Sustained Release Devices Research Articles

Mimicking chronic alcohol effects through a controlled and sustained ethanol release device

Alcohol consumption, a pervasive societal issue, poses considerable health risks and socioeconomic consequences. Alcohol-induced hepatic disorders, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis, underscore the need for comprehensive research. Existing challenges in mimicking chronic alcohol exposure in cellular systems, attributed to ethanol evaporation, necessitate innovative approaches. In this study, we developed a simple, reusable, and controllable device for examining the physiological reactions of hepatocytes to long-term alcohol exposure. Our approach involved a novel device designed to continuously release ethanol into the culture medium, maintaining a consistent ethanol concentration over several days. We evaluated device performance by examining gene expression patterns and cytokine secretion alterations during long-term exposure to ethanol. These patterns were correlated with those observed in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Our results suggest that our ethanol-releasing device can be used as a valuable tool to study the mechanisms of chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases at the cellular level. Our device offers a practical solution for studying chronic alcohol exposure, providing a reliable platform for cellular research. This innovative tool holds promise for advancing our understanding of the molecular processes involved in chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases. Future research avenues should explore broader applications and potential implications for predicting and treating alcohol-related illnesses.

Melt Processing Virus-Like Particle-Based Vaccine Candidates into Biodegradable Polymer Implants.

Melt processing is an emerging production method to efficiently encapsulate proteins into polymeric devices for sustained release. In the context of vaccines, melt processing is well-suited to develop vaccine delivery devices that are stable outside the cold chain and can generate protective immunity from a single dose. We have demonstrated the compatibility of bacteriophage Qβ virus-like particles (VLPs) with hot-melt extrusion (HME) and have leveraged this technology to develop a single-dose vaccine candidate for vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). Here, we detail the methods for chemically conjugating an HPV peptide epitope from the L2 minor capsid protein to Qβ VLPs to generate HPV-Qβ particles. We outline techniques used to characterize HPV-Qβ particles, and we elaborate on the process to encapsulate HPV-Qβ into biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) implants and discuss methods for the materials characterization of the HPV-Qβ/polymer melts. The methods described could be adapted to other disease targets, i.e., by conjugation of a different peptide epitope, or transferred to other VLP systems suited for conjugation, immune response, or stability during processing. Such VLPs are ideally suited for use in HME, a mature, scalable, continuous, and solvent-free process which can be adapted to mold devices, therefore allowing the processing of the melts into various geometries, such as subcutaneous implants, or self-administrable microneedle patches.

Optimizing glucocorticoid therapy for Behçet's uveitis: efficacy, adverse effects, and advances in combination approaches.

Behçet's uveitis (BU) is a debilitating manifestation of Behçet's disease, often requiring prompt and aggressive treatment to prevent vision loss. Glucocorticoids (GCS) serve as a first-line therapy for BU; however, their long-term, high-dose use can result in significant adverse effects. This review summarizes the efficacy, adverse effects, and advances in combination therapy involving GCS for the management of BU. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various GCS administration routes, including periocular and intravitreal injections, intravitreal sustained-release devices, and systemic therapy, highlighting the role of fluocinolone acetonide and dexamethasone as primary sustained-release formulations. Moreover, we underscore the importance of combining GCS with immunosuppressive drugs and biological agents to minimize adverse reactions and optimize therapeutic outcomes. The review concludes that, while GCS remain a crucial component of BU treatment, careful consideration of their administration and combination with other therapies is essential to achieve long-term remission and improved visual outcomes for patients with BU.

Анти-VEGF терапия макулярного отека

The development of macular edema in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and in many other diseases, often causes significant visual deterioration and blindness, including in people of working age. One of the methods used of treating these diseases is the intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF drugs, including ranibizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab, etc. Faricimab is a new drug that affects both vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietins. In order to reduce the frequency of intravitreal injections and prolong the time of the drug effect, sustained-release devices have been developed: Port Delivery System and biodegradable drugs. Keywords: diseases of the retina, macular edema, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietins, anti-VEGF drugs

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.

