This study describes the properties of an amphotericin B-containing mucoadhesive nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), with the intent to maximize uptake within the gastrointestinal tract. We have reported previously that lipid nanoparticles can significantly improve the oral bioavailability of amphotericin B (AmpB). On the other hand, the aggregation state of AmpB within the NLC has been ascribed to some of the side effects resulting from IV administration. In the undissolved state, AmpB (UAmpB) exhibited the safer monomeric conformation in contrast to AmpB in the dissolved state (DAmpB), which was aggregated. Chitosan-coated NLC (ChiAmpB NLC) presented a slightly slower AmpB release profile as compared to the uncoated formulation, achieving 26.1% release in 5 hours. Furthermore, the ChiAmpB NLC formulation appeared to prevent the expulsion of AmpB upon exposure to simulated gastrointestinal pH media, whereby up to 63.9% of AmpB was retained in the NLC compared to 56.1% in the uncoated formulation. The ChiAmpB NLC demonstrated mucoadhesive properties in pH 5.8 and 6.8. Thus, the ChiAmpB NLC formulation is well-primed for pharmacokinetic studies to investigate whether delayed gastrointestinal transit may be exploited to improve the systemic bioavailability of AmpB, whilst simultaneously addressing the side-effect concerns of AmpB.
In the present study, we investigate the mucoadhesive characteristics and release of the anticancer agent curcumin, contained in chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs). Such a system has potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of colon cancer through prolonged retention and delivery. The CS-NPs were ionically gelled with tripolyphosphate (TPP) and registered an isoelectric pH of 6.2 (z-average diameter of 214 nm ± 1.0 nm). pH variations around the isoelectric point caused a reduction in CS-NPs electrical charge which correspondingly increased the z-average due to agglomeration. Curcumin release from CS-NPs was slowest at chitosan to TPP weight ratio of 3:1, with a significant retention (36%) at the end of 6 h. Adsorption isotherms of mucin on CS-NPs fitted both the Freundlich and Langmuir models, suggesting a monolayer-limited adsorption on heterogeneous sites with varied affinities. Encapsulated curcumin exerted an influence on the adsorption of mucin due to H-bonding as well as π-π interactions between the phenolic moieties of curcumin and mucin.
Fibrin sealant (FS) is a biologically derived tissue adhesive for securing flaps. The aim of the present randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare early wound healing by assessing interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after using FS and suture for periodontal flap closure.