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Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 17, 2013
Interactions between drug delivery particles and mucin in solution and at interfaces
Olof Svensson1, Krister Thuresson, Thomas Arnebrant
1Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden, and Camurus AB, SE-230 70 Lund, Sweden. olof.svensson@hs.mah.se
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|February 6, 2008
Summary
Cubosome particles show weak, pH-dependent interactions with mucin, suggesting potential for mucosal drug delivery. Further research is needed to optimize their performance as drug carriers.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Cubosomes are lipid-based nanoparticles derived from cubic liquid crystalline phases.
- Mucin is a key component of mucus, essential for mucosal barrier function.
- Understanding particle-mucin interactions is crucial for developing effective mucosal drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between cubosome particles and mucin.
- To evaluate the potential of cubosomes as mucosal drug delivery vehicles.
- To determine the influence of pH and ionic strength on these interactions.
Main Methods:
- Cubosome particles were prepared from glycerol monooleate and water with a poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymer.
- Particle electrophoresis was used to study particle-mucin interactions in solution.
- Ellipsometry was employed to analyze particle adsorption onto mucin-coated silica surfaces.
Main Results:
- Mucin adsorbed to cubosome particles at pH 4 but not at pH 6.
- Cubosomes exhibited reversible adsorption to mucin-coated surfaces at pH 4, with no adsorption at pH 6.
- The interactions were found to be weak and significantly dependent on pH.
Conclusions:
- Cubosome-mucin interactions are weak and pH-sensitive, primarily driven by electrostatic forces.
- The pH-dependent behavior suggests potential for controlled drug release at mucosal surfaces.
- Findings align with previous studies on mucin and poly(ethylene oxide) interactions.
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