Development and Evaluation of Thermosensitive Biodegradable Periodontal Gel Formulations for Localized Loxoprofen Delivery

Background: Periodontitis, a common inflammatory disease affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, requires continuous treatment. Localized drug delivery systems like gels are studied for treating periodontitis while avoiding systemic side effects. Thermosensitive polymers are smart drug delivery systems that can delay labile drug release by sol-gel transitions with temperature change.Objectives: This study aimed to develop novel thermosensitive biodegradable periodontal gel formulations containing loxoprofen to treat periodontitis and control the infection and inflammation associated with periodontitis by the sustained and site-specific release of loxoprofen from the gel formulations without causing damage to other tissues, and optimize and evaluate the formulated gels by studying various parameters like gelling/melting temperatures, rheology, and bioadhesion.Methods: The gel was prepared by cold technique with 20 formulations having varying concentrations of poloxamer 407, Carbopol 971, and methylcellulose E15 in distilled water. Rheological analyses were conducted utilizing a Modular Compact Rheometer to evaluate the effects of temperature, shear rate, and shear stress on the viscosity of the 20 gel preparations. The bioadhesive strength of the produced periodontal gel formulations was evaluated by measuring the detachment stress.Results: All gels displayed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior from 0 to 40°C. Polymer concentration and interactions affected viscosity. The formulations' bioadhesive strength was also evaluated, providing a measure of formulation bioadhesive strength.Conclusion: The study successfully developed and evaluated thermosensitive biodegradable periodontal gel formulations for the localized delivery of loxoprofen. The formulations exhibited desirable rheological and bioadhesive properties, making them promising candidates for the treatment of periodontitis.