Development of metronidazole-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel for local treatment of periodontitis
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Periodontitis, a gum disease caused by bacterial infection and plaque accumulation, leads to tooth loosening and loss if untreated. In this study, thermoresponsive hydrogels for periodontal drug delivery were developed, using poloxamer 407 (PX) at 10–25% (w/w), prepared via the cold method. Polymer blends incorporating PX with methylcellulose (MC), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and chitosan (CS), with and without metronidazole (MT) as a model drug, were formulated and evaluated. The hydrogels exhibited gelation below 20°C and transitioned into a gel within 2 min at 37°C. Rheological analysis showed that polymer addition increased viscosity, ranked as PAA > MC > CS > PX alone, thereby influencing extrudability. The pH ranged from 6 to 8, except for the CS formulations (pH 3–4). Higher polymer concentrations and blends reduced gel dissolution in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and water. Drug release studies indicated that 15% PX released MT faster than 20% or 25% PX, while PAA and CS blends provided sustained release. These hydrogels remain in solution at low temperatures, are easily injectable, and transform into a gel when administered into the periodontal pocket, demonstrating potential as localized drug delivery systems for periodontitis treatment.
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References
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