Targeted Drug Delivery Through A Submerged Mucosal Membrane

Researchers were tasked with developing a novel method of antibiotic delivery to a submerged mucosal membrane over an extended release profile between 15-72 hours to be used for field application on scleractinian corals affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Studies were conducted using dissolution vessels commonly used to monitor extended release profiles of pharmaceuticals. This was paired with the Pion UV-Vis Spectrometer which collected measurements taken hourly. ‘Hold-Fast’ studies were co-currently conducted by varying paddle speed within each vessel to simulate ocean current conditions commonly found at treatment locations. Major challenges included achieving a steady 0-order release profile of medication by means of diffusion through the delivery matrix. Successful anchoring of the matrix to the infected site, and transfer of the medication into the ailing organism. A successful ointment was created by combining a moisture sensitive volcanizing silicone matrix with carrageenan and poly ethylene oxide polymers . The resulting matrix could be modified to generate release profiles to deliver treatment to the ailing site between 1 to 3 days.