Polydioxanone Bioactive Sutures-Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): An Intelligent System for Controlled Release in Facial Harmonization

Abstract

Introduction: We propose a new facial lifting protocol using polydioxanone (PDO) threads embedded in acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline [Arg]). We assume that Arg reinforces the effects of PDO threads, as it is a mimetic of botulinum toxin. Because the PDO suture is hydrolyzable, this assumption is analyzed by instrumental analysis.

Objective: To demonstrate the capacity of the PDO suture as a system for the controlled release of acetyl hexapeptide-8 to apply in deep wrinkles of the upper third.

Materials and methods: Three segments of 1-cm long 21G PDO threads immersed in 1 mL of Arg. PDO threads were observed under an optical, electron microscope at 24, 48, and 72 h later. They were also weighed before and after being soaked in Arg, and employing ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, the release rate of Arg from the PDO suture was measured. Finally, was insert the thread PDO-Arg following a protocol designed especially for deep static wrinkles in the upper third.

Results: The electronic weighing revealed that the PDO thread enjoys capillarity by the peptide, doubling its weight every 24 h. UV spectra revealed that PDO thread is a well-controlled release system for Arg, allowing its sustained release for 1 h. Optical and electronic photomicrographs confirm the swelling of the PDO thread by absorbing Arg by its capillarity, but this hydrophilicity does not lead to its premature physical degradation.

Conclusions: The PDO thread system with Arg is an intelligent bioactive system useful in facial harmonization. It recommend conduct clinical trial to verify his superior lifting effect.

Keywords: Acetyl hexapeptide; Argireline; facial absorbable suspension sutures; polydioxanone; polydioxanone threads.

Figure 1

(A) PDO segments in the middle of immersion. (B) Calibrated electronic balance. (C) Purple segment of the PDO thread in the closed chamber of the electronic balance

Figure 2

Configuration suggested polydioxanone threads into deep static wrinkles on the upper third. Source: Kang et al.[8]

Figure 3

Suggested application technique for inserting PDO-Arg. Source: Maldonado GJV, Suárez-Vega DV, Miller-Kobisher B, García-Guevara VJ. Bioactive sutures (PDO with Argireline)

Figure 4

Before and after (24 h) clinical effects of PDO-Arg into deep static wrinkles. Source: Maldonado GJV, Suárez-Vega DV, Miller-Kobisher B, García-Guevara VJ. Bioactive sutures (PDO with Argireline)

Figure 5

PDO thread after 24 h immersion in Arg

Figure 6

PDO thread after 48 h of immersion in Arg. (A) 4× optical photomicrograph. Note in the central area of the thread, a bright light purple column corresponding to the central fiber of the PDO thread surrounded by parallel areas in dark light that extend from the central area to the periphery of the thread (increase in interlaminar spaces). (B and C) Thread at 10×. Note the increase in interfibrillar spaces and not only interlaminar spaces, they are observed as bright whitish vertical and parallel bands corresponding to the phenomenon of fluid absorption. (D) Aqueous retention in the thread was observed at 4×

Figure 7

Capillarity of the PDO thread after 48 h of immersion in Arg. (A and B) Optical photomicrographs of reflection of the thread at 10× and 4×, in which the phenomenon of capillarity is denoted by the effect of fluid absorption along the filament from the embedded part to the dry area of the thread, without completely submerging the thread in the aqueous medium of the active ingredient. (C and D) PDO thread after 72 h of immersion in Arg at 10×. Note the increase in the thickness of the thread and the interpenetration of the fluid in the central column of the suture, as well as the migration of the amorphous zone to the crystalline zone of the polymer in the suture

Figure 8

(A) Topography of the PDO thread without the drug (control) scanning electron microscope photomicrograph at 25×. Spicular fissures are observed at the lateral edges. (B) PDO thread with Arg. Scanning electron microscope photomicrograph at 150×. Note a layer that covers the thread, which interpenetrates the fissure of the fiber and that in certain sections it flakes. It corresponds to the asset fixed on the surface of the PDO thread

Graph 1

Absorbance spectrum of PDO suture

Graph 2

Absorbance vs. time curve for PDO

Graph 3

UV-Vis spectrum of PDO at the time intervals, in which the release of Arg was measured

Graph 4

Arg release curve from the PDO thread, representing the absorbance as a function of time

Graph 5

Kinetics of the release of Arg from the PDO thread, representing the absorbance as a function of time

Graph 6

Arg concentration released over time from the PDO thread