Sustained release of tetracycline from polymeric periodontal inserts prepared by extrusion

The specific aim of this study was to prepare polymeric inserts containing tetracycline that are intended for intraperiodontal pocket application. The inserts were prepared by a simple extrusion method and based on mixtures of polyvinyl alcohol, glyceryl behenate, xanthan gum, carrageenan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and hyaluronic acid in addition to tetracycline HCL. The inserts were characterized regarding average weight, diameter, water content, and average tetracycline content. Zero-order release kinetics of tetracycline were observed in case of three of the four batches of the prepared inserts with release profiles that were essentially similar. The release of the drug was incomplete in all cases. This was due, as shown by the equilibrium dialysis tests, to tetracycline binding by the polymers. However, the inserts performed more than 7 days drug sustained release which indicates promising results for local delivery of tetracycline for treatment of periodontal disease. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010