Design of Thymol Loaded Dental In Situ Gels; In Vitro Evaluation

Abstract

Objetive: The aim of the study was to develop thymol thermosensitive in situ gels based on poloxamers in order to prolong dental contact time, control drug release, and enhance dental bioavailability. Materials and Methods: Poloxamer 188 (P188) and poloxamer 407 (P407) were used in varying amounts to designed the in situ gels. Mucoadhesive excipient, like hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), was transferred to the in situ gels to improve the formulation's ability to adhere to biological surfaces. For the created formulations, in vitro drug release, pH, clarity, and sol-gel transition temperature were all evaluated.Results: The all of in situ gels gelation temperatures of the developed formulations range from 33 to 37°C, pH values are around 7, and syringeability is defined as the amount of force necessary to discharge each formulation from a syringe fitted with a 20-gauge needle. The quantities of P407 and HPMC with the preparations, decreasing in vitro burst release while also increasing the viscosity but every in situ gel formulation releases for six hours. Conclusion:The results show that in situ gels containing P407 and P188 show promise for thymol dental application.