Papers by Author: C.C. Barrias

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of starting powder granulometry and sintering conditions on the morphological structure and mechanical properties of injectable hydroxyapaptite (HAp) microspheres. The mechanical properties of the microspheres were evaluated, to investigate if their integrity could be maintained during the injection process. To obtain microspheres, HAp powders were dispersed in a sodium alginate solution and spherical particles were prepared by droplet extrusion under a co-axial air stream, coupled with ionotropic gelation in the presence of Ca2+. This was followed by a sintering process at various temperatures and times. The morphology of microspheres was observed under SEM, diameter measurements were performed in an optical microscope and the compression strength was evaluated using a texture analyzer. Finally, microspheres prepared using lower granulometry HAp powders and sintered at 1200 °C for 1 hour presented the best properties and were selected as the most suitable for the envisaged application.

Abstract: The ability of calcium titanium phosphate (CTP) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) microspheres to reversibly adsorb the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCR) while preserving its biological activity, and efficiently deliver it to Gaucher disease (GD) fibroblasts was investigated. CTP microspheres adsorbed ca. 3.6-fold more GCR than HAp microspheres. The activity of adsorbed GCR was higher than the free enzyme in the case of CTP microspheres and lower when HAp was used. GCR release from both types of microspheres was characterized by the initial elution of a large percentage of enzyme followed by a delayed release that extended for at least 30 days. Released GCR was internalized by GD fibroblasts increasing their intracellular enzymatic activity. In cells treated with the same amount of GCR-loaded CTP microspheres or free-GCR a higher intracellular activity was detected in the former case, suggesting an improved efficacy.

Abstract: In this study, the addition of calcium phosphate powders to an alginate matrix was evaluated as a strategy to modulate enzyme release-kinetics from alginate microspheres and, simultaneously, to improve cell adhesion to the polymer. Pre-adsorption of the enzyme to the ceramic powders resulted in a more adequate release pattern. The ratio of ceramic-to-polymer had a pronounced effect on osteoblast adhesion to microspheres. Cells were only able to spread on microspheres with the highest percentage of ceramic (0.4 w/w using a 1.5% w/v alginate solution).