Enhanced Anti-Herpetic Activity of Valacyclovir Loaded in Sulfobutyl-ether- β-cyclodextrin-decorated Chitosan Nanodroplets

In this study, VACV-loaded nanodroplet (ND) formulations, optimized for vaginal delivery, were designed. Cell-based assays were then carried out to evaluate the antiviral activity of VACV loaded in the ND system. The chitosan-shelled ND exhibited an average diameter of about 400 nm and a VACV encapsulation efficiency of approximately 91% and was characterized by a prolonged and sustained release of VACV. Moreover, a modification of chitosan shell with an anionic cyclodextrin, sulfobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin (SBEβCD), as a physical cross-linker, increased the stability and mucoadhesion capability of the nanosystem. Biological experiments showed that SBEβCD-chitosan NDs enhanced VACV antiviral activity against the herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, most likely due to the long-term controlled release of VACV loaded in the ND and an improved delivery of the drug in sub-cellular compartments.PMID:37894118 | DOI:10.3390/microorganisms11102460

Source: Herpes - October 28, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Monica Argenziano Irene Arduino Massimo Ritt à Chiara Molinar Elisa Feyles David Lembo Roberta Cavalli Manuela Donalisio Source Type: research