Co-Delivery of Antiviral and Antifungal Therapeutics for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections using a Moldable, Supramolecular Hydrogel

Abstract

In this investigation, a therapeutic co-delivery hydrogel system is developed to provide effective HIV prophylaxis, alongside the prevention and/or treatment of candidiasis. Two components-a HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor, tenofovir, and a cationic macromolecular antifungal agent derived from a vitamin D-functionalized polycarbonate (VD/BnCl (1:30))-are formulated into biodegradable vitamin D-functionalized polycarbonate/PEG-based supramolecular hydrogels. The hydrogels exhibit thixotropic properties and can be easily spread across surfaces for efficient drug absorption. Sustained release of tenofovir from the hydrogel is observed, where approximately 85% tenofovir is released within 3 h. VD/BnCl (1:30) does not impede drug diffusion from the hydrogel as the drug release profiles are similar with and without the polycation. Antimicrobial efficacy studies indicate that the hydrogels kill C. albicans efficiently with a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.25-0.5 g L-1. These hydrogels also eradicate C. albicans biofilm effectively at 4× MBC. When human dermal fibroblasts (as model mammalian cells) are treated with these hydrogels, cell viability remains high at above 80%, demonstrating excellent biocompatibility. When applied topically, this dual-functional hydrogel can potentially prevent HIV transmission and eliminate microbes that cause infections in the vulvovagina region.