Fluconazole-loaded TEOS-modified nanocellulose 3D scaffolds - Fabrication, characterization and its application as vaginal drug delivery system

The present research utilizes the nanocellulose extracted from rice or wheat straw and modified using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The 2-factor 3-level central composite experimental design was employed to prepare lyophilized 3D scaffolds containing fluconazole, as a model drug. The optimal batch of scaffolds contains nanocellulose (10%w/v), fluconazole (1%w/v), and TEOS (6%v/v for rice nanocellulose and 7.7%v/v for wheat nanocellulose). The silicane modification was confirmed by infrared and EDX spectra. The thermal studies, diffraction patterns and electron micrographs revealed the increase in thermal stability, amorphous nature, and porous framework of 3D scaffolds. The TEOS-modified nanocellulose scaffolds exhibited greater swelling, porosity, and tensile strength over unmodified scaffolds. The optimal batch of modified scaffolds released 99% of fluconazole over 24 h, while, the ex-vivo vaginal permeation revealed 1.23-fold greater permeation of flucona-zole. The 3D scaffolds show more antifungal activity with no change in cytotoxicity of fluconazole. The scaffolds were found to be histologically safe.

Automated summary

The present research uses nanocellulose extracted from rice or wheat straw and modified with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The modified nanocellulose scaffolds show improved swelling, porosity, and tensile strength, as well as better drug release and antifungal activity. The cytotoxicity of fluconazole remains unchanged.