Injectable Devices for Delivery of Liquid or Solid Protein Formulations

Sustained delivery of protein therapeutics remains a largely unsolved problem across anatomic locations. Miniaturized devices that can provide sustained delivery of protein formulations have the potential to address this challenge via minimally invasive administration. In particular, methodologies that can optimize protein formulation independent of device manufacture have the greatest potential to provide a platform suitable for wide applications. The techniques developed here demonstrate the fabrication of tubular devices for sustained release of protein therapeutics. Utilizing a dip-casting process, fine-scale tubes can be reliably produced with wall thickness down to 30 μm. Techniques were developed that enabled effective loading of either solid or liquid formulations, while maintaining a cylindrical form-factor compatible with placement in a 22-gauge needle. Further, highly compacted protein pellets that approach the expected density of the raw materials were produced with a diameter (∼300 μm) suitable for miniaturized devices. Release from a solid-loaded device was capable of sustaining release of a model protein in excess of 400 days. Given significant interest in ocular applications, intravitreal injection was demonstrated in a rabbit model with these devices. In addition, to simulate repeated injections in ocular applications, serial intravitreal injection of two devices in a rabbit model demonstrated acceptable ocular safety without significant intraocular inflammation from clinical exam and histology.

A comparative study between a transscleral sustained-release device and eyedrops on intraocular distribution of carteolol hydrochloride

The objectives of this study were to develop a sustained-release device for carteolol hydrochloride (CH) and investigate any potential difference in the intraocular distribution of this agent between the transscleral administration of the device and treatment with eyedrops. The device was formulated with photocurable resin, poly (ethyleneglycol) dimethacrylate, to fit within the curve of the rabbit eyeball. In vitro study showed that CH was released in a sustained-release manner for 2 weeks. The concentration of CH in the retina, choroid/retinal pigment epithelium, sclera, iris, and aqueous humor was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Transscleral administration was able to deliver CH to the posterior segment (i.e., retina and choroid/retinal pigment epithelium) rather than the anterior segment (i.e., aqueous humor), while eyedrops delivered CH only to the anterior segment. Transscleral administration could deliver CH to aqueous humor at half the concentration versus treatment with eyedrops and reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) at 1 day after implantation; however, the IOP-lowering effect was not sustained thereafter. In conclusion, transscleral drug delivery may be a useful method for the reduction of IOP. Notably, the aqueous concentration must be equal to that delivered by the eyedrops, and this approach might be preferable for drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye.

Intracameral Drug Delivery: A Review of Agents, Indications, and Outcomes.

An intracameral (IC) injection directly delivers the drug into the anterior chamber of the eye. This targeted drug delivery technique overcomes the ocular barriers and offers a high therapeutic concentration of medication at the desired site and consequently better clinical outcomes. IC drug delivery is a safe and effective modality with many advantages over topical delivery. These include excellent bioavailability, reduced systemic risk, and minimal ocular toxicity. Agents delivered via IC injection have shown promising results against infection, inflammation, ocular hypertension, and neovascularization. Current literature shows that IC antibiotics, including cefuroxime, vancomycin, and moxifloxacin, are routinely used for prophylaxis of endophthalmitis. Other drugs available for IC use are steroids, anesthetics, mydriatics, miotics, antivascular endothelial growth factor, antiglaucoma, and alkylating agents. Introduction of sustained-release devices containing dexamethasone or Bimatoprost in anterior chamber via IC route has the potential in treating ocular inflammation and raised intraocular pressure. The complications such as hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis and toxic anterior segment syndrome have been documented with IC prophylaxis but are rare. In this review, we provide an overview of available IC drugs, their pharmacokinetics, the spectrum of activity, dosage and preparation, prophylactic and therapeutic usage, clinical efficacy, and safety profiles.

Development of chlorine dioxide sustained-release device using carboxymethyl cellulose-polyvinyl alcohol-β-cyclodextrin ternary hydrogel and a new sustained-release kinetic model.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10570-023-05070-6.

An Asymmetric Microfluidic/Chitosan Device for Sustained Drug Release in Guided Bone Regeneration Applications.

One of the major challenges of guided bone regeneration (GBR) is infections caused by pathogen colonization at wound sites. In this paper, an asymmetric microfluidic/chitosan device was developed to release drugs to inhibit infections and to ensure that guided bone regeneration can be realized. The microfluidic technique was introduced into the GBR membrane for the first time, which demonstrated more controllable drug release, more flexible clinical use and had a lower cost compared with surface treatments and embedded nanoparticles. Based on the theory of diffusion and Fick’s first law, the contact area and concentration gradient were adjusted to realize sustained drug release. The standard deviation of minocycline release over 5 days was only 12.7%, which was lower than the joint effect of porous chitosan discs and nanospheres. The in vitro experiments against E. coli and Streptococcus mutans showed the excellent antibacterial performance of the device (>95%). The in vitro experiments for fibroblasts at the microfluidic side and osteoblasts at the chitosan side showed the satisfactory biocompatibility and the ability of the device to enhance bone regeneration. Therefore, this microfluidic/chitosan device is a promising therapeutic approach to prevent infection and guide bone regeneration.

