Lectin‐Functionalized Polyethylene Glycol for Relief of Mucosal Dryness. Issue 2 (9th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blakeley, Matthew; Sharma, Prashant K.; Kaper, Hans J.; Bostanci, Nagihan; Crouzier, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Advanced healthcare materials. Volume 11:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-11-09
• Subjects: dry mouth -- mucosal dryness -- polyethylene glycol -- tribology; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101719
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2192-2640

Abstract

Abstract: The importance of lubrication between oral surfaces provided by the salivary film is most acutely apparent when it is disrupted, a prevalent consequence of salivary gland hypofunction experienced with aging, a symptom of certain diseases, or a side effect of some medical interventions. Sufferers report difficulty with speech and oral food processing and collectively is detrimental to quality of life. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely employed as a successful biocompatible boundary lubricant in engineering and biomedical applications. It is hypothesized that the immobilization of PEG to biological materials such as oral epithelial cells and tissue can mimic the salivary film and provide durable relief from the symptoms of mucosal dryness. To do so, PEG is functionalized with a sugar binding lectin (wheat germ agglutinin) to enhance epithelial adhesion through lectin‐sugar interactions. Retention and lubricity are characterized on an ex vivo oral tissue tribology rig. WGA‐PEG coats and retains on mucin films, oral epithelial cells, and porcine tongue tissue, and offers sustained reduction in coefficient of friction (COF). WGA‐PEG could be developed into a useful topical treatment for reducing oral friction and the perception of dry mouth. Abstract : There remains great need for muco‐adhesive topical treatments for the tribological relief of mucosal dryness. In this study, the benefits of hydrophilic polymer coatings on the oral mucosa are assessed. Functionalization of polymers with sugar binding lectins are found to anchor coatings to the mucosa, enhancing retention for long lasting relief from friction.