title: Fibrin-based microsphere reservoirs for delivery of neurotrophic factors to the brain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The in vivo therapeutic potential of neurotrophic factors to modify neuronal dysfunctions is limited by their short half-life. A biomaterials-based intervention, which protects these factors and allows a controlled release, is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hollow fibrin microspheres were fabricated by charge manipulation using polystyrene templates and were loaded with NGF. Bioactivity of released NGF was demonstrated by neuronal outgrowth assay in PC-12 cells followed by in vivo assessment for NGF release and host response.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fibrin-based hollow spheres showed high loading efficiency (>80%). Neurotrophin encapsulation into the microspheres did not alter its bioactivity and controlled release of NGF was observed in the in vivo study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fibrin hollow microspheres act as a suitable delivery platform for neurotrophic factors with tunable loading efficiency and maintaining their bioactive form after release in vivo.
authors: Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials.
authors: Juhi
authors: J
authors: Samal
authors: Deirdre B
authors: DB
authors: Hoban
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Naughton
authors: Ruth
authors: R
authors: Concannon
authors: Eilis
authors: E
authors: Dowd
authors: Abhay
authors: A
authors: Pandit
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005337:Fibrin; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D008863:Microspheres; D050997:Nanomedicine; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016501:Neurites / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016716:PC12 Cells; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D005337:Fibrin
keywords: Parkinson's disease; bioactivity; brain delivery; fibrin; hollow spheres; neurotrophic factors