Mucoadhesive Properties Research Articles

Repurposing Disulfiram as an Antifungal Agent: Development of a New Disulfiram Vaginal Mucoadhesive Gel.

Alternative formulations need to be developed to improve the efficacy of treatments administered via the vaginal route. Mucoadhesive gels with disulfiram, a molecule that was originally approved as an antialcoholism drug, offer an attractive alternative to treat vaginal candidiasis. The aim of the current study was to develop and optimize a mucoadhesive drug delivery system for the local administration of disulfiram. Such formulations were composed of polyethylene glycol and carrageenan to improve the mucoadhesive and mechanical properties and to prolong the residence time in the vaginal cavity. Microdilution susceptibility testing showed that these gels had antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Nakaseomyces glabratus. The physicochemical properties of the gels were characterized, and the in vitro release and permeation profiles were investigated with vertical diffusion Franz cells. After quantification, it was determined that the amount of the drug retained in the pig vaginal epithelium was sufficient to treat candidiasis infection. Together, our findings suggest that mucoadhesive disulfiram gels have the potential to be an effective alternative treatment for vaginal candidiasis.

Designing biphasic gels from dietary fiber sterculia gum by green approach using high energy radiation for biomedical applications

Polysaccharides have been applied in food and biomedical applications. Bioactive dietary fiber sterculia gum (SG) has been used for treatment of diarrhea. Therefore, in present research, SG has been used for development of drug delivery (DD) system for controlled release of metronidazole to improve its pharmacotherapy for amoebic dysentery. Co-polymers were characterized by Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy,), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Haemolytic index values of grafted product was less than 5 percent and DPPH assay illustrated free radical scavenging of hydrogels and bigels 74.00 ± 0.003% and 47.00 ± 0.005% respectively. Mucoadhesion experiment demonstrated that both hydrogels and bigels exhibited adhesion with intestinal mucus membrane required 0.034 ± 0.004 and 0.037 ± 0.002 N detachment force during mucoadhesion test. Diffusion of metronidazole was slow in sustained manner with Fickian diffusion mechanism. Overall results revealed biocompatible, antioxidant, and mucoadhesive properties of sterculia gum based gels which may be useful for DD applications of gastrointestinal infections.

Nasal mucoadhesive in situ gelling liquid crystalline fluid precursor system of polyene antibiotic for potential treatment of localized sinuses aspergillosis post COVID infection

Nasal mucoadhesive in situ gelling liquid crystalline precursor system (IGFPS) of nystatin was developed for localized treatment of nasal aspergillosis post COVID infection. The stimuli-sensitive sol system comprising of Monoolein (60%w/w), Oleic acid (10%w/w), Dimethyl sulfoxide (15%w/w), Poloxamer 407 (9%w/w), and the drug (2.23%w/w) exhibited a faster sol–gel transformation in situ with good swelling ability. The small angle X-ray scattering study identified the coexistence of Im3m cubic phase with hexagonal closed pack P63/mmc structures. The subzero differential scanning calorimetry studies identified entrapped interphasal water and free water in the gels with confirmation of gelation due to micellization. Mucoadhesive properties of the gel indicate these systems to prolong the residence time at the site of absorption. The gels followed Non-Newtonian flow pattern characteristic of pesudoplastic type. The oscillatory rheology revealed that high complex viscosity and lower tanδ value provided superior adhesiveness and mucoadhesion ability to the gel. The gel exhibited a drug release of 86% at the end of 8h and of Higuchi kinetics with anomalous transport. The IGFPS exhibited better in vitro antifungal activity in comparison to drug solution. The system demonstrated permeation enhancing effect undamaged cilia and no serious histological changes. Post intranasal administration the maximum concentration (11.79 ± 2.31 μg/ml) was realized in 20 min and the curve showed a decline similar to intravenous. The storage stability of the IGFPS was found to be within acceptable limits for stability. Thus, a nasal mucoadhesive in situ gelling fluid liquid crystalline precursor formulation may represent a promising novel alternative for the localized and systemic delivery of nystatin.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Aceclofenac-loaded Sustained-Release Mucoadhesive Tablet Composed of Cassia fistula Seed Gum-Grafted-Poly (Sodium Acrylate)

