cross-linking

A class of polymeric materials known as hydrogel products have a hydrophilic structure that allows them to store enormous amounts of water in their three-dimensional networks. More than any other form of synthetic biomaterial, they most nearly resemble genuine living tissue because of their high water content, porosity, and soft consistency. Hydrogels may also be prepared into a wide range of physical forms, such as coatings, films, microparticles, and slabs. Hydrogels are so often utilized in clinical practice and medicine for a variety of purposes, such as cellular immobilization, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, diagnostics, separation of biomolecules or cells, and barrier materials to control biological adhesions. This biomaterial has the capacity to expand and store huge volumes of biological fluids. They are mushy when swollen.

An attempt has been made in the present research to formulate periodontal inserts of  Satranidazole (STZ) to increase residence time and prolong drug release. The periodontal inserts were prepared using chitosan, a natural biodegradable polymer. Chitosan inserts containing Satranidazole (10%, 20% and 30% to the weight of polymer) were prepared by solution casting method using 1% v/v acetic acid in water. Further inserts containing 30% Satranidazole were cross-linked by exposing to the vapours of 2% v/v glutaraldehyde in water for two different time period of 2 and 4 hours to retard the release of drug. FTIR and DSC studies revealed that there was no interaction between drug and polymers. The inserts were then evaluated for their physicochemical parameters like uniformity of thickness, weight, folding endurance, % moisture loss, tensile strength; drug content and in vitro drug release studies.  In vitro drug release data indicated that the films showed an initial burst release followed by sustained release of the drug. The drug-loaded films that were not cross linked had released the drug up to 10 days and the films which were cross linked for different duration showed a progressive fall in the release of the drug and extended up to 18 days.