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Published on: January 8, 2015
Computational modeling and experimental validation for developed non-hormonal in-situ reversible cervical
Basappa Veerabhadraiah Basavaraj1, Keerthana S Kunchakuri1, Shwetha Krishnamurthy1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Background:
Contraception remains crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies and managing population growth. Reported side effects and limitation associated with hormonal contraceptives have driven increased research towards non-hormonal contraceptive options.
Methods:
The present study focused on formulating a novel, non-hormonal, in-situ reversible cervical plug containing spermicidal agents. The plug acts as a physical barrier blocking the sperm cells and combination of glibenclamide and nano-copper oxide (NCO) acts as a chemical spermicidal agent, instantly killing the sperm cells coming in contact. NCO was synthesised using a muffle furnace and characterised by particle size zeta potential. Surface morphology was studies using SEM and EDX.
Results:
The synthesised NCO had average particle sizes of 482.7 nm and revealed formation of regular polyhedral shapes in SEM images. Molecular docking showed superior binding affinity of glibenclamide (-9.8 kcal/mol) in comparison to nonoxynol-9. The cervical plug demonstrated rapid gelation within 3 min, sustained gel stability for 4 h, and 99% drug release in 16 min.
Conclusions:
Ex-vivo studies have confirmed sperm immobilisation and morphological changes. In-vivo studies achieved 100% contraception without mucosal irritation, and fertility was restored post study. Stability studies indicated robust formulation properties. The developed cervical plug offers a non-hormonal contraceptive option that is reversible, effective, and safe.
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