Fabrication and Characterization of Azithromycin-Loaded Niosomes for Periodontitis Treatment
Azithromycin (AZM) is a potential drug for periodontitis treatment, but its poor water solubility could be problematic for local delivery to periodontal tissues. Entrapping AZM, which is a hydrophobic drug into niosomes, could effectively deliver drugs to the target site. This study aimed to design and fabricate azithromycin-loaded niosomes (NAZ) with desirable properties for intra-periodontal pocket administration. Span 60 and cholesterol were used to prepare niosomes with modified reverse phase evaporation method. NAZ were characterized and the effects of niosome composition were investigated. In vitro release and cell viability were evaluated. The results of this study indicated that with the specific ratio of Span 60 and cholesterol, the particle sizes of niosomes were in nano-sized (319 nm) with optimal zeta potential (-39.57 mV). Controlled release of AZM was achieved with release kinetic followed zero order model. NAZ exhibited low toxicity as cell viability was comparable to negative control.