Nora J. François

Dynamic rheological measurements and drug release kinetics in swollen scleroglucan matrices

The structure of scleroglucan gel matrices was characterized by dynamic rheological studies. The results were compared with the release kinetics of theophylline in analogous samples using a Franz diffusion cell, fitting the drug release data with a semi-empirical power law. Dynamic rheology gave information about the viscous and elastic components (loss and storage moduli, respectively) of the gel which could influence the drug-release profiles. Scleroglucan gels showed two structural transitions within the gel regime that coincided with changes in the release pattern. It was found that the introduction of 0.4% (w/w) of theophylline decreased the loss and storage moduli in the 2% (w/w) scleroglucan gels by 50%. The influence of the same wt.% theophylline in other gels was strongly dependent on the gel concentration. These results demonstrated the value of rheological studies to detect matrix structural changes produced by the inclusion of drugs which may modify the drug-release profile.

Chitosan-starch beads prepared by ionotropic gelation as potential matrices for controlled release of fertilizers

The present study examines the agrochemical application of macrospheres prepared with chitosan and chitosan-starch blends by an easy dripping technique, using a sodium tripolyphosphate aqueous solution as the crosslinking agent. These biopolymers form hydrogels that could be a viable alternative method to obtain controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). Three different concentrations (ranging from 20 to 100wt/wt% of chitosan) and two crosslinking times (2 or 4h) were used. The resulting polymeric matrices were examined by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Ionotropic gelation and neutralization induced the formation of the macrospheres. The crosslinking time and the composition of the polymeric hydrogel controlled the crosslinking degree, the swelling behavior and the fertilizer loading capability. Potassium nitrate-loaded beads were shown to be useful as a controlled-release fertilizer. After 14days of continuous release into distilled water, the cumulative concentration in the release medium reached between 70 and 93% of the initially loaded salt, depending on the matrix used. The prepared beads showed properties that make them suitable for use in the agrochemical industry as CRFs.

Correlation Between Gel Structural Properties and Drug Release Pattern in Scleroglucan Matrices

The drug delivery behavior of scleroglucan hydrogels was correlated with the structural features found by means of steady-state fluorescence studies. Theophylline at 0.4% in weight was used as the model drug and its release was measured using a Franz cell device. The results were fitted with a semi-empirical power law equation, finding significant differences between the 0.5% and higher than 0.8% scleroglucan concentrations (w/w). Four molecular fluorescent probes were used to test microenvironmental properties of the gel cavities, which will play a key role on the release of the pharmaceutical drugs. The results found by the fluorescence analysis are in good agreement with the ones obtained by release kinetics.

Parameters Involved in the Sol-Gel Transition of Titania in Reverse Micelles

Titania nanoparticles and gels are synthesized in reverse micelles with either an ionic (AOT) or a non-ionic (Triton X-100) surfactant in alkanes with low water contents. Acids were in some cases dissolved in the aqueous phase. Whereas the size of the sol nanoparticles is independent of the micellar composition, the kinetics of the sol-gel transition are not. The gelation time is shorter for the non-ionic surfactant and becomes longer as the acid content in the water increases, and for smaller anions of equal charge.

MULTIFRACTAL ANALYSIS OF SCLEROGLUCAN HYDROGELS FOR DRUG DELIVERY

The non-homogeneity and complexity of micro network distribution of hydrogel matrices prepared with two scleroglucan biopolymers obtained with different fermentation times were analyzed using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and dynamic rheology. ESEM images were processed with the tools of multifractal theory using the box-counting method in order to obtain the gels multifractal spectra. Dynamic rheological measurements indicate that both polymeric networks correspond to physical gels that exhibit a solid like behavior. These results suggest the existence of a relationship between the fermentation time used in the polymer production, the degree of self-similarity and the rigidity of the scleroglucan gel structure.

Polyurethane/Poly(2-(Diethyl Amino)Ethyl Methacrylate) blend for drug delivery applications

A pH-sensitive blend of polyurethane (PU) and poly(2-(diethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate (PDEA) with good film-forming capacity was prepared from the corresponding aqueous dispersions. The polymer matrix was first characterized by using FTIR, DSC, water vapor transmission and water swelling capacity at different pHs. The drug release profile of films was evaluated using a vertical Franz Cell and theophylline as model drug. The water swelling degree increases from 54 to 180% when the pH of the medium is changed from 6 to 2, demonstrating the pH-responsive behavior of the film. The in-vitro release studies indicate that an anomalous transport mechanism governs the theophylline release.

A novel, green, low-cost chitosan-starch hydrogel as potential delivery system for plant growth-promoting bacteria

The study examines the use of macrobeads for the controlled-release of bacteria. Macrobeads were prepared by an easy dripping-technique using 20/80 wt/wt chitosan-starch blends and sodium tripolyphosphate as cross-linking agent. The resulting polymeric matrix was examined by SEM, XRD, TGA, and solid-RMN. The swelling-equilibrium, thermal behaviour, crystallinity, and size of macrobeads were affected by the autoclave-sterilization. The diameter of the sterilized xerogel was c.a. 1.6 mm. The results suggested that ionotropic-gelation and neutralization were the mechanisms underlying hydrogel formation. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) were loaded into macrobeads separately or co-inoculated. Bacteria loaded macrobeads were dried and stored. Bacteria survived at least 12 months in orders of 109 CFU of A. brasilense/g and 108 CFU of P. fluorescens/g. Bacterial release in sterile saline solution tended to a super Case-II transport mechanism. Polymeric-matrix release efficiently both PGPB in natural soils, which uncovers their potential for the formulation of novel and improved biofertilizers.