Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-23-2022
Abstract
This study explored the development of cross-linked gels to potentially provide a physical barrier to vaginal sperm transport for contraception. Two types of gels were formulated, a physically cross-linked iota-carrageenan (Ci) phenylboronic acid functionalized hydroxylpropylmethyacrylate copolymer (PBA)-based (Ci-PBA) gel, designed to block vaginal sperm transport. The second gel was pH-shifting cross-linked Ci-polyvinyl alcohol-boric acid (Ci-PVA-BA) gel, designed to modulate its properties in forming a viscoelastic, weakly cross-linked transient network (due to Ci gelling properties) on vaginal application (at acidic pH of ~3.5-4.5) to a more elastic, densely cross-linked (due to borate-diol cross-linking) gel network at basic pH of 7-8 of seminal fluid, thereby acting as a physical barrier to motile sperm. The gels were characterized for dynamic rheology, physicochemical properties, and impact on sperm functionality (motility, viability, penetration). The rheology data confirmed that the Ci-PBA gel was formed by ionic interactions whereas Ci-PVA-BA gel was chemically cross-linked and became more elastic at basic pH. Based on the screening data, lead gels were selected for in vitro sperm functionality testing. The in vitro results confirmed that the Ci-PBA and Ci-PVA-BA gels created a barrier at the sperm-gel interface, providing sperm blocking properties. For preclinical proof-of-concept, the Ci-PBA gels were applied vaginally and tested for contraceptive efficacy in rabbits, demonstrating only partial efficacy (40-60%). Overall, the in vitro and in vivo results support the development and further optimization of cross-linked gels using commercially available materials as vaginal contraceptives.
Recommended Citation
Rochani, Ankit K.; Agrahari, Vivek; Chandra, Neelima; Singh, Onkar N; McCormick, Timothy J; Doncel, Gustavo F; Clark, Meredith R; and Kaushal, Gagan, "Development and Preclinical Investigation of Physically Cross-Linked and pH-Sensitive Polymeric Gels as Potential Vaginal Contraceptives" (2022). Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers. Paper 145.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/petfp/145
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
PubMed ID
35566897
Language
English
Comments
This article is the author’s final published version in Polymers, Volume 14, Issue 9, April 2022, Article number 1728.
The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091728. Copyright © Rochani et al.