Novel periodontal drug delivery system for treatment of periodontitis

A conceptually novel periodontal drug delivery system (DDS) is described th at is intended for treatment of microbial infections associated with period ontitis. The DDS is a composite wafer with surface layers possessing adhesi ve properties, while the bulk layer consists of antimicrobial agents, biode gradable polymers, and matrix polymers. The wafers contain poly(lactic-co-g lycolic acid) as the main bioerodible component used in the bulk layer and ethyl cellulose applied as a matrix polymer enabling diffusion-controlled r elease. Starch and other polymers in combination with AgNO3 serve as coatin gs adhesive to the teeth. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the wafers are capable of zero-order release of antimicrobial agents such as silver ni trate, benzylpenicillin, and tetracycline, for over 4 weeks. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.