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Local delivery of chlorhexidine using a tooth-bonded delivery system.
N J Medlicott1, D W Holborow, M J Rathbone
1School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand. natalie.medlicott@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Summary
Tooth-bonded films containing chlorhexidine (CHX) were tested for drug release. CHX concentrations were higher near the film, varying significantly by tooth surface and sampling time.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) films offer potential for localized drug delivery.
- Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a widely used antimicrobial agent in dentistry.
- Effective delivery of CHX from dental materials requires understanding release kinetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the release profile of chlorhexidine from PCL films bonded to tooth surfaces.
- To assess the influence of tooth surface location (buccal vs. lingual) on CHX concentration.
- To determine the impact of sampling time on measured CHX levels.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of PCL films containing 20% chlorhexidine base (63-125 microm particles).
- Attachment of film sections to the mesio-lingual and mesio-buccal surfaces of lower first molars in healthy volunteers.
- Saliva collection using Periopaper and measurement of CHX concentrations via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Chlorhexidine concentrations were highest adjacent to the tooth-bonded film sections.
- CHX concentrations exhibited significant differences between buccal and lingual surfaces.
- Drug concentration varied significantly with sampling time, indicating time-dependent release.
Conclusions:
- PCL films demonstrate localized release of chlorhexidine when bonded to teeth.
- The release profile is influenced by the specific tooth surface and the duration of film placement.
- These findings support the potential of PCL-CHX films for targeted antimicrobial delivery in oral applications.