Voriconazole-Loaded Nanohydrogels Towards an Optimized Antifungal Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202504.2056.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-04-28T01:23:40Z
• Authors: Shaul Deniz Cemal; Maria Florencia L...; Katherine Hermida...; Gila Kazimirsky; Marcela Alejandra...; Romina Glisoni; María Lujan Cuestas; Gerardo Byk

Filamentous fungi, in particular the species Aspergillus, Scedosporium and Exophiala, frequently colonize lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Chronic colonization is linked to hypersensitivity reactions persistent infections leading a significant long-term decline lung function. Azole antifungal therapy such as voriconazole (VRC) slows disease progression, patients with advanced CF; however, excessive mucus production CF poses diffusional barrier effective treatment. Here, biodegradable nanohydrogels (NHGs) recently developed nanocarriers, were evaluated for formulating VRC platform treating fungal lungs. The NHGs entrapped up about 30 μg/mg VRC, physicochemical properties investigated by dynamic laser light scattering nanoparticle tracking analysis. Diameters 100–400 nm, excellent colloidal stability was demonstrated interstitial fluids indicating potential pulmonary delivery. Nano-formulations exhibited high vitro cytocompatibility A549 HEK293T cells tested release under two different sink conditions. Notably, activity VRC-loaded at least two-fold greater than an aqueous suspension drug against isolated from sputum, regardless presence artificial layer. These findings support development potent nano-formulations disorders