Preparation and evaluation of mucoadhesive vaginal tablets containing probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri strains isolated from the vaginal microbiota
Journal of Applied Microbiology, cilt.137, sa.6, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 137 Sayı: 6
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1093/jambio/lxag137
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Applied Microbiology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Compendex, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: exopolysaccharide (EPS), Lactobacillusgasseri, mucoadhesion, vaginal probiotic, vaginal tablets
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Aims: Probiotics are widely used to restore microbiota balance and prevent dysbiosis. In this study, the aim was to develop mucoadhesive vaginal tablets containing probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri H14 and H15 strains, representing low and high exopolysaccharide (EPS) producers, respectively, and isolated from the vaginal microbiota of healthy women. Methods and results: Mucoadhesive polymers were employed to prolong the residence of lactobacilli on the vaginal epithelium, thereby facilitating colonization. To preserve bacterial viability and minimize the adverse effects of the tableting process, lyophilization was applied before direct compression. Tablets were prepared using different mucoadhesive polymers, including polyacrylic acid, sodium alginate, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The influence of EPS production levels of L. gasseri H14 and H15 strains, and polymer type on bacterial adhesion was assessed using HeLa cell assays, while bacterial viability was determined by colony counts. In vitro release of bacteria from compressed tablets was evaluated under static conditions. Among the strains, L. gasseri H15 was identified as the most suitable candidate due to its high post-lyophilization viability and strong adhesion to epithelial cells. Considering swelling, disintegration, and mucoadhesive properties, HPMC was selected as the optimal excipient. Overall, the findings demonstrated that lyophilization and tableting with mucoadhesive polymers did not impair the adhesion capacity of L. gasseri H15 to epithelial cells. Conclusions: A stable vaginal solid dosage form containing viable probiotic bacteria was successfully developed, preserving their functional adhesion properties.