Application of diverse natural polymers in the design of oral gels for the treatment of periodontal diseases

The objective of this study was to prepare periodontal gels using natural polymers such as badam gum, karaya gum and chitosan. These gels were tested for their physical and biochemical properties and assessed for their antibacterial activity against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus mutans, two pathogens associated with periodontal disease. Badam gum, karaya gum and chitosan were used to prepare gels of varying concentrations. Moxifloxacin hydrochloride, a known antimicrobial drug was choosen in the present study and it was added to the above gels. The gels were then run through a battery of tests in order to determine their physical properties such as pH and viscosity. Diffusion studies were carried out on the gels containing the drug. Antimicrobial testing of the gels against various bacteria was then carried out to determine the effectiveness of the gels against these pathogens. The results showed that natural polymers can be used to produce gels. These gels do not have inherent antimicrobial properties against A. actinomycetemcomitans and S. mutans. However, they can be used as a transport vehicle to carry and release antimicrobial drugs.