Thermosensitive periodontal sol of ciprofl oxacin hydrochloride and serratiopeptidase: Pharmaceutical and mechanical analysis

Aim: The aim of the present work was to explore the development of a dual-controlled release periodontal system of a potent broad spectrum fi rst-generation fl uoroquinolone, ciprofl oxacin, and the anti-infl ammatory enzyme serratiopeptidase (STP). Materials and Methods: Based on 32 full factorial design, thermoreversible periodontal sols capable of controlled dual delivery of ciprofl oxacin hydrochloride and STP were designed using pluronic F127 and carbopol 934P as thermosensitive gelling polymers. Sol gel transition characteristics, %cumulative drug release at 48th h and exvivo mucoadhesive strength were designated as dependent responses. The sols were mucoadhesive, syringeable, and inverted into gels at simulated periodontal cavity temperature. Results: F9 with optimal drug release was identifi ed as the best formulation. Extra design check point generated using Design Expert software 8.02 (Stat-Ease, USA) validated the experimental design. Textural analysis revealed that the developed sols were syringeable and spreadable enough for periodontal treatment so it can be expected that hardness and compressibility of sols would pose no problem during clinical application. The in vitro release behavior exhibited controlled release of both cipro HCl and STP (>90% release). Conclusion: A dual-controlled release thermoreversible periodontal sol of ciprofl axin and STP was successfully developed. Incorporation of STP as anti-infl ammatory agent has the potential of developing a therapeutically effi cacious system of cipro HCl for treatment of periodontal infl ammatory anaerobic infections.