Evaluation of additives required for periodontal disease formulation using basic fibroblast growth factor

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Periodontal Therapeutics
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Periodontal disease treatment requires effective drug formulations.
• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) shows therapeutic potential for periodontal regeneration.
• Developing stable and deliverable bFGF formulations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate legally available thickeners for a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) periodontal disease formulation.
• To determine optimal viscosity, extrusive force, flow properties, and inertness of thickeners.
• To identify suitable cellulose derivatives for dental drug formulations.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen candidate thickeners were assessed for viscosity (approx. 1×10⁴ mPa·s).
• Flow properties were measured using the tilting test tube method (target flow time ~100 s).
• Extrusive force from a syringe was evaluated at varying thickener concentrations (target 10-20 N).
• Inertness to bFGF was assessed for cellulose derivatives.

Main Results:

• Thirteen thickeners achieved optimal viscosity; most exhibited appropriate flow time (~100 s).
• Extrusive force was concentration-dependent, with 2-3% solutions yielding ideal results (10-20 N).
• Certain cellulose derivatives, like HPC and HEC, demonstrated inertness to bFGF due to their neutral pH and lack of ionic groups.

Conclusions:

• Optimal viscosity (~1×10⁴ mPa·s) and extrusive force (10-20 N) for bFGF formulations are achieved with 2-3% thickener concentration.
• Water-soluble cellulose derivatives, specifically HPC and HEC, possess the necessary properties for effective periodontal drug formulations.
• These findings support the development of advanced dental drug delivery systems utilizing bFGF and suitable cellulose-based thickeners.