Drug-eluting fibers for HIV-1 inhibition and contraception

PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e49792. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049792. Epub 2012 Nov 28.

Abstract

Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that simultaneously prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy are a global health priority. Combining chemical and physical barriers offers the greatest potential to design effective MPTs, but integrating both functional modalities into a single device has been challenging. Here we show that drug-eluting fiber meshes designed for topical drug delivery can function as a combination chemical and physical barrier MPT. Using FDA-approved polymers, we fabricated nanofiber meshes with tunable fiber size and controlled degradation kinetics that facilitate simultaneous release of multiple agents against HIV-1, HSV-2, and sperm. We observed that drug-loaded meshes inhibited HIV-1 infection in vitro and physically obstructed sperm penetration. Furthermore, we report on a previously unknown activity of glycerol monolaurate (GML) to potently inhibit sperm motility and viability. The application of drug-eluting nanofibers for HIV-1 prevention and sperm inhibition may serve as an innovative platform technology for drug delivery to the lower female reproductive tract.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / chemistry
  • Contraception*
  • Contraceptive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Contraceptive Agents / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV-1 / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Laurates / pharmacology
  • Macaca
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Monoglycerides / pharmacology
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / ultrastructure
  • Pregnancy
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Contraceptive Agents
  • Laurates
  • Monoglycerides
  • monolaurin