Sustained release of azithromycin from lipid liquid-crystalline nanoparticles laden in situ gel for the treatment of periodontitis: In vitro and efficacy study

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting teeth, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Current treatment options include surgery or oral antibiotics. Oral dosage forms shows systemic side effects due to frequent dosing and it failed to reach the therapeutic concentration in the periodontal cavity. In this work, a novel in situ gel loaded with azithromycin laden lipid liquid-crystalline nanoparticles (cubosomes) was formulated for effective treatment of periodontitis. Cubosomes were prepared using DL-α-monoolein (MO) and Pluronic®F-127, and characterized for size, zeta potential, shape, and entrapment efficacy. In situ gel laden cubosomes were evaluated for pH, drug content, viscosity, syringeability, mucoadhesive strength, texture profile, gelation temperature, gel strength, in vitro release profile, antimicrobial activity and in vivo efficacy in rat model. Cubosomal size (137–450 nm) and entrapment efficacy (74–88%) increases with increase in the level of MO. The in situ gel-cubosomal batches showed sufficient viscosity (878–956 cp), syringeability (125–150N), mucoadhesive strength (25.7–26.2 dyne/cm2), gelation temperature (34.3–35.3oC), gel strength (45–51 s), and texture profile for periodontal application. The in vitro release profiles showed sustain azithromycin release for 24h from the in situ gel-cubosomal gels compared to 4h from the marketed azithromycin gel. The in vivo studies (alveolar bone loss and histopathology) in rat model confirmed the efficacy of in situ gel to treat periodontitis at low frequency of dosing compared to marketed gel. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the potential of cubosomes to sustain the release of azithromycin from in situ gelling system for effective treatment of periodontitis.

Local Delivery of Azithromycin Nanoformulation Attenuated Acute Lung Injury in Mice

“…A sustained release pattern of AZ from the lipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles was reported. These formulations provided better efficacy in the management of periodontitis [ 44 ]. Given these findings, we speculated that the current AZ formulation could allow a prolonged effect in lung tissues with once-daily dosing…”

Poloxamer 407 modified collagen/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold for localized delivery of alendronate

“…13,14 Due to its favorable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tolerability, P-407 has been employed in drug delivery systems. 15,16 However, its limited mechanical strength and rapid degradation in physiological environment have hindered its clinical application. 14,17 To address these limitations, researchers have incorporated various additives into P-407, such as viscosity modifiers, inorganic salt or crosslinking agent.…”