Moxifloxacin hydrochloride loaded proliposomal gel: Formulation, characterization and therapeutic evaluation of periodontitis

Abstract Periodontitis is a common oral disease which cause irreversible damage to periodontal tissues. This study focuses on the development of a Moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MH) -loaded proliposomal gel designed for prolonged retention in the oral cavity to treat periodontal infections. A novel proliposomal gel containing MH-loaded proliposomes prepared by film dispersion freeze drying method. Moxifloxacin hydrochloride was entrapped within the proliposomal vesicles to enhance localised therapeutic efficacy and minimise systemic side effects. The proliposomal gel formulations were evaluated for entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential and morphological studies. The optimized proliposomes were subjected to gel formation, characterised for mucoadhesiveness, pH and drug content, viscosity and rheological behaviour. The optimised batch was biologically evaluated for irritation and antimicrobial studies.The entrapment efficiency ranged from 70.1% to 91.4%, batch PL4 showed the highest efficiency. The optimised formulation demonstrated 215.2 nm particle size, 0.139 PDI, and -21.7 mV zeta potential. TEM analysis confirmed the formation of spherical bilayer vesicles. The PLG showed good mucoadhesiveness, pH compatibility and drug content. Rheological studies indicated optimal viscosity for prolonged oral retention, and in-vitro release studies showed sustained drug release over 12 hours. Ex-vivo permeation studies revealed improved drug delivery compared to a conventional gel. The formulation exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. and HET CAM showed no signs of irritation, confirming its safety. Thus, Moxifloxacin loaded proliposomal gel (PLG) may offer an effective, stable, and sustained release drug delivery system, enhancing therapeutic outcomes in periodontitis treatment and improving patient compliance.