Zein and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate microfibers combined with metronidazole benzoate and/or metronidazole-incorporated cellulose nanofibrils for potential periodontal treatment

Author(s)

Ferreira, Joao O. ; Zambuzi, Giovana C. ; Camargos, Camilla H. M. ; Carvalho, Ana C. W. ; Ferreira, Maira P. ; Rezende, Camila A. ; de Freitas, Osvaldo ; Francisco, Kelly R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules; v. 261, p. 12-pg., 2024-01-26.

Abstract

The development of flexible and porous materials to control antibacterial delivery is a pivotal endeavor in medical science. In this study, we aimed to produce long and defect -free fibers made of zein and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) to be used as a platform for the release of metronidazole (MDZ) and metronidazole benzoate (BMDZ) to be potentially used in periodontal treatment. Microfibers prepared via electrospinning under a 2:3 (w/w) zein to HPMCAS ratio, containing 0.5 % (w/w) poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and 1 % (w/w) cellulose nanofibril (CNF) were loaded with 40 % (w/w) MDZ, 40 % (w/w) BMDZ, or a combination of 20 % (w/w) of each drug. The addition of CNF improved the electrospinning process, resulting in long fibers with reduced MDZ and BMDZ surface crystallization. MDZ- and BMDZ-incorporated fibers were semicrystalline and displayed commendable compatibility among drugs, nanocellulose and polymeric chains. Release tests showed that zein/HPMCAS/PEO fibers without CNF and with 20 % (w/w) MDZ/ 20 % (w/w) BMDZ released the drug at a slower and more sustained rate compared to other samples over extended periods (up to 5 days), which is a favorable aspect concerning periodontitis treatment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/23769-1 - Preparation and applications of nanostructures from plant biomass
• Grantee: Camila Alves de Rezende
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/12071-6 - Tailoring colloids through supramolecular interactions: from fundamentals to applications
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/20006-4 - Obtaining pectin nanofibers applied to the modify release of hydroxychloroquine
• Grantee: Kelly Roberta Francisco Muruci de Paula
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/12146-3 - Modified release mechanisms study of hydroxychloroquine mobilized in pectin
• Grantee: Giovana Cristina Zambuzi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation