Abstract
External ionotropic gelation offers a unique possibility to entrap multivalent ions in a polymer structure. The aim of this experimental study was to prepare new drug-free sodium alginate (ALG) particles cross-linked by Cu2+ ions and to investigate their technological parameters (particle size, sphericity, surface topology, swelling capacity, copper content, release of Cu2+ ions, mucoadhesivity) and biological activity (cytotoxicity and efficiency against the most common vaginal pathogens—Herpes simplex, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans) with respect to potential vaginal administration. Beads prepared from NaALG dispersions (3 or 4%) were cross-linked by Cu2+ ions (0.5 or 1.0 M CuCl2) using external ionotropic gelation. Prepared mucoadhesive beads with particle size over 1000 μm exhibited sufficient sphericity (all ˃0.89) and copper content (214.8–249.07 g/kg), which increased with concentration of polymer and hardening solution. Dissolution behaviour was characterized by extended burst effect, followed by 2 h of copper release. The efficiency of all samples against the most common vaginal pathogens was observed at cytotoxic Cu2+ concentrations. Anti-HSV activity was demonstrated at a Cu2+ concentration of 546 mg/L. Antibacterial activity of beads (expressed as minimum inhibition concentration, MIC) was influenced mainly by the rate of Cu2+ release which was controlled by the extent of swelling capacity. Lower MIC values were found for E. coli in comparison with C. albicans. Sample ALG-3_1.0 exhibited the fastest copper release and was proved to be the most effective against both bacteria. This could be a result of its lower polymer concentration in combination with smaller particle size and thus larger surface area.
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This experimental work was realized by support IGA VFU Brno Czech Republic, project 306/2015/FaF.
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Pavelková, M., Kubová, K., Vysloužil, J. et al. Biological Effects of Drug-Free Alginate Beads Cross-Linked by Copper Ions Prepared Using External Ionotropic Gelation. AAPS PharmSciTech 18, 1343–1354 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-016-0601-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-016-0601-4