The rapid recognition of intravenously injected colloidal carriers, such as liposomes and polymeric nanospheres from the blood by Kupffer cells, has initiated a surge of development for "Kupffer cell-evading" or long-circulating particles. Such carriers have applications in vascular drug delivery and release, site-specific targeting (passive as well as active targeting), as well as transfusion medicine. In this article we have critically reviewed and assessed the rational approaches in the design as well as the biological performance of such constructs. For engineering and design of long-circulating carriers, we have taken a lead from nature. Here, we have explored the surface mechanisms, which affords red blood cells long-circulatory lives and the ability of specific microorganisms to evade macrophage recognition. Our analysis is then centered where such strategies have been translated and fabricated to design a wide range of particulate carriers (e.g., nanospheres, liposomes, micelles, oil-in-water emulsions) with prolonged circulation and/or target specificity. With regard to the targeting issues, attention is particularly focused on the importance of physiological barriers and disease states.

Long-Circulating and Target-Specific Nanoparticles: Theory to Practice

Opsonization, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics of polymeric nanoparticles

The return of a forgotten polymer—Polycaprolactone in the 21st century

A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material positioned over the structure 12; and at least one porous layer 20 positioned over the bioactive material layer 18. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent, and the bioactive material is at least one of heparin, dexamethasone or a dexamethasone derivative. The device 10 includes layers 18 and 22 of heparin and dexamethasone, the layer 22 of dexamethasone being positioned above the layer 18 of heparin. The layers of bioactive material also can be individual materials or a combination of different materials. Unexpectedly, the more soluble heparin markedly promotes the release of the less soluble dexamethasone above it. The porous layer 20 is composed of a polymer applied by vapor or plasma deposition and provides a controlled release of the bioactive material. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyimide, parylene or a parylene derivative, which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, merely by condensation of a monomer vapor.

Coated implantable medical device

Microemulsion-based media as novel drug delivery systems

The present invention provides compositions an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives therof, and taxol Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions

Anti-angionene compositions and methods of use

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a composition and to provide a method for treating or preventing diseases associated with body passages, comprising the step of delivering a therapeutic agent to an external portion of a body passage. SOLUTION: The method for treating or preventing diseases associated with body passages comprises the step of delivering the therapeutic agent to the external portion of the body passage. The method for treating or preventing diseases associated with body passages, comprises delivering the therapeutic agent to smooth muscle cells via the adventitia of the body passage. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Composition and method for treating or preventing disease of body passage

Zusammensetzungen und Verfahren zum Beschichten von medizinischen Implantaten

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems relating to tumorigenesis comprising the cancerous embolism to inhibit the flow of substances through body fluid passage such as bile duct, trachea, esophagus, vascular system and urethra and the problems relating to a stent comprising failure in inhibiting the internal growth of tumor or inflammatory substance through the gap of the stent. SOLUTION: The method for expanding the inner cavity of a body fluid passage contains a step to insert a stent into the passage for expanding the passage. The stent has a nearly tubular structure and the surface of the structure is covered with a composition containing (a) an anti-angiogenic factor and (b) a polymeric carrier. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Anti-angiogenic composition and stent covered therewith

A method of forming retainers on a suture includes providing a suture having a longitudinal axis and a circumference, a cutter, and a displacer that can longitudinally displace at least one of the suture and the cutter relative to the other, and can at least one of revolve the cutter about the suture and rotate the suture; and placing the cutter and suture into cutting engagement to form a first helical escarpment about the suture circumference. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

William L. Hunter

Papers

Anti-angionene compositions and methods of use

Composition and method for treating or preventing disease of body passage

Zusammensetzungen und Verfahren zum Beschichten von medizinischen Implantaten

Anti-angiogenic composition and stent covered therewith

Method and apparatus for forming retainers on a suture