Designing a novel chitosan-based periofilm containing metronidazole–ciprofloxacin

Periodontitis is the most common periodontal disease. Because of its infectious-inflammatory nature, as well as the difficulty of complete elimination of pathogens from oral cavity, antibiotics have been proposed as adjunctive modalities to control the disease and prevent its recurrence. Systemic antibiotics could lead to a further reduction in probing depth and bleeding on probing. Nowadays, due to their side effects and the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria, there is a tendency to use local antibiotic delivery systems. The aim of this study was to design, develop and test a mucoadhesive film based on chitosan/gelatin containing metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. A mucoadhesive film containing 2% chitosan and gelatin and 0.2% of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin was made by casting method. Laboratory evaluations including drug-releasing pattern through HPTLC, mucoadhesive strength, stability in phosphate buffer, degradation in lysozyme, and water absorption were performed. The results of this study showed that the produced periofilm releases the antibiotics up to 48 h in concentrations higher than MIC. In the presence of lysozyme, a sharp decline in stability observed in the first 4 days, reached to a constant level after seven days. Based on the results of the present study, it could be concluded that applying the proposed system and its drug combination can be a part of the adjunctive periodontal treatment on a daily basis or every 48 h. However, further studies are needed to recommend this system as a routine therapeutic modality.