Innovative Flaxseed-Based Film for Effective Gum Disease Treatment

Greg Howard
17th May, 2024

Innovative Flaxseed-Based Film for Effective Gum Disease Treatment

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study developed mucoadhesive bilayer composite films to treat periodontitis, aiming for better delivery of therapeutic agents
  • The films had two layers: one for fast release of clove oil and another for sustained release of doxycycline hyclate
  • The bilayer films showed significant antimicrobial effects and maintained stability, appropriate pH, and mechanical strength
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the periodontium, often initiated by complex microbial biofilms that form on teeth[2]. These biofilms release substances that trigger an inflammatory response, leading to tissue destruction and bone resorption. Traditional treatments include mechanical debridement and the use of antibiotics such as doxycycline[3][4]. However, there is ongoing research to improve the effectiveness and delivery of these treatments. A recent study conducted by JSPM's Rajarshi Shahu College of Pharmacy and Research focused on developing mucoadhesive bilayer composite films for the treatment of periodontitis[1]. This innovative approach aims to provide a more effective and sustained delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the periodontal cavity. The study utilized the solvent casting technique to prepare the films. The primary layer (D) was composed of a flaxseed and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose composite designed to sustain the release of doxycycline hyclate, an antibiotic commonly used in periodontitis treatment. The second layer (S) consisted of a sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol composite for the faster release of clove oil, known for its antimicrobial properties. The researchers conducted extensive characterization of the films to optimize the formulation. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared radiation analysis confirmed the stability of the drug and clove oil in the presence of other components. The films had a pH compatible with the periodontal cavity and an appropriate thickness for insertion. The immediate release layer disintegrated quickly and swelled appropriately, while the primary layer showed a slower swelling rate and complied with the United States Pharmacopoeia for drug content. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the films were intact, non-porous, and smooth, indicating good mechanical strength and bioadhesiveness. Clove oil was released from the immediate release layer within 10 minutes, while doxycycline hyclate release was sustained for up to 8 hours. The bilayer formulation demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These findings build on previous studies that have explored the use of doxycycline in periodontal treatment. For instance, earlier research has shown that locally delivered doxycycline can be an effective adjunct to mechanical debridement, providing short-term improvements in clinical parameters[4][5]. However, the long-term benefits of repeated doxycycline applications were found to be limited[5]. The current study addresses this limitation by developing a bilayer film that combines immediate and sustained release mechanisms, potentially offering more consistent therapeutic effects. In summary, the study by JSPM's Rajarshi Shahu College of Pharmacy and Research successfully formulated and characterized mucoadhesive bilayer composite films for periodontitis treatment. This innovative approach could enhance the delivery and efficacy of therapeutic agents, providing a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Flaxseed Mucilage/Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Sodium Alginate/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Bilayer Film as a Promising Drug Carrier for Periodontal Treatment.

Published 14th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.4274/tjps.galenos.2023.15945

Related Studies

2) Inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

https://doi.org/10.1017/erm.2013.8

3) Effects of doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline on cell proliferation, differentiation, and protein expression in osteoprecursor cells.

https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0b013e31822e8216

4) The effect of locally delivered doxycycline in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. A clinical and microbiological cohort study.

https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2010.1401

5) Locally delivered doxycycline during supportive periodontal therapy: a 3-year study.

https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2008.070515


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