Chlorhexidine-loaded xanthan gum-based biopolymers for targeted, sustained release of antiseptic agent

Abstract

We engineered a chlorhexidine-loaded xanthan gum-based biopolymer for the targeted release of antiseptic agent. To increase the viscosity and adherent properties of the xanthan gum scaffold, biocompatible materials were prepared and added to the scaffold. The chlorhexidine-loaded xanthan gum was gelated prior to physicochemical characterization, and exhibited shear-thinning behavior. Rheological studies were performed to measure biopolymer viscosity using a Brookfield viscometor. As xanthan gum concentration increased, biopolymer viscosity increased as well. Addition of various biocompatible materials resulted in higher or similar viscosities as compared to the chlorhexidine-loaded xanthan gum-based chlorhexidine biopolymer. In this study, we prepared biocompatible, antiseptic, xanthan gum-based biopolymers for the targeted delivery of chlorhexidine. Similar biomaterials may have potential as effective local treatment modalities for temporary disinfection purpose in medical applications.