In vitro studies into the release of chlorhexidine acetate, prednisolone sodium phosphate, and prednisolone alcohol from cold cure denture base acrylic.

An investigation was carried out into the release of chlorhexidine acetate, prednisolone sodium phosphate, and prednisolone alcohol from a cold cured acrylic denture base material. The drugs were added at 10% w/w with the powder phase of the material. Water, at the concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the monomer phase of the material was added to chlorhexidine-containing and chlorhexidine-free samples. Spectrophotometric and bioassay measurements of the release of chlorhexidine demonstrated protracted delivery to 140 days. The daily release rate was increased by the addition of water to the material and at 30% water incorporation the release was greater and increased up to 190 days. The release pattern of prednisolone sodium phosphate was similar to that of chlorhexidine without the addition of water. Prednisolone alcohol was released for a much shorter period and at lower levels. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the polished, etched, and fractured surfaces of the material demonstrated that chlorhexidine acetate and prednisolone sodium phosphate were incorporated into the interbead matrix areas of the material. The irregularities in the material increased with the addition of water. Prednisolone alcohol produced minimal changes in the specimens except after soaking in water for 140 days when numerous small defects could be seen in the matrix zones at high magnification. The use of materials such as water to increase porosity appears a simple method of improving the release pattern of drugs from acrylic. However, the strength of the resulting material would require support from an existing intraoral prosthesis or appliance.