Objective: To develop and characterize innovative vaginal dosage forms for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Significance: This study is the first comparative evaluation of the metronidazole loaded PVP nanofiber formulations on Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) treatment. Vaginal nanofibers are one of the potential innovative dosage forms for BV treatment because of their flexible, mucoadhesive and easy application in vaginal application which can be applied by the mucosal route. Methods: Blank and MET loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions were prepared at three different concentrations (10, 12.5, 15%) for produce nanofiber. The suitability of the viscosities, surface tensions and conductivity values of the solutions used to produce nanofibers for the electrospinning process has been evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy, mucoadhesion, permeability, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and drug release tests were performed to reveal the physical, chemical and pharmaceutical properties of the nanofibers. Mechanical properties, and contact angle of the fibers were also determined. Gel and solution formulations containing metronidazole were prepared for comparative studies. Results: All polymer solutions were found to be suitable for electrospinning process. PVP concentration directly affected nanofiber diameter, mechanical and mucoadhesion properties of nanofibers. The release profiles of the drug from the nanofibers were similar for all concentration of PVP and release from the fibers was rapid. The permeability coefficient of MET from nanofibers were increased more than gel and solution formulations. Conclusions: Vaginal use of MET loaded nanofibers has been shown to be a potential drug delivery system for the treatment of BV.

The aim of this study was to develop colon-specific delivery systems for mesalazine (5-ASA) using guar gum as a carrier. A colon specific matrix tablet of mesalazine with guar gum was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo X-ray studies in humans. Two different types of guar gum were used in the experiments. Tablets were prepared by the slugging method. The physical properties of tablets were tested and in vitro release studies were performed by a flow-through cell apparatus with and without galactomannanase enzyme. The type and the amount of guar gum affected the in vitro release of drug from the matrix tablets. High viscosity guar gum, in the form of a matrix tablet was capable of protecting the drug from being released in the upper region of gastrointestinal (GI) system, i.e. stomach and small intestine. X-ray imaging technique was used to monitor the tablets throughout the GI system on 8 healthy volunteers. Barium sulphate was used as a marker in the tablets for in vivo studies. These results showed that, the matrix tablets reached the colon; not being subjected to disintegration in the upper region of the GI system in all the subjects.

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of periodontal disease and can be described as a limited inflammation of the gingiva. This study aims to develop and characterize rapid releasing mucoadhesive fibers containing ornidazole with electrospinning process for the treatment of gingivitis. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was chosen as a polymer and used at different concentrations of 10%, 12.5% and 15%. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that fiber diameters increased with increasing polymer concentrations. Tensile strength and elongation at break values of fibers increased with increasing PVP amount, whereas the loading of ornidazole into the fibers decreased these parameters. The contact angle values of all fibers were found to be 0° due to the hydrophilic nature of PVP. Ornidazole was released within 5 minutes and diffused from all of the fibers faster than that of gel and solution formulations. Electrospun ornidazole fibers were found efficient against Porphyromonas gingivalis in antimicrobial activity studies. The results demonstrated that ornidazole loaded fibers could be a potential drug delivery system for the treatment of gingivitis.