Photothermal Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel Containing Safranine for Mastitis Treatment in Veterinary Using Phototherapy

Safranine-O (Sf) is a photosensitizer (PS) displaying a remarkable potential for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this work, we have used the combination of Sf with F127 Pluronic and Carbopol (C934P) to obtain a stimuli-responsive hydrogel (SR-Sf). This thermoresponsive-photoactive nanostructured system was prepared by two different methods: direct addition (DA) and solid dispersion (SD). Both SR-Sf have had their physical and chemical properties evaluated for veterinary applications, especially considering their ability to be used as a commercial product, aiming at the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of breast gland infections. In general, the rheological and mechanical properties, as well as the sol-gel transition temperature, indicated suitable properties for using them as a topical system in veterinary (and human) applications. The ex vivo release studies showed a satisfactory permeation profile of the SR-Sf hydrogel, reaching the full length of the overall skin toward the dermis within 30 min of application (989 mu m). The in vitro studies showed photodynamic inactivation using Sf-F127 with a significant reduction in isolated colonies. The in vivo case report with dairy goat demonstrated that the SR-Sf hydrogel veterinary use platform emerged as an innovative approach for the treatment of local infections without generating antibiotic residues in the milk produced.

Automated summary

Safranine-O in combination with Pluronic F127 and Carbopol C934P was used to create a stimuli-responsive hydrogel for veterinary applications. The hydrogel showed satisfactory permeation and photodynamic therapy effects in ex vivo and in vivo studies. This innovative approach provides a promising treatment for local infections without generating antibiotic residues.