Aim: This study was aimed to fabricate gastroretentive mucoadhesive sustained-release tablets of aceclofenac with Cassia fistula seed gum-grafted-poly(sodium acrylate) and evaluate them.
 Background: Aceclofenac has several gastric related side effects such as increase in acid secretion, gastritis, burning sensation, nausea, vomiting, etc. Sustained-release tablet may reduce these because of slow drug release. But long term use of conventional sustained-release tablets of NSAIDs showed to develop colorectal ulcer. Gastroretentive sustained-release devices may eliminate this problem.
 Objective: The objective was to synthesis Cassia fistula seed gum-grafted-poly(sodium acrylate) and apply it in the fabrication of novel mucoadhesive sustained-release tablet for aceclofenac delivery in stomach.
 Method: CFSG-grafted-poly(sodium acrylate) (CFSG-g-PSA) was synthesized by microwave-assisted free-radical initiation method using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as free-radical initiator. The tablets were prepared with the graft-copolymer by wet granulation technique. Compatibility between drug and graft-copolymer was checked by FTIR, DSC and PXRD. Surface topography of the uncoated matrix tablets was studied by SEM. The tablets were evaluated for weight variation, content uniformity, dimension, disintegration test, mucoadhesive and drug-release. accelerated stability study was also done.
 Results: FTIR, DSC and PXRD studies substantiated the drug-polymer compatibility. The evaluation parameters were within prescribed limit. The study revealed excellent mucoadhesive property over 10 h and sustained-drug-release pattern following zero order kinetic. Similarity factor was found to be 83.4.
 Conclusion: The study demonstrates a simple approach of functionalization of biopolymer towards development of gastroretentive mucoadhesive sustained-release tablet formulation.

A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Aerobic Vaginitis: Azithromycin Liposomes-in-Chitosan Hydrogel.

Biocompatible mucoadhesive formulations that enable a sustained drug delivery at the site of action, while exhibiting inherent antimicrobial activity, are of great importance for improved local therapy of vaginal infections. The aim of this research was to prepare and evaluate the potential of the several types of azithromycin (AZM)-liposomes (180-250 nm) incorporated into chitosan hydrogel (AZM-liposomal hydrogels) for the treatment of aerobic vaginitis. AZM-liposomal hydrogels were characterized for in vitro release, and rheological, texture, and mucoadhesive properties under conditions simulating the vaginal site of application. The role of chitosan as a hydrogel-forming polymer with intrinsic antimicrobial properties was explored against several bacterial strains typical for aerobic vaginitis as well as its potential effect on the anti-staphylococcal activity of AZM-liposomes. Chitosan hydrogel prolonged the release of the liposomal drug and exhibited inherent antimicrobial activity. Additionally, it boosted the antibacterial effect of all tested AZM-liposomes. All AZM-liposomal hydrogels were biocompatible with the HeLa cells and demonstrated mechanical properties suitable for vaginal application, thus confirming their potential for enhanced local therapy of aerobic vaginitis.

In vivo tracing of immunostimulatory raw starch microparticles after mucosal administration

Raw starch microparticles (SMPs) proved efficient antigen carriers with adjuvant properties when administered via the mucosal route; however, the underlying mechanisms associated with this bioactivity are unknown. In the present study, we explored the mucoadhesion properties, fate, and toxicity of starch microparticles after mucosal administration. Nasally administered microparticles were mainly retained in nasal turbinates, reaching the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue; this step is facilitated by the ability of the microparticles to penetrate through the mucous epithelium. Likewise, we found intraduodenally administered SMPs on the small intestinal villi, follicle-associated epithelium, and Peyer's patches. Furthermore, under simulated gastric and intestinal pH conditions, we detected mucoadhesion between the SMPs and mucins, regardless of microparticle swelling. SMPs' mucoadhesion and translocation to mucosal immune responses induction sites explain the previously reported role of these microparticles as vaccine adjuvants and immunostimulants.

