Abstract
Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that simultaneously prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy are a global health priority. Combining chemical and physical barriers offers the greatest potential to design effective MPTs, but integrating both functional modalities into a single device has been challenging. Here we show that drug-eluting fiber meshes designed for topical drug delivery can function as a combination chemical and physical barrier MPT. Using FDA-approved polymers, we fabricated nanofiber meshes with tunable fiber size and controlled degradation kinetics that facilitate simultaneous release of multiple agents against HIV-1, HSV-2, and sperm. We observed that drug-loaded meshes inhibited HIV-1 infection in vitro and physically obstructed sperm penetration. Furthermore, we report on a previously unknown activity of glycerol monolaurate (GML) to potently inhibit sperm motility and viability. The application of drug-eluting nanofibers for HIV-1 prevention and sperm inhibition may serve as an innovative platform technology for drug delivery to the lower female reproductive tract.
Highlights
HIV-1 infections and unintended pregnancies are inextricably linked by unprotected sex and represent a major health burden for women worldwide [1]
Previous studies with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)-polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer blends found that blends act as a single material with averaged properties when mixed at a ratio up to 30:70 or 70:30, but act as a composite of two materials with discrete properties when mixed at ratios approaching 50:50 [20]
We have developed an innovative dosage form for intravaginal drug delivery using drug-eluting fibers fabricated by electrospinning
Summary
HIV-1 infections and unintended pregnancies are inextricably linked by unprotected sex and represent a major health burden for women worldwide [1]. Access to MPTs combining safe, effective, and reversible options for contraception are essential for women who are at risk for STIs including HIV-1. Existing MPTs are classified by their function as physical, chemical, or combined physical/chemical barriers to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancy [6,7]. Chemical barrier methods are the front-line approach being evaluated in clinical trials for multipurpose protection, and include dosage forms such as gels, films, tablets, and intravaginal rings (IVRs) [8,9]. IVRs, which are designed to provide sustained release of a combination of agents over several weeks or months, are the leading technologies being evaluated currently for multipurpose prevention [14,15]. Greater flexibility in the choice of polymers as well as the fabrication process could lead to innovative new dosage forms for a larger number of pharmaceutical agents
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