A new degradable controlled release device for treatment of periodontal disease: in vitro release study.

The substantivity of a drug in the periodontal pocket is an important factor determining its effect on the subgingival flora. Therefore, one of the predominant factors in the development of a sustained release delivery device is the ability to control the rate of release of the drug. Previous studies have demonstrated the advantages of the local sustained release of chlorhexidine from nondegradable devices in the treatment of periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to develop a degradable sustained release device composed of a cross-linked protein containing chlorhexidine as the therapeutic agent. The in vitro release profile of chlorhexidine from the degradable films was altered by the amount of chlorhexidine incorporated into the film, by the cross-link density of the polymer, and by the chlorhexidine salt used. The chlorhexidine in the final pharmaceutical preparation did not lose its antibacterial activity as was shown in an in vitro antibacterial test. This work demonstrates that the release of chlorhexidine from a degradable delivery system and the degradation of the matrix can be controlled by variation in the formulation. This presents a new dental drug delivery system that can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontal diseases in the future. These studies enable us to choose the pharmaceutical formulations for clinical trials to be conducted testing the efficacy of this treatment modality.