Development and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium-Based Formulations Containing Quercetin for Canine Periodontal Disease Prophylaxis

Periodontal disease results from bacterial biofilm formation on teeth and surrounding tissues, being highly prevalent in adult dogs. Given bacterial resistance, natural and innovative alternatives are sought for treatment of periodontal disease. In this context, the flavonoid quercetin shows promise due to its antimicrobial and soft tissue regenerative properties. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of oral bacteria strains to quercetin, develop a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogel and polymeric film containing the flavonoid, and perform physicochemical characterization, residence time analysis, and in vitro release of the formulations. Microbiological assays demonstrated quercetin's effectiveness against sensitive and resistant strains. The pH of the formulations was maintained between 6.5 and 7.5, ensuring biocompatibility during application. The hydrogel and film content were 98.2% and 97%, respectively, with residence times exceeding 5 h. The hydrogel exhibited zero-order kinetics, while the polymeric film showed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Morphological analyses revealed pores in the films with quercetin, and structural analyses showed no alteration in quercetin's structure. The results indicate that the developed formulations have innovative prophylactic potential for canine periodontal disease.