Document Type
Poster
Journal/Book Title/Conference
College of Engineering Senior Design Projects
Publisher
Utah State University
Location
Logan, UT
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
This project aims to increase quercetin bioavailability and antiviral activity against cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is the leading viral cause of birth defects in the U.S. Ganciclovir, the current treatment for CMV infection, exhibits cytotoxicity in pregnant women and other immunocompromised populations. Quercetin is a naturally derived compound with antioxidant, anti-cancer, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and exhibits anti-CMV activity (Cotin, 2012). Low solubility and rapid metabolic breakdown result in low bioavailability, however (Thilakarathna, 2013). Pluronic-F127 capped poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and chitosan-capped alginate microbeads are investigated as microcarriers to provide time-release antiviral treatment for congenital CMV. Quercetin, PLGA, chitosan, alginate, and Pluronic F-127 are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compounds by FDA standards, making them viable alternatives to Ganciclovir during pregnancy and in newborns.
Recommended Citation
Eggertsen, Taylor; Hart, Arther; and Johnson, William, "Synthesizing Microcarriers as a Platform for the Pharmaceutical Delivery of Quercetin for Antiviral Applications" (2017). Biological Engineering. Paper 11.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bioengr_srdesign/11