In the quest to improve hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause, researchers have turned to an innovative approach using cellulose-based fibres. A recent study, led by Omar Shafi from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University College London, explores the potential of progesterone-loaded transdermal patches, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine.
Menopause often brings a host of symptoms that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment, but it’s not without its challenges. Shafi and his team have been investigating a novel way to deliver progesterone (PGS), a key hormone in HRT, using electrospun cellulose fibres.
The study, published in *Macromolecular Materials and Engineering* (which translates to “Macromolecular Materials and Engineering” in English), focuses on two types of cellulose fibres: ethyl cellulose (EC) and cellulose acetate (CA), both bound with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The team found that adding a surfactant, Polysorbate 80 (PS80), significantly enhanced the release of PGS from the fibres.
“Our findings suggest that these fibrous patches could offer a convenient, minimally invasive, and personalized method for delivering precise doses of progesterone,” Shafi explained. The patches could potentially be applied to the skin, providing a steady release of the hormone.
The research involved a range of analyses, including rheology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and in vitro drug release tests. SEM revealed that CA fibres were thinner than EC fibres, while FTIR showed a more uniform distribution of PGS in CA fibres. In vitro tests demonstrated that 400–600 micrograms of PGS could be released from 11.9 milligrams of fibre patches into 5 millilitres of phosphate-buffered saline within 70 minutes, indicating effective drug penetration.
The study also employed mathematical modelling to understand the drug release mechanisms. The Makoid–Banakar model best suited EC fibres, while both the Makoid–Banakar and Peppas Sahlin models fit CA fibres.
So, what does this mean for the future of HRT and personalized medicine? The study sets a strong foundation for further in vivo and cytotoxicity testing, which will be crucial in validating the clinical effectiveness and safety of these patches. If successful, this technology could revolutionize the way hormones are delivered, offering a more personalized and convenient treatment option for women going through menopause.
Moreover, the commercial implications are substantial. The development of such advanced drug delivery systems could open up new markets and opportunities for pharmaceutical companies, particularly in the growing field of personalized medicine. It also underscores the potential of biomaterials in creating innovative solutions for healthcare challenges.
As Shafi noted, “This research is just the beginning. We’re excited about the potential of these fibrous patches and the impact they could have on women’s health.” With further research and development, this technology could indeed shape the future of menopause treatment and personalized medicine.