Novel microporous resin-based polymer device for sustained glipizide release: Production, characterization and pharmacokinetic study

The objective of this study was to explore an innovative sustained release technology and design a new microporous resin-based polymer device (RPD) for controlled release of glipizide (GZ). Photocurable resin was applied to prepare the resin layer to control GZ release. The impact of formulation parameters consisting of the type and amount of pore formers and pH modifiers, photocurable curing time as well as the weight of resin layer on GZ release were examined. The GZ-RPD was fabricated applying 24 mg of resin layer with PEG400 (100 % of the resin weight) as pore former and 10 mg of Na2CO3 as pH modifier. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated resin particles presenting a porous structure constituted the resin layer. The GZ-RPD possessed prolonged Tmax and reduced Cmax relative to commercial tablets. The relative bioavailability of the RPDs as well as commercial tablets was 93.65 % since the AUC0–24 h were 6111.05 ± 238.89 ng·h/mL and 6525.09 ± 760.59 ng h/mL, respectively. The release mechanism of the GZ-RPD was discussed. This paper provided an innovative concept to produce controlled GZ release oral formulation fabricated by photocurable resin, which demonstrated both excellent in vitro release and in vivo pharmacokinetics.

Development and evaluation of polycaprolactone-based electrospun nanofibers containing timolol maleate as a sustained-release device for treatment of glaucoma: in vivo evaluation in equine eye.

Prolonging the drug release can be a suitable approach to overcome the challenges related to topical ophthalmic administration of drugs especially the ones prescribed for chronic ailments. The sustained delivery of the drug would reduce the required frequency of administration which could extremely improve patient compliance and feeling of well-being. This study aimed to develop nanofibrous inserts for sustained ophthalmic delivery of timolol maleate (TIM) for the treatment of glaucoma. Polycaprolactone-based nanofibers containing TIM were prepared using pure polycaprolactone or a blend of it with cellulose acetate or Eudragit RL100 polymers by the electrospinning method. Following the preparation, polymeric inserts were evaluated for morphological and physicochemical properties. The in vitro drug release was assessed and the in vivo efficacy of a selected insert in decreasing the intraocular pressure (IOP) was also evaluated in the equine eyes. Prepared nanofibers indicated diameter ranged between 122-174 nm. The formulations showed suitable physicochemical properties and stability for ophthalmic administration. In vitro release study showed prolonged release of drug during more than 3 days. In vivo evaluation revealed that the prepared insert is non-irritant and non-toxic to the equine eyes while having suitable efficacy in decreasing the IOP during 6 days. Prepared TIM inserts indicated a higher efficacy than commercial TIM eye drop in lowering IOP during a prolonged period. Thus, these formulations can be considered suitable for enhancing patient compliance by reducing the frequency of administration in the treatment of glaucoma.

Effect of antibacterial intracanal medicaments mixed with different vehicle used in inter-appointment flare-up patients

Background: Post-operative pain is a common finding after endodontic treatment, its incidence ranges from 3% to 58%. It may be due to microbial, mechanical or chemical injury to the periapical tissues. Calcium hydroxide has been recommended for use as an intracanal medicament based on its antibacterial, antiresorptive and tissue dissolving properties. The use of chlorhexidine gluconate as an intracanal medicament has been suggested either in the form of 2% gel or solution placed in a sustained release device or active points. Aim of the study: To evaluate and compare the effect of antibacterial intracanal medicaments mixed with different vehicle and used in inter-appointment flare-up patients. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontic of the dental institute. This study was conducted on 45 permanent single-rooted mandibular premolars with acute apical periodontitis. Results: It is evident that the preoperative pain in Group 1, 2 and 3 patients was 3.56, 3.88 and 3.41 respectively. The post-operative pain for Group 1, 2 and 3 patients decreased significantly from 6 to 48 hours. However, on comparing the pain intensity for Group 1, 2 and 3, results were non-significant.

