#170 Formulation and evaluation of temperature-sensitive doxycycline in-situ gelling system for the treatment of periodontitis

Abstract

About 70% of the population suffers from dental problems. Oral antimicrobial agents are used to treat the infections occurred in the periodontal cavity. The objective of the presented study was to reduce the frequency of Doxycycline administration and to prolong the duration of action for better patient compliance in periodontitis by formulating a temperature-sensitive oral in situ gelling system of Doxycycline. Doxycycline in-situ gel was formulated using different concentrations of Poloxamer-407 (16, 17, 18% w/v) alone or in combination with different concentrations of bioadhesive polymer viz, pectin, HPMC K100, sodium alginate (0.5, 1, 1.5 w/v) by cold method. Preliminary screening without drugs was carried out to select the stable formulation. Batches having a clear and transparent appearance and stable were selected for further study, and doxycycline 0.02% w/v was added. Formulated batches were evaluated for gelation time, gelation temperature, pH, viscosity, spreadability, mucoadhesive strength, and in-vitro drug release. Formulation PS9 (Poloxamer 407 18 % w/v and sodium alginate 1.5% w/v) showed excellent gelling ability, gelation occurred in 30 sec at 34° C, drug content was 96.91±0.61%, 96.4±0.33% drug was released at the end of 8 h. Formulated gel exhibited excellent bioadhesive strength and spreadability. Antibacterial activity of formulation PS9 against a three-day observation period was concluded as excellent. It retained most of the physical as well as functional characteristics even after exposure to extreme conditions for 90 days. The local delivery of antibacterials will enhance patient compliance in the treatment of periodontitis. It involves the direct application of antibacterials into diseased subgingival sites, which helps avoid limitations related to the oral route. Such local delivery also offers controlled release of drug for a longer duration, so a single dose is effective to maintain therapeutic concentration within the gingival crevicular fluid for a longer period.