Development of biopolymeric wafers for buccal delivery of nanostructured drugs

Abstract

Exposure to bisphosphonates, antiangiogenic agents and radiotherapy may lead the dental patient to a medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Bacterial infection plays an important role in the development of this disease; thus, oral formulations with antimicrobials may be prophylactic and therapeutic for such clinical condition. Nanotechnology can optimize the delivery of active substances, since nanoparticles (NPs) can increase bioavailability, reduce toxicity and release the drug in a modified and targeted fashion. However, there are barriers in the oral delivery of drugs through NPs, such as the washout caused by saliva; early degradation of NPs; release of the drug with burst effect and aggregation of the particles. Avoidance or attenuation of these drawbacks can be done by dispersing these NPs in micro or macro matrix (NP-in-matrix). These combined systems are still poorly explored in the literature but helpful for improving biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic aspects of formulations. Thus, this project comprises developing a NP-in-matrix system composed of biopolymeric oral wafers containing antibiotic-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and testing their potential antimicrobial activity in vitro. The formulations will be subjected to physical-chemical characterization, in vitro release/permeation profiles and in vitro antimicrobial activity against oral microorganisms. Besides the contribution as a potential alternative to prevent mandibular osteonecrosis, the formulations may be applied to other oral conditions caused by bacteria and contribute significantly to the knowledge about release kinetics of combined systems. (AU)