Silver Nimesulide Complex in Bacterial Cellulose Membranes as an Innovative Therapeutic Method for Topical Treatment of Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oxidative stress and inflammation act on skin squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC) development and progression. Curative therapy for SSCC patients is mainly based on surgical resection, which can cause various sequelae. Silver ions have in vitro activities over tumor cells, while nimesulide has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a silver(I) complex with nimesulide (AgNMS) incorporated in a sustained release device based on bacterial cellulose membrane, named AgNMS@BCM, on topic SSCC treatment. The antiproliferative effect of AgNMS complex was evaluated in the SCC4, SCC15 and FaDu SCC lines. AgNMS complex activity on exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) residues and multicaspase activation were evaluated on FaDu cells by flow cytometry. The AgNMS@BCM effects were evaluated in a SSCC model induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene/12-o-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (DMBA/TPA) in mice. Toxicity and tumor size were evaluated throughout the study. AgNMS complex showed antiproliferative activity in SCC15 and FaDu lines in low to moderate concentrations (67.3 µM and 107.3 µM, respectively), and induced multicaspase activation on FaDu cells. The AgNMS@BCM did not induce toxicity and reduced tumor size up to 100%. Thus, the application of AgNMS@BCM was effective and safe in SSCC treatment in mice, and can be seen as a potential and safe agent for topic treatment of SSCC in humans.

Controlled release of antibiotic cobex by biosynthesize copper nanoparticles using Osmium sanctum and its antibacterial activity

The work was intended to synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) via eco-friendly green approach using Osmium sanctum leaf extract. The development of CuNPs was assured using techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR). Synthesized CuNPs were used as a device for sustained release of cobex drug. The release behavior of the drug was carried out in precise physiological conditions. The drug release behaviour showed higher drug release at alkaline pH followed by neutral and acidic pH. The maximum drug release occurred after 34 h with maximum drug release 972.4 (DL = 2.89 m2/h), 895.5 ppm, DL = 2.12 m2/h) and 626.15 ppm, DL = 1.98 m2/h at pH 9.2, 7 and 2, respectively. Drug release behaviour followed non-fickian type of diffusion mechanism. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized CuNPs was also studied and it was found that they are very effective against the different strains of bacteria like E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus.

Fluid properties of various Eudragit® solutions in different solvent systems for periodontal pocket injection

Eudragit® are polymethacrylate-based polymers used for pharmaceutical dosage form development especially for sustained drug release devices. Their fluid properties have not been investigated when using organic solvents used in an in situ forming gel (ISG) for periodontal drug delivery via injection. This research attempted to prepare ISG solutions by dissolving Eudragit® E, Eudragit® L, Eudragit® S, Eudragit® RL and Eudragit® RS in different solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), 2-pyrroridone (PYR), eutectic mixture (1:1 menthol:camphor) and clove oil. Type of these solvents influenced on Eudragit® solubility, density, viscosity, rheology and injectability. NMP could dissolve all types of Eudragit®. Whereas, eutectic solvent could dissolve only the Eudragit® E. The other solvent could dissolve only some specific types of Eudragit®. The completely dissolved solutions were selected for investigation. Density of all Eudragit®-loaded solutions appeared higher significantly than that of the solvent. Moreover, Eudragit® L in NMP showed the highest density. The obtained solutions mostly exhibited Newtonian flow. By comparison, the viscosity of Eudragit® RS in NMP was less than Eudragit® RL ≪ Eudragit® S < Eudragit® L, respectively. All of them needed the force of injection <50 N indicating acceptable injectability. Therefore, Eudragit®-loaded solution using NMP as the solvent was chosen for drug loading in future research for periodontitis treatment. Because Eudragit® type and solvent markedly influenced their fluid properties, the application for using Eudragit® solution in pharmaceutical dosage forms should be considered.

A Comparative Study between a Transscleral Sustained-Release Device and Eyedrops on Intraocular Distribution of Carteolol Hydrochloride

A Comparative Study between a Transscleral Sustained-Release Device and Eyedrops on Intraocular Distribution of Carteolol Hydrochloride

Microneedles for Extended Transdermal Therapeutics: A Route to Advanced Healthcare

Sustained release of drugs over a pre-determined period is required to maintain an effective therapeutic dose for variety of drug delivery applications. Transdermal devices such as polymeric microneedle patches and other microneedle-based devices have been utilized for sustained release of their payload. Swift clearing of drugs can be prevented either by designing a slow-degrading polymeric matrix or by providing physiochemical triggers to different microneedle-based devices for on-demand release. These long-acting transdermal devices prevent the burst release of drugs. This review highlights the recent advances of microneedle-based devices for sustained release of vaccines, hormones, and antiretrovirals with their prospective safe clinical translation.

