ISSN:
0021-9304
Keywords:
hydroxyapatite
;
drug delivery system
;
anticancer agent
;
methotrexate
;
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Technology
Notes:
An experimental study was conducted on a drug delivery system (DDS), using porous apatite ceramics (PAC): hydroxyapatite block (HAb) [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] having a porosity of 35-48% and pore size range of 50-300 μm, and β-tricalcium phosphate block (TCP) [Ca3(PO4)2] having a porosity of 75-80% and pore size range of 100-400 μm, for sustained release of a chemotherapeutic agent. Methotrexate (MTX) was loaded in the pores of PAC blocks by centrifuging the blocks in MTX solution. Impregnation of MTX in PAC blocks (1 cm3) was confirmed by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study using Gadolinium-DTPA enhancement. The MRI showed high signal intensity in the PAC, which was confirmed by dye loading into the pores. To estimate the MTX-releasing capability of the PAC, the blocks were stored in 3 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C and the PBS was replaced every 48 h. The amount of MTX released was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. This study showed that MTX-impregnated PAC (0.63-2.25 mg/block) released the drug in a steady manner and maintained its concentration (0.1-1.0 μg/mL) up to 12 days. This concentration is high enough to be effective against tumor cells. Chemotherapeutic agent-impregnated PAC, prepared by simple centrifugation, could be a valuable form of local chemotherapy when used as a strut graft to repair bone defects. This new DDS material could also be used as an adjuvant to extended curettage and provide a means to reduce the recurrence of tumors without risk of systemic toxicity. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 39, 536-538, 1998.
Additional Material:
2 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
