Alternative Chitosan Based Drug Delivery System to Fight Oral Mucositis: Synergy of Conventional and Bioactives Towards the Optimal Solution

Chitosan based novel occlusive bioadhesive system for prophylaxis and/or treatment of oral mucositis based on chitosan, suitable surfactants (Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide and Polyquaternium-1 (Polyquad®)) and Propolis ethanolic extract were developed and evaluated in this investigation. The positive synergy was observed combined the antifungal and antioxidant capacity of synthetic and natural biomaterials into functional biocompatible gel. The in vitro antioxidant capacity (free radical scavenging by ORAC and intrinsic reducing capacity by Folin-Ciocalteu Method) was quantified and the influence of antioxidant capacity of Propolis extract on the rate of release of nystatin, from chitosan based material was investigated. These copolymer systems are able to release the drug over several weeks and therefore may be useful as a drug carrier in the treatment of oral mucosatis.