Development of a 3D Printed Refillable Drug Delivery Device for Sustained Release to the Retina

Retinal degenerative diseases (RDD) such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) cause progressive loss of vision, affecting millions of people worldwide. Drug delivery system (DDS) such as vitreous injection and intraocular implant has been widely investigated to treat RDD. However, they are invasive and can risk infection of the eye. Thus, we have been working on the development of transscleral DDS, which are less invasive and can achieve more localized release of drug than the conventional methods [1]. We have previously reported capsule-type and sheet-type DDS devices that can be implanted on the transscleral (periocular) region of the eye [2] [3]. However, such devices need to be replaced once drug run out. Herein, we report a 3D printed refillable DDS device for long term delivery of drugs to the retina.The refillable device consisted of 3 sections: -polyvinyl alcohol gel chamber with openings to regulate drug release, the drug chamber as a reservoir for a test drug, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chamber with port holes to allow reinjection of the drug (Fig. 1a). The device was designed in SolidWorks 2018 (Dassault Systèmes, France) and 3D printed (Qidi Shadow 5.5S, QidiTech) using polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) mixed with 1% photoinitiator (Irgacure819, w/w), and 1% photosensitizer (2-isopropylthioxanthone, w/w). PDMS and PVA hydrogel were manually introduced into the drug injection chamber and the drug release chamber, respectively. PDMS was cured by thermal curing and PVA was gelled by freeze-thawing. After introducing a model drug, Albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (FITC-Albumin), into the device, it was immersed in 5 mL of Dulbecco’s phosphate buffered saline(DPBS) and incubated at 37℃ inside a humidified incubator. The fluorescence intensities of DPBS solutions were measured by spectrofluorimetry to quantify diffusion of drugs from the capsule into the DPBS solution. The DPBS solutions were replaced at each measurement. In addition, drug reinjection and quantification of the released drug were performed. Quantification of the released drug was done by above-mentioned process.The refillable capsule-type DDS device was fabricated with a curved geometry such that it can fit the outer circumference of the eyeball (Fig. 1b). Specifically, the dimensions of the device were 20 mm inside diameter, 22 mm curvature diameter, 2 mm thickness and 4.4 mm width. By 3D printing, it was possible to fabricate a complex 3D shape that is not possible using conventional mold technique. Because the drug is impermeable to PEGDA, unidirectional release of the drug from the release ports was possible (Fig. 1c). The unidirectional release is important because it can reduce drug elimination by conjunctival clearance and increase efficiency of drug delivery. In vitro release tests of the device were performed with varying concentrations of PVA gel. The result showed that as the PVA concentration was increased, the drug release rate decreased. At 5 wt% PVA concentration, an extreme initial burst and complete release of FITC-Albumin in 7 days was observed whereas at 10 wt% PVA concentration, over 90% drug release in 30 days and complete release in 50 days were observed, and at 20 wt% PVA concentration, drug release over 100 days was observed. Similar drug release trends were observed when the drug was repeatedly injected into the same devices for 3 times. Also, no leakage of the drug from the PDMS port was confirmed during repeated injection.These in vitro experiment results show the potential of the device for future transscleral implants. As the next step, we are planning to implant the downsized device on rabbit’s eye and investigate biocompatibility and efficacy for treatment of RDD.

Characterization of novel human intragenic antimicrobial peptides, incorporation and release studies from ureasil-polyether hybrid matrix

Intragenic antimicrobial peptides (IAPs) are internal sequences of proteins with physicochemical similarities to Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) that, once identified and synthesized as individual entities, present antimicrobial activity. Many mature proteins encoded by the genomes of virtually any organism may be regarded as inner reservoirs of IAPs, conferring them ample biotechnological potential. However, IAPs may also share shortcomings with AMPs, such as low half-life in biological media and non-specific adsorption in eukaryotic cells. The present manuscript reports a translational approach that encompasses the uncovering of two novel IAPs from human proteins as well as the first results concerning the incorporation and sustained release of one of these peptides from ureasil-polyether hybrid polymeric films. For such, the software Kamal was used to scan putative IAPs in the human proteome, and two peptides, named Hs05 and Hs06, were identified, synthesized, and tested as antimicrobials. Biophysical assays were conducted using model phospholipid vesicles and 1H NMR solution structures in phospholipid micelles were obtained for the IAP Hs05. This peptide was incorporated in a polymeric matrix composed of the ureasil/PPO-PEO-PPO triblock copolymer, and the resulting films were evaluated by atomic force microscopy and imaging mass spectrometry. The release rate of Hs05 from the polymeric matrix was assessed and the antimicrobial activity of Hs05-loaded hybrid polymeric films was evaluated against the bacterium Escherichia coli. This study represents the first steps towards the development of polymeric films enriched with IAPs obtained from the human proteome as sustained release devices for topical application.