Biocompatibility Evaluation of a Dexamethasone Mucoadhesive Nanosystem: Preclinical and Preliminary Clinical Evaluations.

Abstract

Introduction: There is a strong need for drug delivery systems that are both highly compatible with biological tissues and effective when used in the oral mucosa. While gels, creams, or ointments are currently employed for this purpose, their oral bioavailability is constrained by the limited contact time with mucosal tissue.

Method: In response to this challenge, we developed and evaluated the efficacy of a multilayer mucoadhesive system incorporated with Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate (DEX-P) for oral mucosal delivery. An electrospun multilayer system was created and subjected to biocompatibility and efficiency testing through both in vitro and ex vivo approaches, finally culminating in an acceptability trial in healthy human volunteers. The multilayer system was created using Poly-Vinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) and Poly ε-Caprolactone (PCL) as a polymeric base and Polycarbophil (NOVEON® AA-1, PCF) serving as an adhesion enhancer to facilitate the unidirectional release of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate (DEX-P).

Result: The nanofibers matrices underwent morphological characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and DEX-P release was evaluated using ex vivo porcine mucosa, yielding promising results. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated through the MTT assay, employing HFF-1 cells. The cell viability ranged from 78 to 96%, suggesting the safety of the polymers used. The tested dose range of DEX on cell lines did not decrease below 75%, indicating its safety in terms of in vivo cytotoxicity. Biocompatibility was evaluated on animal models, with no considerable tissue damage observed.

Conclusion: Human in vivo studies demonstrated prolonged adhesion and a favorable perception of the system.