Comparison of the drug delivery properties of different biocompatible polymer–matrix materials with potential as intra-oral devices

Abstract

The application of polymers as the drug delivery systems for treating oral infections is a relatively new area of research. The present study was to test and compare the drug release properties of several biocompatible polymeric materials such as EVA copolymer, methacrylate copolymers (poly(EMA-co-HMA)) and polymer blends of poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) and poly(n-hexyl methacrylate) (PHMA). The effects of polymer composition, drug loading and solubilizing surfactants on the release of the antibacterial drug chlorhexidine diacetate (CHDA), the antifungal drug, nystatin (NYS), and the antiviral drug, acyclovir (ACY), have been studied. Measurements of the in vitro rate of drug release showed a sustained release of drug over extended periods of time. Different polymers showed different drug release rates and EVA copolymer gave the highest rate. Drug release rates increased steadily with increasing drug load and with the addition of surfactants. This study demonstrates that the three therapeutic agents exhibited a sustained rate of drug release from polymers over extended periods of time. By varying polymer compositions as well as the drug concentration (loading), it is possible to control the drug release rates to a desired value. The drug release rate is enhanced by addition of surfactants that solubilize drugs in the polymers. Current treatment of oral infections consists of systemic administration of therapeutic agents at very high concentrations leading to significant toxicity levels and morbidity. In order to avoid serious side effects, an oral drug delivery device based on these polymeric materials has shown significant promise and potential to deliver the drugs directly to the site of infections.