Customized Release of Metronidazole From Composite Casted Rings of Poly-Caprolactone/Alginate for Periodontal Drug Delivery Available to Purchase

Dental implants provide support for dental crowns and bridges by serving as abutments for the replacement of missing teeth. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a novel method of controlled localized delivery of antibacterial agents to an implant site using a custom fabricated ring. The study involved incorporating a model antibacterial agent (metronidazole) into custom designed Poly-ε-Caprolactone/Alginate (PCL/Alginate) composite rings to produce the intended controlled release profile. In vitro release studies indicate that pure (100%) alginate rings exhibited an expected burst release of metronidazole in the first few hours, whereas Alginate/PCL composite rings produced a medium burst release followed by a sustained release for a period greater than 4 weeks. By varying the PCL/Alginate weight ratios, we have shown that we can control the amount of antibacterial agents released to provide the minimal inhibitory concentration needed for adequate protection. The developed system demonstrates a controllable drug release profile and the potential for the ring to inhibit bacterial biofilm growth for the prevention of diseases such as peri-implantitis resulting from bacterial infection at the implant site.