Design of a Dual-Drug Delivery System for Local Release of Chlorhexidine and Dexketoprofen

This study developed and characterized a novel drug delivery system (DDS) for potential use in oral surgery, combining poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres loaded with chlorhexidine (MS-CHX) and a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel containing dexketoprofen (HG-DXT).

MS-CHX was synthesized using a double emulsion evaporation method, while HG-DXT was formulated from a PEG blend. The components were combined in a 2:1 ratio to create the MS-CHX/HG-DXT DDS. Characterization techniques included differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Antibacterial activity was evaluated using disk diffusion assays against E. faecalis, E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Biocompatibility was assessed with MTS, and drug release was measured via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in vitro.

CHX-loaded microspheres showed spherical morphology, stability above 37 °C, and antimicrobial efficacy. HG-DXT demonstrated good biocompatibility (80% of cell viability) and stable physicochemical properties (stability at 50-day storage). The DDS exhibited a biphasic release: an initial burst of dexketoprofen for analgesia, followed by sustained release of chlorhexidine for antimicrobial protection.

This novel dual-action DDS showed promising characteristics and a favorable release profile, supporting its potential as a therapeutic alternative for post-operative pain and infection control in oral surgical procedures.