Development and In Vitro/Ex Vivo Characterization of Vaginal Mucoadhesive Bilayer Films Based on Ethylcellulose and Biopolymers for Vaginal Sustained Release of Tenofovir

Young women in sub-Saharan Africa have the highest risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition through sexual contact of all groups. Vaginal controlled release of antiretrovirals is a priority option for the prevention of sexual transmission of the virus in women. In this manuscript, bila...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Cazorla-Luna, Raúl, Notario-Pérez, Fernando, Martín-Illana, Araceli, Bedoya, Luis-Miguel, Tamayo Hernando, Aitana, Rubio Alonso, Juan, Ruiz-Caro, Roberto, Veiga, María Dolores
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2020
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/235474
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/235474
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:In Vitro/Ex Vivo Characterization
Vaginal Mucoadhesive
Ethylcellulose
Biopolymers
Vaginal Sustained Release
Tenofovir
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Prevention
Sexual transmission
Virus
Women
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Descripción
Sumario:Young women in sub-Saharan Africa have the highest risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition through sexual contact of all groups. Vaginal controlled release of antiretrovirals is a priority option for the prevention of sexual transmission of the virus in women. In this manuscript, bilayer films were prepared based on ethylcellulose and a natural polymer (xanthan or tragacanth gum) plasticized with glycerol and tributylcitrate for tenofovir-controlled release. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the blank films were characterized by texture analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The loaded films were evaluated in simulated vaginal fluid through release and swelling studies and ex vivo mucoadhesion assessments. The results show that the preparation method produced bilayer films with adequate mechanical properties. The contribution of both layers allowed the sustained release of tenofovir and a mucoadhesion time of up to 360 h. The toxicity of the materials was evaluated in three cell lines of vaginal origin. The films constituted by ethylcellulose and xanthan gum in a 2:1 proportion (EX2-D) showed the longest mucoadhesion time, with 15 days of tenofovir-controlled release, zero toxicity, and optimal mechanical properties. These films are therefore a promising option for offering women a means of self-protection against the sexual transmission of HIV.