Electrospun hydrogel-forming nanofibres embedded in a pH-responsive film for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Summary

Preventing sexually transmitted infections still depends heavily on methods people find inconvenient, and this study proposes a vaginal system designed around that problem. Mucoadhesive electrospun nanofibres with intrinsic antiviral potential are embedded within a pH-responsive film: in the acidic vaginal environment the film protects the fibres and keeps them intact, but on contact with seminal fluid - which raises the pH during intercourse - it dissolves rapidly and releases them exactly when protection is required. The design turns a physiological change into the trigger for drug release, rather than relying on the user's timing.

Authors & Affiliations

• Giulia Zucca

  Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
• Barbara Vigani

  Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
• Caterina Valentino

  Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
• Andrea Civra

  Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
• David Lembo

  Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
• Marco Ruggeri

  Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
• Giuseppina Sandri

  Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
• Silvia Rossi Corresponding

  Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy

Linari Electrospinning Systems

Topics

Materials