Title:Investigation of Methylene Blue Release from Functional Polymeric Systems Using Dielectric Analysis
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Author(s): Marcos Luciano Bruschi*, Mariana Volpato Junqueira, Fernanda Belincanta Borghi-Pangoni, Tao Yu, Gavin Paul Andrews and David Simon Jones
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Research and Development of Drug Delivery Systems, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Parana,Brazil
Keywords:
Analysis, biodegradable polymers, hydrogels, polymeric drug carrier, polymeric drug delivery systems, responsive
delivery systems.
Abstract: Background: Methylene blue (MB) is a photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy
(PDT) to treat colorectal cancer tumors and leishmaniasis infection. The clinical efficacy of PDT using
MB is dependent on the physicochemical characteristics of the formulation. Bioadhesive thermoresponsive
systems containing poloxamer 407 and Carbopol 934P have been proposed as platforms for
PDT. However, the effect of MB on the physicochemical properties of these platforms is not fully understood,
particularly in light of the MB availability.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the dielectric characteristics of functional polymeric
systems containing MB and their influence on mucoadhesion and drug release.
Methods: Binary polymeric systems containing different concentrations of poloxamer 407, Carbopol
934P and MB were evaluated as dielectric and mucoadhesive properties, as well as in vitro drug release
profile.
Results: MB, temperature and polymeric composition influenced the physicochemical properties of the
systems. The presence of MB altered the supramolecular structure of the preparations. The mucoadhesive
properties of systems were influenced by MB presence and the formulation with the lowest
amount of MB displayed faster release.
Conclusion: The lower MB concentration in the systems displayed better results in terms of ionic mobility
and drug release, and is indicative of a suitable clinical performance.
