Publication Date

1-1-2016

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Gaillard, Elizabeth R.

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to develop and evaluate a sustained release liposomal drug delivery system for treating ocular diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy and wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). These diseases are characterized by ocular angiogenesis, which is induced by the transcription factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Anti-VEGF antibody drugs such as Avastin and Lucentis are used to treat these ocular diseases; however, due to their short half-life (approx. 9 days) monthly intra-vitreous injections are required which are expensive and have low patient compliance. To improve patient care, we are developing a surgical implant for the eye that releases anti-VEGF antibodies over an extended period. To accomplish this, we have encapsulated these antibodies drugs within liposomes, suspending these liposomes within a hydrogel, and injected this solution into a biodegradable polymer based balloon implant. A SOTAX USP IV dissolution apparatus along with UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to measure in-vitro antibody release rates. Additionally a Fluorotron was used to measure the drug release profiles of fluorescent tagged antibodies in-vivo for balloon implants and direct solution injections in rabbits. These experiments are ongoing, as our goal is to reach sustained release over a several month duration.

Extent

17 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Dataset/Spreadsheet||Image

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