This study describes the design/physicochemical properties of
strontium-containing, mucoadhesive
carbohydrate polymeric platforms, designed as treatments for
dentine hypersensitivity. Interactive networks were composed of
strontium chloride (10% w/w), one of two base
polymers (
sodium carboxymethylcellulose, NaCMC or
hydroxyethylcellulose, HEC),
polycarbophil (PC) and, when required,
polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The physicochemical properties were characterised using oscillatory and flow rheometry, texture profile analysis, mucoadhesion analysis and, additionally, the
strontium release properties were examined. All platforms exhibited pseudoplastic flow. Increasing
polymer concentrations increased network viscoelasticity, consistency, hardness, compressibility, gel strength, adhesiveness, mucoadhesion and, retarded
strontium release. Principally zero-order
strontium release was observed from all platforms. Incorporation of
strontium reduced the network elasticity, consistency, hardness, compressibility, gel strength and mucoadhesion; HEC-based platforms being affected to a greater extent than NaCMC platforms. NaCMC-based platforms containing 10%
strontium chloride, PVP (3% w/w) and PC (3% w/w) potentially displayed the correct balance of physicochemical properties for the treatment of
dentine sensitivity.