Chitosan/Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) Films with Ciprofloxacin for Application in Vaginal Drug Delivery

Guzel K. Abilova, Daulet B. Kaldybekov, Irmukhametova Galiya Serikbayevna, Diara S. Kazybayeva, Zhanar A. Iskakbayeva, Sarkyt E. Kudaibergenov, Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy

2020

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DOI 10.3390/ma13071709
Data confidence 85 high
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Abstract

Chitosan (CHI) and chitosan/poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (CHI/POZ)-based films were prepared by casting from aqueous solutions of polymer blends with different compositions. Ciprofloxacin was used as a model drug in these formulations. The weight, thickness, folding endurance and transparency of blend films were measured and characterised. All films had a uniform thickness (0.06 ± 0.01 mm) and exhibited sufficient flexibility. The surface pHs of films ranged from 3.76 ± 0.49 to 4.14 ± 0.32, which is within the pH range suitable for vaginal applications. The cumulative release of the drug from the films in experiments in vitro was found to be 42 ± 2% and 56 ± 1% for pure CHI and CHI/POZ (40:60) films, respectively. Drug-free chitosan/poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) films showed weak antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Drug-loaded CHI and CHI/POZ films showed good antimicrobial properties against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. Mucoadhesive properties of these films with respect to freshly excised sheep vaginal mucosa were evaluated using a tensile method. It was established that all films were mucoadhesive, but an increase in POZ content in the blend resulted in a gradual reduction of their ability to stick to vaginal mucosa. These films could potentially find applications in vaginal drug delivery.