Thermosensitive In-situ gel based on halloysite nanotube/chitosan for site-specific delivery of aceclofenac

Periodontitis, a severe and chronic inflammatory gum disease, necessitates the development of advanced drug delivery strategies due to the limitations of conventional therapies, such as rapid drug clearance and inadequate site-specific retention. This study addresses these challenges by formulating and evaluating a novel aceclofenac-loaded halloysite nanotube (HNT) In-situ gel designed for effective local treatment of periodontitis. Aceclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its potent anti-inflammatory action and reduced gastrointestinal side effects, was encapsulated within HNTs to achieve sustained drug release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. These drug-loaded HNTs were subsequently incorporated into a thermosensitive In-situ gelling system composed of medium molecular weight chitosan, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium β-glycerophosphate. This gel formulation demonstrated favourable properties, including syringeability, swelling capacity, and temperature-responsive gelation at physiological conditions. The comprehensive characterization techniques such as FTIR, SEM, TEM, PXRD, DSC/TGA, confirmed successful drug encapsulation, structural stability, and uniform distribution within the gel matrix. The in vitro release studies revealed a sustained drug release profile, following zero-order and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics, indicative of a Super Case-II transport mechanism. This novel, thermoresponsive local drug delivery system shows strong potential to improve the clinical management of periodontitis by providing prolonged therapeutic action, targeted delivery, and improved patient compliance.