Nanostructured medical device coatings based on self-assembled poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles.

Here we present a new method for providing nanostructured drug-loaded polymer films which enable control of film surface morphology and delivery of therapeutic agents. Silicon wafers were employed as models for implanted biomaterials and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were assembled onto the silicon surface by electrostatic interaction. Monolayers of the PLGA particles were deposited onto the silicon surface upon incubation in an aqueous particle suspension. Particle density and surface coverage of the silicon wafers were varied by altering particle concentration, incubation time in nanoparticle suspension and ionic strength of the suspension. Dye loaded nanoparticles were prepared and assembled to silicon surface to form nanoparticle films. Fluorescence intensity measurements showed diffusion-controlled release of the dye over two weeks and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed that these particles remained attached to the surface during the incubation time. This work suggests that coating implants with PLGA nanoparticles is a versatile technique which allows drug release from the implant surface and modulation of surface morphology.

International data- and information exchange for off-site emergency management--where to go?

The communication and exchange of views and opinions between decision makers and their advisers is crucial for coherent crisis management. As a vision, the concept of a 'Virtual Round Table' is proposed. It stands for the dedication of all accountable authorities to cross border cooperation and should provide a comprehensive technical infrastructure enabling decision makers and experts to communicate with their colleagues in neighbouring countries as if they were sitting at the same table. Organisational arrangements must be in place for coordinating decisions. The technical infrastructure should comprise modern communication technologies such as video conferencing and a 'Common Information Board', which presents all relevant information and documents in a structured way, manages alerting, decision journaling, data distribution and access control. In order to achieve this goal in an evolutionary approach, existing procedures of good practice are analysed and helpful features are identified.