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Poly(methacrylic acid-g-ethylene glycol) networks were prepared by the copolymerization of methacrylic acid and polyethylene glycol) methacrylate in the presence of a tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate cross-linking agent Their swelling characteristics depended on swelling solution pH, swelling temperature, copolymer composition, and network structure. In aqueous swelling solutions at acidic pH, copolymer networks swelled to a much lower extent than homopolymer networks. This behavior was attributed to complex formation between polyethylene glycol) and poly(methacrylic acid) segments. Nuclear Overhauser enhancement measurements revealed that graft copolymers formed complexes under a wider range of concentrations and polyethylene glycol) molecular weights than the two ungrafted homopolymers. This enhancement in complexation was attributed to elimination of the unfavorable translational free energy change of complexation by covalent attachment of the complexing species.

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, fluid, optically clear dispersions of two immiscible liquids. Recent interest in microemulsion systems has resulted from their utility in a broad range of applications including enhanced oil recovery, consumer and pharmaceutical formulations, nanoparticle synthesis, and chemical reaction media. However, the high levels typically required to ensure complete microemulsification and formulation stability often result in unacceptably high residue, contaminant levels, and formulation cost. One way to reduce surfactant requirements in microemulsion systems is through the use of efficient surfactants and interfacially active cosurfactants. We have explored and developed microemulsion systems based on efficient anionic surfactants and glycol ether cosurfactants that are stable to temperature and compositional changes and yet employ low levels of non‐volatile surfactants. These microemulsion systems are finding utility in a range of applications, including consumer and industrial cleaning formulations, chemical reaction media, polymerization, and active ingredient delivery.

Thus this study, for the first time, showed effectiveness of colloidal nanocarrier-mediated immunotherapy in food-producing animals with potential future applicability to other species including humans.

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BackgroundRecurrent airway obstruction (RAO), an asthma‐like disease, is 1 of the most common allergic diseases in horses in the northern hemisphere. Hypersensitivity reactions to environmental antigens cause an allergic inflammatory response in the equine airways. Cytosine‐phosphate‐guanosine‐oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG‐ODN) are known to direct the immune system toward a Th1‐pathway, and away from the pro‐allergic Th2‐line (Th2/Th1‐shift). Gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) are biocompatible and biodegradable immunological inert drug delivery systems that protect CpG‐ODN against nuclease degeneration. Preliminary studies on the inhalation of GNP‐bound CpG‐ODN in RAO‐affected horses have shown promising results.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological effects of GNP‐bound CpG‐ODN in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, prospective, randomized clinical trial and to verify a sustained effect post‐treatment.Animals and MethodsTwenty‐four RAO‐affected horses received 1 inhalation every 2 days for 5 consecutive administrations. Horses were examined for clinical, endoscopic, cytological, and blood biochemical variables before the inhalation regimen (I), immediately afterwards (II), and 4 weeks post‐treatment (III).ResultsAt time points I and II, administration of treatment rather than placebo corresponded to a statistically significant decrease in respiratory effort, nasal discharge, tracheal secretion, and viscosity, AaDO 2 and neutrophil percentage, and an increase in arterial oxygen pressure.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceAdministration of a GNP‐bound CpG‐ODN formulation caused a potent and persistent effect on allergic and inflammatory‐induced clinical variables in RAO‐affected horses. This treatment, therefore, provides an innovative, promising, and well‐tolerated strategy beyond conventional symptomatic long‐term therapy and could serve as a model for asthma treatment in humans.

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