Cyclodextrin-Calixarene Nanosponges as Potential Platforms for pH-Dependent Delivery of Tetracycline

Four mixed cyclodextrin-calixarene nanosponges were tested as possible Drug Delivery Systems, using Tetracycline antibiotic as a suitable model drug. The selected nanosponges featured a different composition ratio between the two host co-monomer components, and the possible presence of ionisable amine or carboxyl groups deriving from chemical post-modification. The pH-dependent absorption and release abilities of the materials were verified; in particular release kinetics showed the occurrence of a simple first-order profile. The antibacterial activity of nanosponge-tetracycline composites suitably prepared under sterile conditions was assayed towards both Gram-positive and Gram-negative typical bacterial strains, showing in some cases an interesting improvement of the biocidal activity.