Planta Med 2013; 79 - PN63
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1352406

Mucin-polysaccharides interactions: In search of a nanobioplatform for Helicobacter pylori therapy

B Menchicchi 1, JP Fuenzalida Werner 1, K Babu Bobbili 2, A Hensel 3, MJ Swamy 2, FM Goycoolea 1
  • 1Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology Schlossgarten 3, 48149 – Münster, Germany
  • 2School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad – Hyderabad, Andra Pradesh, India
  • 3Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry (IPBP), Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany

Mucoadhesion is defined as the ability of a material to adhere to the mucosal surface of tissues for an extended period of time [1]. A mucoadhesive drug delivery system can improve the controlled delivery and optimize the bioavailability of drugs for a prolonged period of time. Polysaccharides are among the most versatile families of macromolecules and their potential use in transmucosal drug delivery application is fully recognized [2,3]. The mucoadhesion of various polysaccharide families of varying structural characteristics and natural sources was explored by a sensitive micorviscosimetric method in order to contribute to a more rational design of mucoadhesive polysaccharide-based nanoparticles as potential carriers of compounds that interfere either with the adhesion or with the avaibility of essential nutrients of the H. pylori in the stomach mucosa. Here we show how deviation in viscosity of mixed solutions of polysaccharides and soluble fraction of mucin with respect to the viscosity of the original stock solutions can be considered as diagnostic of molecular associative interactions [4]. In the light of the results obtained we could observe a strong correlation between interaction and the ability of polysaccharide coils to contract in the presence of salt (i.e. chain flexibility). Moreover, the “more neutral” polysaccharides such as dextran, mesquite gum and a bacterial exopolysaccharide from Streptococcus thermophilus, showed no interaction with mucin. The adopted approach is perhaps an oversimplification of the mucoadhesion behavior in vivo during the interaction of polysaccharides with the mucous epithelia. However, it has allowed gaining further insight into the possible mechanisms underlying the mucoadhesion phenomena.

References:

[1] Liu, Z.H., et al. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2008. 60(15)

[2] Smart, J.D. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2005. 57(11)

[3] Sandra, K. American Chemical Society, 2009

[4] Hassan, E.E. and J.M. Gallo. Pharmaceutical Research, 1990. 7(5)