Functionalization of acrylic hydrogels with α-, β- or γ-cyclodextrin modulates protein adsorption and antifungal delivery

Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogels were functionalized with pendant α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins (CD) with the aim of improving the biocompatibility and increasing the ability to host drug molecules. Pendant α-, β- and γ-CDs did not affect swelling of the hydrogels but slightly decreased the water contact angle. Protein deposition was notably dependent on the nature of the CD, due to their different affinities for hydrophobic moieties of proteins. Lysozyme and albumin sorption was hindered by γ-CD. Functionalization with β-CD also reduced protein sorption, although less so, while α-CD decreased lysozyme deposition but enhanced albumin sorption compared with control pHEMA hydrogels. Loading of the hydrogels with miconazole was carried out by immersion in drug suspension followed by autoclaving. Functionalization with γ-CD doubled the affinity of the network for the drug and resulted in the highest amount loaded (up to 170 mg g−1). Sustained delivery was observed for several days. Some miconazole-loaded hydrogels completely prevented Candida albicans biofilm formation as assayed in an in vitro microbiological test.