S‐Nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine impregnated latex: A new class of barrier contraception for the prevention of intercourse‐associated UTIs

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are some of the most common infections seen in humans, affecting over half of the female population. Though easily and quickly treatable, if gone untreated for too long, UTIs can lead to narrowing of the urethra as well as bladder and kidney infections. Due to the disease potential, it is crucial to mitigate the development of UTIs throughout healthcare. Unfortunately, sexual activity and the use of condoms have been identified as common risk factors for the development of sexually acquired UTIs. Therefore, this study outlines a potential alteration to existing condom technology to decrease the risk of developing sexually acquired UTIs using S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor. Herein, varying concentrations of SNAP are integrated into commercialized condoms through a facile solvent swelling method. Physical characterization studies showed that 72%–100% of the ultimate tensile strength was maintained with lower SNAP concentrations, validating the modified condom's mechanical integrity. Additionally, the evaluation of room‐temperature storage stability via NO release analysis outlined a lack of special storage conditions needed compared to commercial products. Moreover, these samples exhibited >90% relative cell viability and >96% bacterial killing, proving biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties. SNAP‐Latex maintains the desired condom durability while demonstrating excellent potential as an effective new contraceptive technology to mitigate the occurrence of sexually acquired UTIs.

Preventing Staphylococci Surgical Site Infections with a Nitric Oxide-Releasing Poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) Suture Material

“…Overall, SNAP leaching and NO release byproducts (i.e., peroxynitrite, nitrite, and disulfide dimer) levels are not cytotoxic, further supporting the use of this cytocompatible material for in vitro bacteria studies. These results are further consistent with prior reports of NO-releasing materials, wherein direct contact testing of materials lead to no significant cytotoxic effects at NO release rates comparable to the present PLGA formulations. , …”

“…These results are further consistent with prior reports of NO-releasing materials, wherein direct contact testing of materials lead to no significant cytotoxic effects at NO release rates comparable to the present PLGA formulations. 67 , 68 …”