Development of films based on starch and cellulose derivatives containing anesthetics for use in pediatric dentistry.

• Grant number: 24/06674-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Osvaldo de Freitas
• Grantee: Giulia Terra Carloni Dias
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The aversion of patients, especially children, to the infiltrative anesthesia necessary for the practice of surgeries is currently a major problem in the dental area. This project aims to study alternative forms to infiltrative anesthetics in the context of dental procedures, since they generate aversion and fear especially in childhood. In this scenario, the objective is to develop a mucoadhesive film containing anesthetic drugs, being a less invasive pharmaceutical form and, therefore, with the potential for greater acceptability by patients, in addition to being easy to application, possibility of removal and interruption of the release of the drug(s), flexibility and customizable size.The film in question is designed to be inserted into the gingival region, as it is an immobile keratinized mucosa, which allows local and prolonged pharmacological effects. However, there are a series of challenges to be faced, the main ones being: turnover of saliva and oral mucus, reach the dose of interest with a small area of application available (which is even lower in children), homogeneity of the drug in the formulation and drug-formulation compatibility.The constitution of the films is based on a trilaminated system, with an occlusive and insulating external layer, bioadhesive intermediate layer and internal adhesive layer containing anesthetics, which is the layer of interest in the project. In the composition, the starch, a natural polymer with excellent gelatinization and film formation properties, will be used. The films will be physically evaluated for mechanical properties, mucoadhesive capacity and water capture. The release profile will also be evaluated in vitro and in vivo permeation of drugs from the compositions. The quantifications will be carried out by CLAE.