Electrospun hydrogel-forming nanofibres embedded in a pH-responsive film for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

ABSTRACT: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major global health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for effective and user-friendly vaginal prevention strategies. This study presents a novel composite system for vaginal application, consisting of mucoadhesive electrospun nanofibres with inherent antiviral potential embedded within a pH-responsive film. The film is designed to preserve the integrity of the nanofibres in the acidic vaginal environment and to dissolve rapidly upon contact with seminal fluid - released during sexual intercourse -, triggering nanofibre hydration and interaction with the mucosal surface. Electrospinning successfully produced uniform and defect-free nanofibres consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blended with either κ- or ι-carrageenans (CAR), sulphated

SUBMITTER: Zucca G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12719777 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature