A trifunctional contraceptive gel enhances the safety and quality of sexual intercourse

Mengjie Xie; Junlang Li; Sichen Zhang; Dashuai Zhu; Xuan Mei; Zhenzhen Wang; Xiao Cheng; Zhenhua Li; Shaowei Wang; Ke Cheng

Bioactive Materials (Jun 2021)

A trifunctional contraceptive gel enhances the safety and quality of sexual intercourse

Mengjie Xie,
Junlang Li,
Sichen Zhang,
Dashuai Zhu,
Xuan Mei,
Zhenzhen Wang,
Xiao Cheng,
Zhenhua Li,
Shaowei Wang,
Ke Cheng

Affiliations

Mengjie Xie: The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, PR China; Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
Junlang Li: Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
Sichen Zhang: Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, PR China
Dashuai Zhu: Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
Xuan Mei: Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
Zhenzhen Wang: Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
Xiao Cheng: Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
Zhenhua Li: Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
Shaowei Wang: The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, PR China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, PR China; Corresponding author. NO.1 DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, PR China.
Ke Cheng: Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA; Corresponding author. 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 6, no. 6
pp. 1777 – 1788

Abstract

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Current contraceptive methods come with a number of drawbacks, including low efficacy, in the case of commercial contraceptive gels, and a reduction in the quality of sexual intercourse, in the case of condoms. Adding pharmacologically-active agents to contraceptive gels holds the potential to improve sexual experience, and hardbor safety and hygiene. In this study, we fabricated a carbomer-based contraceptive gel consisting of three agents: tenofovir, gossypol acetate, and nitroglycerin (TGN), with pH adjusted to 4.5 (to be compatible with the vagina). In vitro, the gossypol component of the contraceptive gel proved to be an effective spermicide. When the concentration of gossypol acetate was 10 mg/ml, the spermicidal ability reached 100% after 30 s. In addition, tenofovir in the gel significantly inhibited lentiviral transfection efficiency in cell-containing media. In 6 pairs of rats, the gel successfully prevented all females from conceiving after successful mating. Moreover, increased sexual frequency and enhanced erection, which were promoted by the nitroglycerin in the components, were observed in male rats that had the gel applied to their penises. This novel TGN contraceptive gel yielded a higher contraceptive success rate than that of the commercial contraceptive gel (Contragel®). In addition, it has the added benefits to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and improve male libido and erectile function during sexual intercourse. Combining three FDA-approved and marketed agents together, our trifunctional TGN gel has a great potential for further translation and commercialization.

Published in Bioactive Materials

ISSN: 2452-199X (Online)
Publisher: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Country of publisher: China
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials; Science: Biology (General)
Website: https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/bioactive-materials/

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