Vajinal İlaç Taşıyıcı Sistem Olarak Polivinil Alkol Nanoliflerinin Mekanik ve Mukoadezif Özelliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Electrospinning is a versatile and inexpensive technique to produce nanofibers. Nanofibers can be a good alternative to classical dosage forms in vaginal applications due to high surface area/volume ratio, high encapsulation efficenciacy and mucoadhesive properties. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biocompatible, easily degradable and flexible polymer with mucoadhesive properties used in industrial, commercial and medical applications. The scope of this study is to characterize electropsun nanofibers produced with different PVA types for vaginal use. PVA nanofibers were produced using the electrospinning method. Nanofiber formulations were prepared by dissolving PVA in dimethylformamide (DMF):distilled water (1:1) solvent system. Nanofibers were produced with three different types (PVA M 13/140, PVA G 26/140 and PVA G 40/140) PVA at 5%, 7.5% and 10% concentrations. The surface tension, viscosity and conductivity properties of the polymer mixtures were measured for electrospinning process and these parametres were found suitable for nanofiber production. While the viscosity increased with increasing polymer concentration, the surface tension values were found to be close to each other since the solvent system was the same. The mechanical and the mucoadhesive properties of nanofibers were examined and compared. Mucoadhesive and mechanical properties of nanofiber formulations differed depending on molecular weight and electrospinning process. The nanofiber formulations produced with PVA M 13/140 were found suitable for vaginal applications in terms of their mechanical and mucoadhesive properties. PVA nanofibers can be a good alternative as a drug delivery system in vaginal applications.

Designing and characterization of Yahom buccal mucoadhesive tablets for oral ulcer treatment

Oral ulcer is a common oral mucosal disease that affects about 5–20% of general population, particularly the elderly, and is characterized by recurrent, painful ulcerations and burning sensation. Various possible causes include local, systemic, immunologic, genetic, allergic and microorganisms. Yahom is a Thai traditional medicine that has long been used to treat nausea, vomiting, dizziness and weakness in elderly. Yahom is produced from a variety components of dried medicinal plant parts that are mostly ground into powder dosage form. Ingredients are composed of following crude drugs are common incorporated in Yahom preparations such as clove, terminalia gall, costus root and ceylon ironwood flower which practically and clearly exhibit the potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, it is interesting to apply Yahom as active component for oral ulcer treatment using appropriate approach such as mucoadhesive tablet. The objective of this study is to develop buccal mucoadhesive tablet consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as mucoadhesive polymers in formulations. The impact of various ratios of Yahom: polymer and polymer mixtures were investigated on physicochemical properties of mucoadhesive tablets were investigated including physical properties, disintegration time, water sorption/erosion behaviors and ex-vivo mucoadhesion. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of formulations against two standard microbes were also evaluated using agar cup diffusion methods. Yahom mucoadhesive tablets were successfully fabricated using direct compression tableting technique with good appearance and acceptable physical properties. Different amounts of Yahom and polymer ratios apparently influenced on water sorption, erosion behaviors and hardness of mucoadhesive tablets, resulting in alteration of disintegration time and muco-adhesion properties. In addition, these prepared tablets exhibited the efficient antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and C. albicans ATCC 10231. Therefore, the buccal mucoadhesive tablets containing Yahom are the potential herbal delivery system for oral ulcer treatment.

