of the bladder and it is innately more permeable to mitomycin C.

A comparative pulse accuracy study of two commercially available patch insulin infusion pumps

Background: Patch pumps are a relatively new method of Insulin delivery. This study explores the accuracy of patch-pumps by reporting on comparative pulse-accuracy study of two patch pumps. Methods: The accuracy of two patch pumps (Cellnovo, [Cellnovo Ltd., Swansea, UK] and OmniPod® [Ypsomed Ltd, Escrick, UK]) was evaluated micro-gravimetrically. Pulse accuracy was analysed by comparing single and time-averaged pulses for each device. Results: Single-pulses outside accuracy thresholds ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, ±20%, ±25% and ±30% were: Cellnovo; 79.6%, 55.6%, 35.0%, 19.9%, 9.7% and 4.3%; OmniPod; 86.2%, 71.6%, 57.4%, 45.5%, 35.2% and 25.4%. For 10, 20 and 40 pulse-windows mean values outside ±15% accuracy level were: Cellnovo; 7.3%, 1.5% and 0.4%, OmniPod; 37.6%, 31.8% and 25.9. Conclusions: This study showed that not all patch pumps are the same. The pumping mechanisms employed in these pumps play a significant role in the accuracy and precision of such devices.

An ex Vivo investigation into the transurothelial permeability and bladder wall distribution of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Ketorolac

Transurothelial drug delivery continues to be an attractive treatment option for a range of urological conditions; however, dosing regimens remain largely empirical. Recently, intravesical delivery of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ketorolac has been shown to significantly reduce ureteral stent-related pain. While this latest development provides an opportunity for advancing the management of stent-related pain, clinical translation will undoubtedly require an understanding of the rate and extent of delivery of ketorolac into the bladder wall. Using an ex vivo porcine model, we evaluate the urothelial permeability and bladder wall distribution of ketorolac. The subsequent application of a pharmacokinetic (PK) model enables prediction of concentrations achieved in vivo. Ketorolac was applied to the urothelium and a transurothelial permeability coefficient (Kp) calculated. Relative drug distribution into the bladder wall after 90 min was determined. Ketorolac was able to permeate the urothelium (Kp = 2.63 × 10(-6) cm s(-1)), and after 90 min average concentrations of 400, 141 and 21 μg g(-1) were achieved in the urothelium, lamina propria and detrusor respectively. An average concentration of 87 μg g(-1) was achieved across the whole bladder wall. PK simulations (STELLA) were then carried out, using ex vivo values for Kp and muscle/saline partition coefficient (providing an estimation of vascular clearance), to predict 90 min in vivo ketorolac tissue concentrations. When dilution of the drug solution with urine and vascular clearance were taken into account, a reduced ketorolac concentration of 37 μg g(-1) across the whole bladder wall was predicted. These studies reveal crucial information about the urotheliums permeability to agents such as ketorolac and the concentrations achievable in the bladder wall. It would appear that levels of ketorolac delivered to the bladder wall intravesically would be sufficient to provide an anti-inflammatory effect. The combination of such ex vivo data and PK modeling provides an insight into the likelihood of achieving clinically relevant concentrations of drug following intravesical administration.

Investigating Detrusor Muscle Concentrations of Oxybutynin After Intravesical Delivery in an Ex Vivo Porcine Model

Intravesical oxybutynin is highly effective in the treatment of overactive bladder. Traditionally the mechanism of action was explained by antagonism of muscarinic receptors located in the detrusor, however evidence now suggests antimuscarinics may elicit their effect by modifying afferent pathways in the mucosal region. This study aimed to investigate the bladder wall distribution of oxybutynin in an ex vivo setting providing tissue - layer specific concentrations of drug achieved after intravesical delivery. Whole ex vivo porcine bladders were intravesically instilled with 0.167 mg mL(-1) oxybutynin solution. After 60 min, tissue samples were excised, serially sectioned parallel to the urothelial surface and extracted drug quantified. Drug distribution into the urothelium, lamina propria and detrusor was determined. Oxybutynin permeated into the bladder wall at a higher rate than other drugs previously investigated (apparent transurothelial Kp = 1.36 × 10(-5) cm s(-1) ). After 60 min intravesical instillation, concentrations achieved in the urothelium (298.69 μg g(-1) ) and lamina propria (43.65 μg g(-1) ) but not the detrusor (0.93 μg g(-1) ) were greater than reported IC50 values for oxybutynin. This work adds to the increasing body of evidence suggesting antimuscarinics elicit their effects via mechanisms other than direct inhibition of detrusor contraction.