Substantive Dimethicone-Based Mucoadhesive Coatings

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Therapeutics
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Oral drug delivery faces challenges due to wet surfaces, mucosal properties, and saliva washout.
• Developing stable and adhesive oral carrier systems is crucial for effective therapeutic delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a mucoadhesive dimethicone-based oral carrier system.
• To assess the potential of this system for delivering therapeutics to oral hard tissues and mucosa.

Main Methods:

• Investigated viscosity using a rheometer.
• Measured mucoadhesion (work of adhesion, peak tack force) via tensile testing with a texture analyzer.
• Examined mineral deposition using scanning electron microscopy after applying formulations with calcium/phosphate salts or sodium fluoride.

Main Results:

• Characterized viscosity and mucoadhesion properties of dimethicone-based polymer blends.
• Demonstrated mineral deposition on dental hard tissue surfaces following formulation application.
• Confirmed the mucoadhesive potential of dimethicone-based materials in the oral environment.

Conclusions:

• Dimethicone-based materials show promise as mucoadhesive carriers for oral therapeutic delivery.
• These systems can potentially aid in remineralization and treating dentin hypersensitivity.
• The developed carrier system effectively addresses challenges of the oral environment for drug delivery.