Chitosan-based biodegradable dental chips impregnated with chlorhexidine gluconate for the treatment of periodontitis

Abstract

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a synthetic cationic biguanide commonly used in dentistry to control infections. In the present study, cost-effective biodegradable dental chips of CHX (0.2%) with varying concentrations of high-molecular-weight chitosan (2%, 3%, and 4%) were prepared using the solvent casting method. The identification, purity, and interaction between the active drug and excipients have been confirmed using FTIR spectrometry. The formulated chips exhibited a pH of around 5, with excellent folding endurance of ≥1000, a thickness of 0.34–0.42 mm, and a moisture loss of about 10–14%. Organoleptically, the chips were consistent for at least three months at room temperature. The assay of CHX was performed using a validated HPLC method. The content uniformity of the chips was found to be greater than 90%, indicating a uniform distribution of the active drug. The release of CHX from the chips slowed down from 31 to 72 h with an increase in polymer concentration from 2 to 4%. The release followed the Higuchi model for 2% and 3% chips and the Korsmeyer–Peppas model for 4% chips. All the chips demonstrated stability for only one month under accelerated temperature and humidity conditions (i.e., 40 °C/75% RH). Significant antimicrobial activity has been observed for both placebo and CHX-loaded chips against various standard and clinical isolates, with good activity on cementum. The formulated CHX dental chips offer an economical and effective drug delivery system for treating periodontal infections, due to their potent antimicrobial effect and sustained drug release, which facilitates the desired therapeutic effects.