Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
15:04
Modeling and Simulations of Olfactory Drug Delivery with Passive and Active Controls of Nasally Inhaled Pharmaceutical Aerosols
Published on: May 20, 2016
Multifunctional xylitol-HA hydrogel for chronic rhinosinusitis management
Jibin Huang1, Jiayan Wang1, Wei Wang1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ningbo Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Ningbo, 315012, China; Ningbo Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningbo, 315012, China.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|July 7, 2026
Summary
A novel xylitol-based hydrogel effectively treats chronic rhinosinusitis recurrence by enhancing drug delivery and reducing inflammation and biofilms. This natural hydrogel offers prolonged mucosal retention for better postoperative care.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials science
- Drug delivery systems
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) frequently recurs post-surgery due to persistent biofilms and inflammation.
- Current therapies for CRS suffer from poor mucosal retention and limited penetration into biofilms.
- Novel drug delivery systems are needed to improve treatment efficacy for recurrent CRS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a natural hydrogel formulation for enhanced drug delivery and antibiofilm efficacy in CRS.
- To combine xylitol and hyaluronic acid (HA) to create a mucoadhesive hydrogel with improved therapeutic properties.
- To assess the anti-inflammatory and antibiofilm potential of the xylitol-HA hydrogel, with or without mometasone furoate (MF).
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a xylitol-HA hydrogel with and without mometasone furoate (MF).
- Evaluation of mucoadhesion in mice, biocompatibility, and anti-inflammatory effects in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs).
- Assessment of antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, including virulence gene expression analysis.
Main Results:
- The xylitol-HA hydrogel demonstrated prolonged nasal retention (up to 12 hours) and enhanced mucoadhesion with MF.
- The formulation exhibited biocompatibility, reduced key inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α), and partially restored ciliary function (FOXJ1 expression).
- MF-containing hydrogel showed synergistic bactericidal effects, reduced pre-formed biofilms, and downregulated bacterial virulence and adhesion genes.
Conclusions:
- A xylitol-based hydrogel incorporating MF offers prolonged mucosal retention and potent anti-inflammatory and antibiofilm activities.
- This formulation targets bacterial virulence, presenting a promising strategy for managing postoperative chronic rhinosinusitis.
- The developed hydrogel system enhances drug delivery for improved CRS treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:27Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants
Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
01:30Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
Equipment Required