Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease associated with underactive thyroid gland. In this study, a dual effect polymeric system was designed to release Cepharanthine (CEP) to block T cell activation and Selenium (Se) to decrease the anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) concentration in order to treat hypothyroidism. For this purpose, poly(ethylenevinyl acetate) (PEVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) including CEP were synthesized by emulsion solvent evaporation method and they were loaded to polyurethane (PU)/PEG-PUSe-PEG block copolymer blends which were fabricated by particulate leaching technique as porous sponges. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis showed successful synthesis of PEG-PUSe-PEG block copolymer. A long-term zero-order release profile was obtained for CEP. Se release rate from matrices showed an oxidative stress-mediated release which can be used to adjust Se amount. According to MTS results conducted by NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, both NPs and matrices have no adverse effect on cell viability. Fluorescence microscopy and SEM images confirm the MTS results. The dual release system has potential to be effectively used in long-term treatment of hypothyroidism by addressing both auto-immune response and hormone regulation. K E Y W O R D SCepharanthine, controlled release system, hypothyroidism, selenium, thyroid hormones

The coating of aluminum nitride (AlN) powder has a great importance industrially and environmentally. AlN can be rapidly hydrolyzed to aluminum hydroxide and ammonia in the atmosphere or water media. To prevent the hydrolysis of AlN, the inorganic or organic based coatings are used frequently. First time, in this study, the phosphate esters as organophosphate coating were used for the inhibition of hydrolysis reaction of AlN in its water suspension. Phenyl phosphate showed the best inhibition against AlN hydrolysis with an easy application technique and as low as 0.005 M diluted concentration. AlN coating efficiency was proved by spectroscopic and imaging methods. It was concluded that the coating acquired the protective properties of phenyl phosphate through its water repellence.