Development of a Mucoadhesive Liquid Crystal System for the Administration of Rifampicin Applicable in Tuberculosis Therapy

Author(s)

Santos, Kaio Pini ; Rodero, Camila Fernanda ; Ribeiro, Camila Maringolo ; Gremiao, Maria P. D. ; Peccinini, Rosangela Goncalves ; Pavan, Fernando Rogerio ; Pearce, Camron ; Gonzalez-Juarrero, Mercedes ; Chorilli, Marlus

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: LIFE-BASEL; v. 12, n. 8, p. 21-pg., 2022-08-01.

Abstract

Since 1966, rifampicin (RIF) has been considered one of the most potent drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by infection with M. tuberculosis (Mtb). New nanostructured formulations for RIF delivery and alternative routes of administration have been studied as potential forms of treatment. This study evaluates a liquid crystal system for RIF delivery, using alternative drug delivery routes. The systems developed are composed of surfactant, oleylamine, and soy phosphatidylcholine. With the aid of polarized light microscopy, it was possible to determine that the developed systems had a hexagonal mesophase. All systems developed showed non-Newtonian pseudoplasticity and a high degree of thixotropy. Liquid crystal systems with RIF showed an increase in elastic potential, indicating greater mu-coadhesiveness. The evaluation of mucoadhesive forces revealed an increase in the mucoadhesive potential in the presence of mucus, indicating the presence of satisfactory mucoadhesive forces. The 9DR and 10DR liquid crystal systems, when submitted to Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis, remained structured even at temperatures above 100 degrees C, showing excellent stability. The developed liquid crystal systems showed a tolerable degree of cytotoxicity and bactericidal potential, for example, the 9DR system demonstrated a reduction in bacterial load after the third day and reached zero CFU on the seventh day of the test. The developed systems were also evaluated in the preclinical model of Mtb-infected mice, using the nasal, sublingual, and cutaneous route for the delivery of RIF associated with a nanostructured liquid crystal system as a possible tool in the treatment of TB. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/23430-4 - Evaluation of the potential of bevacizumab-functionalized liposomes or hyaluronic acid for incorporation of abiraterone in the treatment of prostate cancer
• Grantee: Kaio Pini Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/00023-6 - Evaluation of the potential of mucoadhesive precursor systems of liquid crystals for nasal administration of rifampicin applicable on the optimization of tuberculosis therapy
• Grantee: Kaio Pini Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate