Influence of Excipient Composition on Survival of Vaginal Lactobacilli in Electrospun Nanofibers

Abstract

The lack of appropriate delivery systems hinders the use of probiotics in the treatment of vaginal infections. Therefore, the development of a new delivery system for the local administration of vaginal probiotics is necessary. In this study, we selected three vaginal lactobacilli, i.e., Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus jensenii, and incorporated them into nanofibers using electrospinning. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) was used as a carrier polymer to produce nanofibers. It was supplemented with alginate and sucrose selected from a group of carbohydrates for their growth-promoting effect on lactobacilli. The interaction between excipients and lactobacilli was evaluated thermally and spectroscopically. Bacterial survival in polymer solutions and in nanofibers immediately after electrospinning and after storage varied among species and was dependent on the formulation. Sucrose improved the survival in polymer solutions and preserved the viability of L. crispatus and L. jensenii immediately after electrospinning, and L. gasseri and L. jensenii during storage. Blending PEO with alginate did not improve species viability. However, the three lactobacilli in the nanofibers retained some viability after 56 days, indicating that composite multifunctional nanofibers can maintain the viability of vaginal lactobacilli and can be used as a potential solid delivery system for vaginal administration of probiotics.

Safety and Effects of Intravaginal Administration of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL1332 Immobilized on Nanofibers in a Murine Experimental Model

“…Probiotics are applied to women in order to restore the vaginal microbiome and prevent or treat urogenital tract infections [1,2,9,30]. In recent years, the development of nanofibers intended for topical application to the vaginal tract in order to combat urogenital tract infections has expanded [3][4][5]31]. However, at this moment, the evaluation of the safety and effects of intravaginal administration in a murine experimental model of lactobacilli immobilized on nanofibers has not been studied.…”

“…Different probiotic products or formulas with beneficial lactobacilli for vaginal application are available on the market, but their efficacy and safety are not sufficiently documented [1,2]. Lately, the inclusion of probiotics in hygiene products for daily use with lactobacilli immobilized by electrospinning techniques in nanofibers has shown promising application possibilities [3][4][5]. However, at present, the evaluation of the safety and effects of intravaginal (i.va.)…”

Electrospinning Living Bacteria: A Review of Applications from Agriculture to Health Care

“…Vaginal probiotics can be administered orally or vaginally. Electrospun vaginal bacteria could be administered similarly to a tampon or hygienic towel to treat bacterial vaginosis or other infections. ,,,− Since the vaginal microbiota is primarily composed of Lactobacillus strains, Zupančič et al evaluated the viability of nine Lactobacillus strains and one Lactococcus strain when electrospun separately into poly­(ethylene oxide) nanofibers (Figure ). Each strain demonstrated high viability [>5.9 log (CFU/mg)].…”