Control and Prediction of Drug Absorption at Mucosal Tissues

The mucosal drug delivery system (mDDS) is one of the promising approaches to control the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs. In this approach, surface properties of drug nanoparticles are key determinants to provide particles with mucoadhesive and mucopenetrating properties for prolonged retention at mucosal tissue and rapid mucosal absorption, respectively. In this paper, we would like to discuss the preparation of mDDS formulations by flash nanoprecipitation using a four-inlet multi-inlet vortex mixer, in vitro and ex vivo evaluation of mucopenetrating and mucoadhesive properties of polymeric nanoparticles as well as the application of mDDS to the pharmacokinetic control of cyclosporine A after oral administration to rats. We also share our current research on in silico modeling and prediction of the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs after intratracheal administration to rats.

Surface modified biodegradable nanoparticles of Gabapentin. An approach to increase cell uptake

Improving delivery to the regions of Central Nervous System has been a long-explored quest for scientists. Delivery through nanocarriers provide potential solution but it is also important to choose material which is biodegradable in nature. Further once administered inside body these nanocarriers get cleared from the system very fast leading to poor bioavailability. It is important to modify surfaces of nanoparticles with materials which can improve the residence time as well as cellular uptake of drugs at the site of action. In the present study poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used as a biodegradable polymer wherein the surface of the nanoparticles was modified with a cationic polymer, chitosan. Chitosan has been widely used in drug delivery via nasal route as it imparts mucoadhesive property to the nanoparticle there by increasing its mean residence time. Gabapentin was encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles as it belongs to BCS class III, with low solubility and low permeability thus make it a suitable choice for delivering via surface modified nanoparticles so as to increase bioavailability. Chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticle loaded with gabapentin were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. Surface modified nanoparticles were optimized and developed to obtain smaller particle size (180.7 nm), zetapotential (36.7 mV) and maximum entrapment efficiency (75.6%). Optimized chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticle was further evaluated for its surface morphology by FTIR & DSC. Spherical nature of the nanoparticles was evaluated by SEM & TEM. Biphasic release pattern was observed for surface modified nanoparticles with sustained release up to 72 h. Optimized formulation was evaluated for % cell viability in comparison with uncoated nanoparticles and drug solution alone via MTT assay on Neuro-2a cells. Nanoparticle localization in neuro-2a cells was assessed by Confocal Laser Microscopy when treated with Rhodamine123 labelled Chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles. These findings suggest a significant enhanced uptake of surface modified PLGA nanoparticles was observed as compared to uncoated nanoparticles.

The Role of Mucoadhesion and Mucopenetration in the Immune Response Induced by Polymer-Based Mucosal Adjuvants

Mucus is a viscoelastic gel that acts as a protective barrier for epithelial surfaces. The mucosal vehicles and adjuvants need to pass through the mucus layer to make drugs and vaccine delivery by mucosal routes possible. The mucoadhesion of polymer particle adjuvants significantly increases the contact time between vaccine formulations and the mucosa; then, the particles can penetrate the mucus layer and epithelium to reach mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. This review presents the key findings that have aided in understanding mucoadhesion and mucopenetration while exploring the influence of physicochemical characteristics on mucus-polymer interactions. We describe polymer-based particles designed with mucoadhesive or mucopenetrating properties and discuss the impact of mucoadhesive polymers on local and systemic immune responses after mucosal immunization. In future research, more attention paid to the design and development of mucosal adjuvants could lead to more effective vaccines.

Tannic acid-coated cellulose nanocrystals with enhanced mucoadhesive properties for aquaculture

Mucoadhesion can be exploited as a strategy to target drug and nutrient delivery to the outer mucosal layers of fish in aquaculture farms. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) derived from cellulose pulp fibers can interact with the mucosal membranes via hydrogen bonding, however, their mucoadhesive properties are weak and should be enhanced. In this study, CNC were coated with tannic acid (TA), a plant polyphenol with excellent wet-resistant bioadhesive properties, to strengthen their mucoadhesive capability. The optimal CNC:TA mass ratio was determined to be 20:1. The modified CNCs were 190 ± 40 nm in length and 21 ± 4 nm wide and displayed excellent colloidal stability, with a zeta potential of −35 mV. Turbidity titrations and rheological measurements revealed that the modified CNC possessed superior mucoadhesive properties compared to pristine CNC. Modification with tannic acid introduced additional functional groups for stronger hydrogen bond formation and hydrophobic interactions with mucin, which was confirmed by a large reduction in viscosity enhancement values in the presence of chemical blockers (urea and Tween80). The enhanced mucoadhesion of the modified CNC could be utilized for the fabrication of a mucoadhesive drug delivery system to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Hot Melt Extrusion as an Effective Process in the Development of Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Scutellariae baicalensis radix Extract and Chitosan Dedicated to the Treatment of Oral Infections

Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) technology was developed to obtain blends containing lyophilized Scutellariae baicalensis root extract and chitosan in order to improve the rheological properties of the obtained blends, including tableting and compressibility properties. (Hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (HPMC) in 3 different ratios was used as amorphous matrix formers. The systems were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and in vitro release, permeability, and microbiological activity studies. Then, the extrudates were used to prepare tablets in order to give them the appropriate pharmaceutical form. HPMC-based systems released baicalin more slowly, resulting in delayed peaks in the acceptor fluid. This behavior can be explained by the fact that HPMC swells significantly, and the dissolved substance must have diffused through the polymer network before being released. The best tabletability properties are provided by the formulation containing the extrudate with lyophilized extract HPMC 50:50 w/w. These tablets offer a valuable baicalin release profile while maintaining good mucoadhesive properties that condition the tablet's retention in the application site and the effectiveness of therapy.

Nano-adjuvanted dry powder vaccine for the mucosal immunization against airways pathogens.

Nasal vaccination has been shown to provide optimal protection against respiratory pathogens. However, mucosal vaccination requires the implementation of specific immunization strategies to improve its effectiveness. Nanotechnology appears a key approach to improve the effectiveness of mucosal vaccines, since several nanomaterials provide mucoadhesion, enhance mucosal permeability, control antigen release and possess adjuvant properties. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the main causative agent of enzootic pneumonia in pigs, a respiratory disease responsible for considerable economic losses in the pig farming worldwide. The present work developed, characterized, and tested in vivo an innovative dry powder nasal vaccine, obtained from the deposition on a solid carrier of an inactivated antigen and a chitosan-coated nanoemulsion, as an adjuvant. The nanoemulsion was obtained through a low-energy emulsification technique, a method that allowed to achieve nano droplets in the order of 200 nm. The oil phase selected was alpha-tocopherol, sunflower oil, and poly(ethylene glycol) hydroxystearate used as non-ionic tensioactive. The aqueous phase contained chitosan, which provides a positive charge to the emulsion, conferring mucoadhesive properties and favoring interactions with inactivated M. hyopneumoniae. Finally, the nanoemulsion was layered with a mild and scalable process onto a suitable solid carrier (i.e., lactose, mannitol, or calcium carbonate) to be transformed into a solid dosage form for administration as dry powder. In the experimental study, the nasal vaccine formulation with calcium carbonate was administered to piglets and compared to intramuscular administration of a commercial vaccine and of the dry powder without antigen, aimed at evaluating the ability of IN vaccination to elicit an in vivo local immune response and a systemic immune response. Intranasal vaccination was characterized by a significantly higher immune response in the nasal mucosa at 7 days post-vaccination, elicited comparable levels of Mycoplasma-specific IFN-γ secreting cells and comparable, if not higher, responsiveness of B cells expressing IgA and IgG in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with those detected upon a conventional intramuscular immunization. In conclusion, this study illustrates a simple and effective strategy for the development of a dry powder vaccine formulation for nasal administration which could be used as alternative to current parenteral commercial vaccines.

