Spectroscopical and Structural Studies of Sol-gel Reservoirs used as Implants in the Delivery of Dopamine to the Central Nervous System

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The stabilization of dopamine used in the treatment of Parkinsons is a pressing problem. When dopamine is applied systemically. destabilization may occur following penetration through the blood brain barrier (BBB). In order to circumvent this problem,we have designed a silica based implantable device prepared using sol-gel chemistry. The dopamine is encapsulated within this reservoir and the combined device is implanted directly into the corpus striatium of a rat using stereotactic surgery. We have performed extensive characterization studies which show that the structure of the dopamine is stabilized within the framework of the silica implant. The silica device has a wel-defined particle size , a high porosity and interacts with the dopamine through interactions with the hydroxyl groups of the silica. We have also shown that the device is biocompatible with brain tissue. Controlled drug release studies were performed to optimize the rate of drug release.. To study the silica-dopamine interactions, samples were characterized using BET, SEM, UV-Visible, diffuse reflectance and density functional theory.. Additional samples were prepared and characterized in order to compare structural properties. One of these samples contained an oxidized dopamine product.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 394 - 397
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Materials for Drug & Gene Delivery
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6