Fabrication and Appraisal of Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) - Moxifloxacin Nanoparticles using Vitamin E-TPGS: A Potential Intracanal Drug Delivery Agent.

INTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology is gaining momentum in the search for ideal biomaterials by dental researchers. The expansible nature of Endodontology deems exploration, learning and scrutinizing newer avenues which have the potential to be applied and investigated. The popularity of polymers as drug delivery vehicles has opened avenues for their application in the root canal system. This study utilized application of biodegradable polymers as potential drug delivery vehicles against , one of the main reasons for post treatment disease.

AIM

This study aimed at fabricating Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA)-moxifloxacin nanoparticles and assessing its sustained antimicrobial efficacy with calcium hydroxide and chitosan-moxifloxacin hydrogel against .

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PLGA (50:50) in a quantity of 100 mg was dissolved in 1 ml ethyl acetate and 45 ml of 0.3% w/v Vitamin-E Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate (vitamin E-TPGS) was kept for magnetic stirring in separate beaker. Moxifloxacin (50 μl) was added to polymer PLGA following which vitamin E-TPGS was added to the polymer. Nanoparticles were fabricated using ultrasonication and collected by centrifugation. Surface characterization was assessed using scanning electron microscope. Results were obtained in the form of zone of inhibition by the nanoparticles against and comparisons were made with chitosan-moxifloxacin hydrogel and calcium hydroxide using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Student t-test.

RESULTS

Upon statistical analysis, the zone of inhibition against . remained constant with PLGA-moxifloxacin nanoparticles for 14 days while it decreased with chitosan-moxifloxacin hydrogel and remained nil for calcium hydroxide (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The study posits that PLGA encapsulated moxifloxacin nanoparticles showcased sustained antibacterial effect in low doses against the test pathogen. Its sustained and programmed release makes them unique contenders for further evaluation in Endodontics as potential intracanal medicaments.