In situ gelation of thiolated poly(aspartic acid) derivatives through oxidant-free disulfide formation for ophthalmic drug delivery

Efficient topical treatment of ocular diseases requires a prolonged residence time of drug formulations. An in situ gelling, mucoadhesive system can provide improved residence time while keeps the installation of the formulation easy and accurate due to its low initial viscosity. We synthesized a two-component, biocompatible water-based liquid formulation showing in situ gelation upon mixing. S-protected, preactivated derivatives of thiolated poly(aspartic acid) (PASP-SS-MNA) were synthesized by coupling the free thiol groups of thiolated poly(aspartic acid) (PASP-SH) with 6-mercaptonicotinic acid (MNA). The amount of protecting groups was 242, 341, and 530 µmol/g depending on the degree of thiolation of PASP. The chemical interaction between PASP-SS-MNA and mucin was proven, indicating the mucoadhesive properties. Disulfide cross-linked hydrogels were formed in situ without an oxidizing agent by mixing the aqueous solutions of PASP-SS-MNA and PASP-SH. The gelation time was controlled between 1 and 6 min, while the storage modulus was as high as 4–16 kPa depending on the composition. Swelling experiments showed that hydrogels with no residual thiol groups are stable in phosphate-buffered saline at pH = 7.4. In contrast, the presence of free thiol groups leads to the dissolution of the hydrogel with a rate depending on the excess of thiol groups. The biological safety of the polymers and MNA was confirmed on Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cell line. Furthermore, a prolonged release of ofloxacin was observed at pH = 7.4 compared to a conventional liquid formulation, supporting the potential of the developed biopolymers in ophthalmic drug delivery.

Cataleptogenic Effect of Haloperidol Formulated in Water-Soluble Calixarene-Based Nanoparticles.

In this study, a water-soluble form of haloperidol was obtained by coaggregation with calix[4]resorcinol bearing viologen groups on the upper rim and decyl chains on the lower rim to form vesicular nanoparticles. The formation of nanoparticles is achieved by the spontaneous loading of haloperidol into the hydrophobic domains of aggregates based on this macrocycle. The mucoadhesive and thermosensitive properties of calix[4]resorcinol-haloperidol nanoparticles were established by UV-, fluorescence and CD spectroscopy data. Pharmacological studies have revealed low in vivo toxicity of pure calix[4]resorcinol (LD50 is 540 ± 75 mg/kg for mice and 510 ± 63 mg/kg for rats) and the absence of its effect on the motor activity and psycho-emotional state of mice, which opens up a possibility for its use in the design of effective drug delivery systems. Haloperidol formulated with calix[4]resorcinol exhibits a cataleptogenic effect in rats both when administered intranasally and intraperitoneally. The effect of the intranasal administration of haloperidol with macrocycle in the first 120 min is comparable to the effect of commercial haloperidol, but the duration of catalepsy was shorter by 2.9 and 2.3 times (p < 0.05) at 180 and 240 min, respectively, than that of the control. There was a statistically significant reduction in the cataleptogenic activity at 10 and 30 min after the intraperitoneal injection of haloperidol with calix[4]resorcinol, then there was an increase in the activity by 1.8 times (p < 0.05) at 60 min, and after 120, 180 and 240 min the effect of this haloperidol formulation was at the level of the control sample.

DESIGNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF GASTRORETENTIVE MUCOADHESIVE MICROSPHERES OF CEFIXIME TRIHYDRATE USING SPRAY DRYER

Objective: Cefixime is a weakly acidic drug primarily absorbed through the stomach and upper intestinal part and has incomplete absorption in lower GIT which leads to its poor bioavailability. The current research work is aimed to develop gastroretentive mucoadhesive microspheres of cefixime to enhance absorption in the stomach. Methods: Cefixime trihydrate mucoadhesive microspheres formulation was developed by spray drying technique and optimized by DoE approach using Box-Behnken design. The independent variables selected in the formulation were HPMC K15M (X1) as carrier polymer, Carbopol 971P (X2) as mucoadhesive polymer and Cefixime trihydrate (X3). The response variables studied were mean particle size (R1), and percent cumulative drug release at different time points (R2-R8). The optimized batch was evaluated for mucoadhesion properties, DSC and SEM analysis. Results: The Ex-vivo test of cefixime microspheres studied on goat intestinal mucosa showed strong mucoadhesion of 82% for an extended period of 6 h. The in vitro drug release studies of microspheres in 0.1 N HCl showed extended release up to 8 h. The DSC thermograph indicated the conversion of the drug from crystalline form to amorphous form following the formation of solid dispersion. SEM analysis reveals the microspheres were spherical and smooth. Conclusion: It is concluded from the above studies that the current formulation has increased gastric residence time and prolonged release for better absorption of the drug, thus, the formulation will have better therapeutic and increased bioavailability.

