Optimising the incorporation and release of a neurotrophic factor using conducting polypyrrole

J Control Release. 2006 Dec 1;116(3):285-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2006.09.004. Epub 2006 Sep 29.

Abstract

In this study, a neurotrophin delivery system based on an inherently conducting polymer (ICP) has been developed. Direct incorporation of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) was investigated and controlled release was tested under various electrochemical conditions. The loading capacity and amount of NT-3 released from the polymer was determined using (125)I-labelled NT-3. Electrochemical stimulation of polypyrrole by pulsed voltage, pulsed current or cyclic voltammetry promoted the release of NT-3 at a greater rate than natural diffusion of NT-3. NT-3 was released from polypyrrole as an initial burst in the first 24 h followed by prolonged release over a subsequent 6 days of sampling. The amount of NT-3 incorporated into the polymer could be controlled by varying the polymerisation time, with longer growth periods incorporating more NT-3. The NT-3 release results indicated that the polymers grown for longer released a lower percentage of the incorporated NT-3 compared to the polymers grown for shorter times. Polymer-based neurotrophin delivery systems have the potential to be incorporated into future treatments for nerve injuries to prevent nerve degradation and promote nerve protection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Compounding
  • Electrochemistry
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neurotrophin 3 / administration & dosage*
  • Neurotrophin 3 / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Pyrroles / chemistry*
  • Solubility
  • Surface Properties
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Carriers
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Neurotrophin 3
  • Polymers
  • Pyrroles
  • polypyrrole