Biocompatibility of components of a female controlled drug delivery system

Abstract

A female controlled drug delivery system (FcDDS) containing sodium dodecyl sulfate as a microbicide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a synergistic microbicide, and lactic acid as a pH modulator was developed as an intravaginal barrier device against sexually transmitted diseases. The host response of the vagina to the FcDDS was evaluated through biocompatibility tests including cell viability, estrogenicity, and cytotoxicity assays on HeLa cervical cells and NIH:Ovcar-3 ovarian cells. Gel electrophoresis and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays on HeLa cervical cell lines were also performed to elucidate the effects of EDTA on the expression of particular proteins of interest. The results of the cell viability test showed no significant difference in viability of cells upon exposure to EDTA at concentrations less than 0.035% that was reported to exert spermicidal activity. EDTA at concentrations less than 0.035% did not cause any cytotoxicity. The results of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that EDTA induced the expression of a 67-kDa protein in HeLa cells, which was identified as elastin binding protein (a part of the elastin receptor complex). This work has demonstrated that FcDDS containing EDTA is biocompatible and safe to be used as an intravaginal barrier device.

Enzymatic triggered release of an HIV-1 entry inhibitor from prostate specific antigen degradable microparticles

“…We chose pSS as our model compound for this study because of its known antiviral activity and its ease of synthesis (Neurath et al, 2006). Current formulations of pSS expose vaginal tissue to the polymeric drug immediately upon application and may increase susceptibility for inflammation, potentially increasing a woman’s chance of contracting HIV (Catalone et al, 2005; Lard-Whiteford, 2004; Ratterree et al, 2005; Warrier et al, 2004). It is therefore vital to investigate delivery vehicles that offer the ability to reduce tissue exposure to drug while dispensing an efficacious dose at the time of viral attack.…”