Synthesis and Evaluation of Thiol-Conjugated Poloxamer and Its Pharmaceutical Applications

Responding to Hitch in Fighting Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Through Arginine Multi Functionalized Mucoadhesive SNEDDS of Rifampicin

The study aimed to develop thiolated pluronic-based self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) targeted delivery of Rifampicin coated by arginine for enhanced drug loading, mucoadhesion, muco penetration, site-specific delivery, stabilized delivery against intracellular mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), decreased bacterial burden and production by intracellular targeting. Oleic oil, PEG 200 and Tween 80 are selected as oil, co-surfactant and surfactant based on solubilizing capacity and pseudo ternary diagram region. Coating of thiolated polymer on SNEDDS with ligand arginine (Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDDS) decreased bacterial burden and production by intracellular targeting in macrophages. Formulation are evaluated through scanning electron microscope (SEM), EDAX analysis, diffraction laser scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (DSC & TGA). Hydrodynamic diameter of thiolated polymeric SNEDDS (Th-F407 SNEDDS) and Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDS is observed to be 148.4 and 188.5 nm with low PDI of 0.4 and 0.3, respectively. Invitro drug release study from Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDS indicates 80% sustained release in 72 h under controlled conditions. Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDDS shows excellent capability of killing M.tb strains in macrophages even at low dose as compared to traditional rifampicin (RIF) and is found biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and hemocompatible. Therefore, Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDDS of RIF proved ideal for targeting and treating M.tb strains within macrophages.

Correction: Zaman et al. Synthesis and Evaluation of Thiol-Conjugated Poloxamer and Its Pharmaceutical Applications. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 693

In the original publication, there was a mistake in one author name, Mohammed Alasmari should be Mohammed S [...].

Polymers Enhancing Bioavailability in Drug Delivery

A drug's bioavailability, i.e., the extent to and rate at which it enters the systemic circulation, thus accessing the site of action, is largely determined by the properties of the drug [...].

Recent advances in functionally modified polymers for mucoadhesive drug delivery

Novel methods for the delivery of drugs other than the conventional method of oral administration have been a thrust area of research for a few decades. Mucoadhesive delivery of drugs opened up a new domain where rapid and patient-friendly delivery of drugs can be achieved. Delivery of drugs through the mucosal sites such as buccal, nasal, ocular, sublingual, rectal and vaginal facilitates bypassing the first-pass metabolism and the drug reaches the systemic circulation directly. This helps to increase the bioavailability of the drug. The study of the chemical characteristics of polymers with mucoadhesive properties and how the molecules or the pharmaceuticals are transported across the mucosa is very much needed for the advancement of research in this field. And at the same time, it is very pertinent to know about the anatomy and the physiology of the mucosal tissue and its variation in different regions of the body. In this review, we try to present a comprehensive understanding of relevant topics of mucoadhesion giving more emphasis on the mechanism of transport of drugs across mucosa, and different possible functional modifications of polymers to enhance the property of mucoadhesion.