Developing dietary fiber moringa gum based ciprofloxacin encapsulated hydrogel wound dressings for better wound care

Keeping in view inherent wound healing potential of moringa gum (MG), in present research, it has been applied in development of hydrogel wound dressings encapsulated with antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin for better wound care .The copolymeric hydrogels were characterized by SEMs, AFM, FTIR, XRD, 13C NMR, TGA and DSC. SEM, AFM and XRD demonstrated porous morphology with rough surface having amorphous state of copolymers. Hydrogel dressings absorbed 7.71± 0.06 g/g simulated wound fluid to maintain moist wound surrounding. The diffusion of ciprofloxacin was non Fickian type from copolymer. They also exhibited mucoadhesive (3.15 ± 0.67 N s work of adhesion) and antioxidant (91.44 ± 2.89% scavenging in DPPH assay) properties. Dressings were permeable to H2O, O2 and impermeable to microbes. These characteristic properties of hydrogel dressings revealed that dietary fiber moringa gum could be applied as wound dressing materials for better wound health.

Fabricating gum polysaccharides based nano-composites for drug delivery uses via sustainable green approach

Recent advancements in development of natural polymer nono-composites led to exploration of potential of gum acacia (GA) and tragacanth gum (TG) for design of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) impregnated grafted copolymers via green approach for use in drug delivery (DD). The formation of copolymers was confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, AFM, XPS, XRD, FTIR,TGA and DSC. UV–Vis spectra indicated the formation of AgNPs using GA as reducing agent. TEM, SEM, XPS and XRD revealed impregnation of AgNPs inside the copolymeric network hydrogels. TGA inferred thermal stability of polymer enhanced by grafting and incorporation of AgNPs. The non-Fickian diffusion of antibiotic drug meropenem was revealed from drug encapsulated GA-TG-(AgNPs)-cl-poly(AAm) network which were also pH responsive and release profile was fitted in Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Sustained release was due to polymer-drug interaction. The polymer-blood interaction demonstrated biocompatible characteristics of polymer. Mucoadhesive property exhibited by copolymers because of supra-molecular interactions. Antimicrobial characteristics were shown by copolymers against bacteria S. flexneri, P. auroginosa, and B. cereus.

Multilayered polymer coating modulates mucoadhesive and biological properties of camptothecin-loaded lipid nanocapsules

Lipid core nanocapsules (NCs) coated with multiple polymer layers were rationally designed as a potential approach for the colonic delivery of camptothecin (CPT). Chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA) and hypromellose phthalate (HP) were selected as coating materials, to modulate the mucoadhesive and permeability properties of CPT regarding the improvement of local and targeted action in the colon cancer cells. NCs were prepared by emulsification/solvent evaporation method and coated with multiple polymer layers by polyelectrolyte complexation technique. NCs exhibited spherical shape, negative zeta potential, and size ranged from 184 to 252 nm. The high efficiency of CPT incorporation (>94%) was evidenced. The ex vivo permeation assay showed that nanoencapsulation reduced the permeation rate of CPT through the intestinal mucosa by up to 3.5 times, and coating with HA and HP reduced the permeation percentage by 2 times when compared to NCs coated only with CS. The mucoadhesive capacity of NCs was demonstrated in gastric and enteric pH. Nanoencapsulation did not reduce the antiangiogenic activity of CPT and, additionally, it was observed that nanoencapsulation resulted in localized antiangiogenic action of CPT.