Design of a nanostructured mucoadhesive system containing curcumin for buccal application: from physicochemical to biological aspects

Abstract

Mucoadhesive nanostructured systems comprising poloxamer 407 and Carbopol 974P® have already demonstrated good mucoadhesion, as well as improved mechanical and rheological properties. Curcumin displays excellent biological activity, mainly in oral squamous cancer; however, its physicochemical characteristics hinder its application. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop nanostructured formulations containing curcumin for oral cancer therapy. The photophysical interactions between curcumin and the formulations were elucidated by incorporation kinetics and location studies. They revealed that the drug was quickly incorporated and located in the hydrophobic portion of nanometer-sized polymeric micelles. Moreover, the systems displayed plastic behavior with rheopexy characteristics at 37 °C, viscoelastic properties and a gelation temperature of 36 °C, which ensures increased retention after application in the oral cavity. The mucoadhesion results confirmed the previous findings with the nanostructured systems showing a residence time of 20 min in porcine oral mucosa under flow system conditions. Curcumin was released after 8 h and could permeate through the porcine oral mucosa. Cytotoxicity testing revealed that the formulations were selective to cancer cells over healthy cells. Therefore, these systems could improve the physicochemical characteristics of curcumin by providing improved release and permeation, while selectivity targeting cancer cells.

Beyond traditional therapy: Mucoadhesive polymers as a new frontier in oral cancer management

“…[ 45,46 ] An ideal mucoadhesive formulation should have (a) intense contact with the oral mucosa to enhance the bioavailability of drugs in the target tissue and (b) extended residence time at the site treatment to reduce the drug dosing. [ 38,47,48 ] The secretion of saliva by the salivary glands provides a thin coating of mucus on the mucosal surfaces. The major component of mucus is mucin.…”

Influence of Technological Factors on the Quality of Chitosan Microcapsules with Boswellia serata L. Essential Oil

“…A texture analysis of the chitosan gels was prepared according Ferreira et al [28] with some modifications. A texture analyzer TA.XTplus (Stable Micro Systems, Godalming, UK) was used.…”

An Overview on Thermosensitive Oral Gel Based on Poloxamer 407

“…Therefore, a safer and more effective treatment is urgently needed to improve prognosis and reduce adverse reactions and complications post-treatment. Studies have shown that the preparation of curcumin made of the poloxamer-based thermosensitive gel has a great therapeutic effect on OSCC [ 17 ]. Curcumin also demonstrates excellent biological activity, which also has great advantages for OSCC.…”

“…Thermosensitive gels have been studied as a scaffold for encapsulating dental pulp stem cells for cell delivery in tissue engineering, buccal applications for oral cancer therapy, intratumoral injection for anti-tumor therapy, etc. [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. There have been several studies on its application in the oral cavity but no comprehensive summary.…”