In situ forming thermosensitive vaginal hydrogels containing curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles with their sustained release: rheological measurements and cytotoxicity effect on cervix cancer cell

This study developed a novel temperature-sensitive Pluronic F127 (PF127) gel-containing curcumin (CRC)/thiolated chitosan (TC) nanoparticles (NPs) (PF127-CRC–TCNPs) for vaginal applications and examined the effect of two effective parameters on curcumin (CRC) release from thiolated chitosan nanoparticles (CRC–TCNPs). Administering medication through a non-mucoadhesive conventional vaginal dosage form often requires high doses, resulting in decreased patient compliance and adverse events. Hydrogels have the potential to deliver a variety of therapeutic agents in a sustained, localized manner. Nanoparticle-loaded gel combines the advantages and benefits of both nanoparticle and gel technology. The efficiency of drug entrapment and loading was calculated, and by increasing the amount of CRC, entrapment efficiency (EE) and loading efficiency (LE) also increased. CRC release profiles were examined at three different pH values (4.5, 5 and 5.6) and they decreased as the pH of the release medium increased (VFS). PF127-CRC–TCNPs were synthesized and the gelation temperatures of 18% and 21% gel formulation were 23.17 °C and 17.78 °C, respectively. The viscoelastic modulus measurements revealed a low dependence, indicating high gel elasticity, thus, improving the formulation residence time. The CRC releases from PF127-CRC–TCNPs and a free-CRC-PF127 gel were compared, and the results indicated that PF127-CRC–TCNPs release the drug more slowly. MTT tests were performed on the HeLa cell line and analyzed. The result of this study indicated that thermosensitive PF127-CRC–TCNPs are a promising carrier that may be used in parenteral formulations for cervical cancer prevention. Graphical abstract