Thiolated Moringa Exudate Gum as Improved Bio-Mucoadhesive Agent in the Formulations of Dental Paste and Gel

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of the current study were to synthesize thiolated moringa exudate gum (TMEG) via thiolation of moringa exudate gum (MEG) and to evaluate TMEG as an improved bio-mucoadhesive agent in semi-solid formulations like dental paste and gel. MEG-and TMEG-based mucoadhesive dental pastes of aceclofenac and mucoadhesive gels of metronidazole were prepared and changes in bio-mucoadhesion capability were studied. Methods: In the current study, extracted MEG was modified to synthesize TMEG via thiolation (by utilizing thioglycolic acid in an acidic milieu) to study improvement in bio-mucoadhesive capability. MEG-and TMEG-based mucoadhesive dental pastes of 1% w/w aceclofenac and mucoadhesive gels of 1% w/w metronidazole were prepared with MEG and TMEG (as mucoadhesive excipient) in order to evaluate a comparative view of improvement in bio-mucoadhesion. Results: The yield percentage of TMEG was found to be 44.62% and the thiol group in TMEG was found 4.17 mmol of thiol group/g of MEG. FTIR analysis results indicated the thiolation of MEG in the synthesized TMEG. Both types of semi-solid formulations (mucoadhesive dental pastes of 1% w/w aceclofenac and mucoadhesive gels of 1% w/w metronidazole) prepared using TMEG as mucoadhesive excipient exhibited excellent improved ex vivo bio-mucoadhesion and a sustained pattern of drug-releasing over a prolonged period. Conclusion: The synthesized TMEG can be used as an improved mucoadhesive agent in the designing of bio-mucoadhesive semi-solid formulations for prolonged drug delivery.