engleski

Characterization of liposomal hydrogels for vaginal delivery of azithromycin

Background: Liquid nature of liposomes is considered a limitation for their vaginal administration. Desirable application properties of liposomes can be obtained by their incorporation into gel-like vehicles.1, 2 Chitosan hydrogels have shown potential for incorporation of liposomes in the therapy of burn wounds.3 It is assumed that chitosan gels would be favorable for the vaginal delivery of liposomes due to lower pH, appropriate viscosity and potential antimicrobial activities of the chitosan itself. Hence, the objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate liposomal chitosan-based hydrogels for vaginal delivery of azithromycin (AZT). Methods: AZT-containing liposomes, differing in the bilayer rigidity/elasticity, were incorporated into chitosan hydrogel in concentration of 30% (v/w, azithromycin liposomes/liposomal hydrogel), and evaluated for the texture properties and in vitro release in conditions simulating vaginal administration. Results: The release of AZT was significantly sustained by embedding AZT liposomes into chitosan hydrogel in comparison to control (solution of free AZT in the gel) and AZT liposomal dispersions. Among the different types of AZT liposomes incorporated in the chitosan hydrogel, conventional liposomes (CLs) demonstrated the slowest AZT release, followed by propylene glycol liposomes (PGLs) and deformable propylene glycol liposomes (DPGLs). All the investigated liposomes affected the texture properties (hardness, cohesiveness and adhesiveness) of the original chitosan hydrogel similarly as control. Conclusion: Bilayer rigidity/elasticity of liposomes influenced the AZT release from the liposomal hydrogels, but have not shown significant influence on their texture properties.

Liposomes ; Azithromycin ; Hydrogels

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