9712821 Mathiowitz The aims of this research are to develop a novel magnetically based system for bioadhesive measurements and to develop local bioadhesive drug delivery systems, which provide enhanced bioavailability of therapeutic agents to treat peptide ulcers. This research includes the objectives: (1) to finalize the development of a new magnetic method to study bioadhesion between polymeric microspheres and living tissue, (2) to use this method to study bioadhesion of drug-delivering spheres to gastrointestinal tissue, and (3) to track orally administered microspheres in experimental rats. The adhesion forces will be measured by quantifying the magnetic force required to hold an iron-loaded microsphere stationary, while the adherent tissue is separated at a constant rate. The polymers selected for trial, hydrogels and thermoplastic polyanhydrides, will be used to encapsulate and deliver two different drugs, fibroblast growth factor and platelet derived growth factor, which have been shown to be useful in the treatment of ulcers. ***
