Autor(es)

Calixto, Giovana Maria Fioramonti ; Pestana, Aylla Mesquita ; Bezerra, Arthur Antunes Costa ; Luiz, Marcela Tavares ; Duarte, Jonatas Lobato ; Chorilli, Marlus ; Franz-Montan, Michelle

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: PHARMACEUTICALS; v. 18, n. 8, p. 26-pg., 2025-08-06.

Resumo

Background: Local anesthesia is essential for most dental procedures, but its parenteral administration is often painful. Topical anesthetics are commonly used to minimize local anesthesia pain; however, commercial formulations fail to fully prevent the discomfort of local anesthetic injection. Methods: We developed and characterized a novel lidocaine and epinephrine co-loaded liquid crystalline precursor system (LCPS) for topical anesthesia. The formulation was structurally characterized using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Rheological behavior was assessed through continuous and oscillatory rheological analyses. Texture profile analysis, in vitro mucoadhesive force evaluation, in vitro drug release and permeation studies, and an in vivo toxicity assay using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model were also conducted. Results: PLM and SAXS confirmed the transition of the LCPS from a microemulsion to a lamellar liquid crystalline structure upon contact with artificial saliva. This transition enhanced formulation consistency by over 100 times and tripled mucoadhesion strength. The LCPS also provided controlled drug release, reducing permeation flow by 93% compared to the commercial formulation. Importantly, the CAM assay indicated that the LCPS exhibited similar toxicity to the commercial product. Conclusions: The developed LCPS demonstrated promising physicochemical and biological properties for topical anesthesia, including enhanced mucoadhesion, controlled drug delivery, and acceptable biocompatibility. These findings support its potential for in vivo application and future clinical use to reduce pain during dental anesthesia procedures. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 19/07245-5 - Lidocaína e epinefrina co-incorporadas em sistemas precursores de cristais líquidos mucoadesivos como estratégia para anestesia tópica na cavidade bucal
• Beneficiário: Giovana Maria Fioramonti Calixto Balian
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 20/03786-9 - Sistemas de liberação para anestesia tópica em odontologia: avaliação in vitro e in vivo
• Beneficiário: Michelle Franz Montan Braga Leite
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular