Formulation of chitosan-based ciprofloxacin and diclofenac film for periodontitis therapy

Purpose: This study was designed to develop and evaluate chitosan films containing ciprofloxacin and diclofenac sodium for the topical treatment of periodontitis. Methods: Chitosan films containing ciprofloxacin alone and in combination with diclofenac sodium were prepared by solvent casting method. Some of the drug-loaded films were crosslinked with 2% gluteraldehyde for 2 and 4 h, respectively. The films were then evaluated for their physicochemical properties including weight variation, thickness, tensile strength, in vitro release, stability and antibacterial activity. Results: Mean weight and thickness data showed that the different films were uniform. Tensile strength was maximum for drug-free films and minimum for films containing the highest amount of drug(s). In vitro drug release data indicate that the films showed an initial burst release followed by sustained release of the drug(s). Films stored at refrigerated conditions exhibited slower degradation rate. The drug-loaded films that were crosslinked for 4 h had inhibitory effect on Staph mutans for up to 24 days. Conclusion: The study suggests that crosslinked chitosan film containing ciprofloxacin and diclofenac is a potential drug delivery device for the topical treatment of periodontitis. Good physicochemical properties were shown by the films.