title: Mucoadhesive nanosystems for vaginal microbicide development: friend or foe?
abstract: Topical microbicides are a promising strategy in the prevention of vaginal and rectal HIV transmission as well as other sexually transmitted pathogens. The perspective of developing nanotechnology-based systems for topical microbicides seems to be useful because important features such as enhanced drug release, targeting, and epithelial penetration can be achieved. However, the interaction of nanoparticles with the mucus fluids that cover the cervicovaginal mucosal epithelium, which can work either as a docking point or as a barrier for diffusion, has been frequently neglected. In this review, we discuss the principles of nanosystems' adhesion to the mucosal tissue and how this relates to the development of optimized microbicide formulations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: das Neves
authors.forename: Mansoor
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amiji
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sarmento
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000812:Anhydrides / Q000737:chemistry; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000821:virology; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004058:Diffusion; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014621:Vagina / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology
chemical_list: D000812:Anhydrides; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004337:Drug Carriers; C405032:poly(sebacic anhydride)-b-polyethylene glycol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols