Review On In-Situ Gel Drug Delivery System for Periodontitis

Periodontitis represents a chronic inflammatory disorder that impacts the tooth-supporting tissues, resulting in gradual deterioration of tissue and bone structures. Local drug administration has emerged as a focal point in treatment approaches to address the limitations associated with systemic therapeutic interventions, including inadequate site-specific drug concentrations and undesirable side effects. In-situ gel formulations demonstrate considerable potential as they maintain a liquid state during application and transform into gel form when exposed to physiological stimuli such as temperature variations, pH modifications, or ionic alterations. This transformation mechanism ensures extended residence time at the treatment site, continuous drug release patterns, and enhanced bioavailability. Through maintaining optimal therapeutic drug concentrations directly within the periodontal pocket, these formulations improve patient adherence and therapeutic outcomes. Multiple natural and synthetic polymeric materials, encompassing pectin, gellan gum, poloxamers, and xyloglucan, have been investigated for gel formulation development. Their biodegradable properties, application convenience, and controlled release characteristics position them as viable alternatives to traditional periodontal treatment modalities. This review emphasizes the pathophysiology of periodontitis, current therapeutic constraints, and the prospective contribution of in-situ gel drug delivery mechanisms in periodontal treatment.