Virtual Pharmacopedia: An online educational database housing student-developed, expert-reviewed modules for PharmD curricular expansion.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of Virtual Pharmacopedia, an online educational resource that houses student-developed, expert-reviewed modules designed to supplement the elective pharmacy curriculum. METHODS: Student volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two groups: those who created module content (creators) and potential utilizers (consumers). Modules on necrotizing fasciitis and ventricular arrhythmias were piloted and evaluated by experts before releasing to consumers. Learning was evaluated pre- and post-module creation via multiple-choice quizzes, and perceptions were evaluated afterward via survey. Perceived need for and utility of the modules were also evaluated for consumers using survey items analyzed using a five-point Likert type scale. All data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Most participating students (n = 95, 32% response rate) agreed they would use Virtual Pharmacopedia (96%), that module content enhanced understanding (88%), and that it would be a helpful resource (94%). Consumer quiz scores significantly improved from pre- to post-module for consumers who completed the module (n = 31) compared to those who did not (n = 89). Creator survey data (n = 10, 100%) revealed increased knowledge and application from pre- to post-module. CONCLUSIONS: As a platform for self-directed learning, Virtual Pharmacopedia provides abbreviated national licensing examination review, rotation preparation, and exposure to unfamiliar content. Virtual Pharmacopedia increased learning and application of knowledge for both module creators and consumers, suggesting that Virtual Pharmacopedia can be a useful resource with potential for practical utility in pharmacy education.

Binding Interactions of Keratin-Based Hair Fiber Extract to Gold, Keratin, and BMP-2.

Hair-derived keratin biomaterials composed mostly of reduced keratin proteins (kerateines) have demonstrated their utility as carriers of biologics and drugs for tissue engineering. Electrostatic forces between negatively-charged keratins and biologic macromolecules allow for effective drug retention; attraction to positively-charged growth factors like bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) has been used as a strategy for osteoinduction. In this study, the intermolecular surface and bulk interaction properties of kerateines were investigated. Thiol-rich kerateines were chemisorbed onto gold substrates to form an irreversible 2-nm rigid layer for surface plasmon resonance analysis. Kerateine-to-kerateine cohesion was observed in pH-neutral water with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 1.8 × 10(-4) M, indicating that non-coulombic attractive forces (i.e. hydrophobic and van der Waals) were at work. The association of BMP-2 to kerateine was found to be greater (KD = 1.1 × 10(-7) M), within the range of specific binding. Addition of salts (phosphate-buffered saline; PBS) shortened the Debye length or the electrostatic field influence which weakened the kerateine-BMP-2 binding (KD = 3.2 × 10(-5) M). BMP-2 in bulk kerateine gels provided a limited release in PBS (~ 10% dissociation in 4 weeks), suggesting that electrostatic intermolecular attraction was significant to retain BMP-2 within the keratin matrix. Complete dissociation between kerateine and BMP-2 occurred when the PBS pH was lowered (to 4.5), below the keratin isoelectric point of 5.3. This phenomenon can be attributed to the protonation of keratin at a lower pH, leading to positive-positive repulsion. Therefore, the dynamics of kerateine-BMP-2 binding is highly dependent on pH and salt concentration, as well as on BMP-2 solubility at different pH and molarity. The study findings may contribute to our understanding of the release kinetics of drugs from keratin biomaterials and allow for the development of better, more clinically relevant BMP-2-conjugated systems for bone repair and regeneration.