The effects of HPMC concentration as an efficient pharmaceutical dosage form on phage release pattern from gels

Bacterial resistance to various antibiotics has been accelerated in recent years. Bacteriophages (phages) are natural particles that can attack bacteria. Phages can be used selectively for each particular strain. The best way for dealing with superficial infections is topical application of the drug. One of the best ways is the use of water-based gels, such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) based gels. In addition to sustained drug release properties of the gel base, HPMC itself has healing properties. The final composition of the gel should have the ability of maintaining its gel form for a suitable time period on the wound, while releasing its phage content. Isolation of selective phages of Klebsiella pneumoniae was done from waste water samples. After purification of phage, it has been trapped into HPMC gel. Gels with different concentrations were used to create plaques and their phage release pattern was studied. Finally, it was shown that the 2% HPMC possessed the most appropriate pharmaceutical features, in terms of the release and durability on the site of infection.