Polymixin B load in solid lipid nanoparticles for incorporation in mucoadhesive hydrogels for oral mucositis treatment

Abstract

The dispersions of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are currently being studied for various therapy applications, to overcome problems of physical and chemical stability, cost and encapsulation efficiency associated with conventional liposomes. Oral mucositis is a comorbid affecting patients in treatment of head and neck cancer. Conventional therapies are palliative, such as local anesthetic and cryosurgery and/or involves, also, the use of local anti-inflammatory and antibiotics which action efficiency is reduced by the low residence time at the site of action. The local application of laser is restricted due to higher cost. The main purpose of the project is developing a multifunctional pharmaceutical form with low cost for topical oral use with anesthetic, antimicrobial and healing effects for the treatment of oral mucositis. This pharmaceutical form is composed of a polymer film formed by electrostatic binding of polyelectrolytes, chitosan (antimicrobial) and hyaluronic acid (healing), incorporating lidocaine hydrochloride (anesthetic). Additionally, in this film will be incorporated SLN encapsulating the antibiotic polymyxin B sulfate to increase the efficiency of action by controlled release and increased residence time at the site of action. Results of this study will improve the quality of life of patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer (by reducing the pain, that strongly, affects their ability to supply), to prevent the risk of comorbidity (because of weak immune deficiency), and reduce the time between applications of cancer treatment (for better conditions offered to patients). In parallel, the study also opens up new possibilities for the treatment of mucositis as the other of the pharynx and vaginal cavity.