Feedback-Controlled Release of Alendronate from Composite Microparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bone fractures and disorders can lead to non-unions requiring surgical intervention.
• Composite drug delivery systems offer localized treatment for bone defects.
• Alendronate (ALD), a bisphosphonate, aids bone fracture healing via antiresorptive properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a polymeric composite system for in situ delivery of Alendronate (ALD).
• To enhance encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and achieve controlled release of ALD.
• To evaluate the preliminary toxicological effects of the developed system.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of Alendronate (ALD) and calcium phosphate (CaP) into poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres.
• Evaluation of encapsulation efficiency (EE%) compared to a control system.
• Assessment of drug release profile over a 70-day period.
• Preliminary toxicological assessment on pre-osteoblastic cells over 72 hours.

Main Results:

• The composite system demonstrated enhanced encapsulation efficiency (EE%) by 70% compared to the control.
• Controlled release of ALD was observed over a 70-day period.
• Preliminary toxicological evaluation showed a positive effect on pre-osteoblastic cells within 72 hours.

Conclusions:

• A novel polymeric composite system for in situ Alendronate (ALD) delivery was successfully developed.
• The system exhibits improved encapsulation and sustained drug release, beneficial for bone fracture healing.
• The developed composite system shows promise for localized treatment of bone defects with favorable preliminary safety profiles.