A library of novel high molecular weight polymers based on the natural carotenoid astaxanthin (ATX) has been successfully synthesized. ATX is a powerful antioxidant, known for its various therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. It is a xanthophyll with a symmetric chemical structure bearing two hydroxyl groups. Thus, its copolymerization with various diacids resulted in “polyactive” polyesters with varying chemico–physio–mechanico properties (e.g., storage moduli range: 125–1300 MPa and wetting angles of 40–110°). The potential of pATX as an antimicrobial agent was demonstrated in vitro against clinically relevant bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus MRSA252 and MSSA476; S. epidermidis 1457) showing significant reduction of both bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Lastly, we establish using pATX films in vivo had no adverse effect in direct contact with open wounds, or on the complete physiological process of whole animal wound healing.

The therapeutic effect of the Cannabis plant largely depends on the presence and specific ratio of a spectrum of phytocannabinoids. While prescription of medicinal Cannabis for various conditions constantly grows, its consumption is mostly limited to oral or respiratory pathways, impeding its duration of action, bioavailability and efficacy. Herein, a long-acting formulation in the form of melt-printed polymeric microdepots for full-spectrum cannabidiol(CBD)-rich extract administration is described. When injected subcutaneously in mice, the microdepots facilitate sustained release of the encapsulated extract over a two-week period. The prolonged delivery results in elevated serum levels of multiple, major and minor, phytocannabinoids for over 14 days, compared to Cannabis extract injection. A direct analysis of the microdepots retrieved from the injection site gives rise to an empirical model for the release kinetics of the phytocannabinoids as a function of their physical traits. As a proof of concept, we compare the long-term efficacy of a single administration of the microdepots to a single administration of Cannabis extract in pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions model. One week following administration, the microdepots reduce the incidence of tonic-clonic seizures by 40%, increase the survival rate by 50%, and the latency to first tonic-clonic seizures by 170%. These results suggest that a long-term full-spectrum Cannabis delivery system may provide new form of Cannabis administration and treatments.

Intravascular catheters (IVCs) and other medical tubing are commonly made of polymeric materials such as polyurethane (PU). Polymers tend to be fouled by surface absorption of proteins and platelets, often resulting in the development of bacterial infections and thrombosis during catheterization, which can lead to embolism and death. Existing solutions to fouling are based on coating the IVCs with hydrophilic, anti-thrombogenic, or antimicrobial materials. However, the delamination of the coatings themselves is associated with significant morbidity, as reported by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We developed a lubricious, antimicrobial, and antithrombogenic coating complex, which can be covalently attached to the surface of industrial PU catheters. The coating complex is pre-synthesized and comprises 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) as an antifouling agent, covalently attached to branched polyethyleneimine (bPEI) as a lubricating agent. The two-step coating procedure involves PU-amine surface activation using a diisocyanate, followed by chemical grafting of the bPEI-S-MPC complex. Compared with neat PU, the coating was found to reduce the coefficient of friction of the IVC surface by 30% and the hemolysis ratio by more than 50%. Moreover, the coating exhibited a significant antimicrobial activity under JIS Z2801:2000 standard compared with neat PU. Finally, in in-vivo acute rabbit model studies, the coating exhibited significant antithrombogenic properties, reducing the thrombogenic potential to a score of 1.3 on coated surfaces compared with 3.3 on uncoated surfaces. The materials and process developed could confer lubricious, antithrombogenic, and antimicrobial properties on pre-existing PU-based catheters.