Interaction between mucoadhesive cellulose derivatives and Pluronic F127: investigation on the micelle structure and mucoadhesive performance

Systems composed of bioadhesive and thermoresponsive polymers can combine in situ gelation with bio/mucoadhesion, enhancing retention of topically applied drugs. The effect of bioadhesive sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose cellulose (HPMC) on the properties of thermoresponsive Pluronic® F127 (F127) was explored, including micellization and the mucoadhesion.

Highlights

Study of micellization and mucoadhesion of HPMC or NaCMC and Pluronic F127

Cellulose derivatives altered enthalpy and critical micellar concentration of F127

Formulations showed changing of hydrodynamic diameters of the aggregates

Systems showed important mucoadhesion performance and dependent on polymer content

A computational analysis between these polymers and their molecular interactions were also studied, rationalising the design of improved binary polymeric systems for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The morphological characterization of polymeric systems was conducted by SEM. DSC analysis was used to investigate the crystallization and micellization enthalpy of F127 and the mixed systems. Micelle size measurements and TEM micrographs allowed for investigation into the interference of cellulose derivatives on F127 micellization. Both cellulose derivatives reduced the critical micellar concentration and enthalpy of micellization of F127, altering hydrodynamic diameters of the aggregates. Mucoadhesion performance was useful to select the best systems for mucosal application. The systems composed of 17.5% (w/w) F127 and 3% (w/w) HPMC or 1% (w/w) NaCMC are promising as topical drug delivery systems, mainly on mucosal surfaces. They were biocompatible when tested against Artemia salina, and also able to release a model of hydrophilic drug in a controlled manner. Continue reading here

Jéssica Bassi da Silva, Rafaela Said dos Santos, Monique Bassi da Silva, Gustavo Braga, Michael Thomas Cook, Marcos Luciano Bruschi,
Interaction between mucoadhesive cellulose derivatives and Pluronic F127: Investigation on the micelle structure and mucoadhesive performance, Materials Science and Engineering: C, Volume 119, 2021, 111643,
ISSN 0928-4931,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2020.111643.