Visual Evaluation of Binding to Mucosal Cells of a Medical Device Against the Common Cold

Author: Braga Pier Carlo   Alfieri Marina   Dal Sasso Monica   Culici Maria  

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

ISSN: 0363-9045

Source: Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, Vol.34, Iss.5, 2008-05, pp. : 459-464

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of visualizing the ability of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and a nasal spray (First Defense), in which the bioadhesive is HPMC, to bind to human mucosal cells using inorganic (black carbon particles and Congo red dye) and organic markers (Escherichia coli). A significant reduction in the bacterial adhesiveness has been observed. Our findings indicate the possibility of counteracting the lock-and-key mechanism of microorganism adhesion using the bioadhesive properties of polymers, such as HPMC, in First Defense to prevent a possible contact between adhesins and complementary receptors.