Study of properties and structure of gels for topical application in post-extraction tooth sockets

The process from an active ingredient to the final medicine requires pre-formulation and stability studies of the product developed under different conditions, as well as the standardization of the extract as raw material. The objective of this work was to characterize formulations for topical application (gels), for use in post-extraction tooth sockets. Materials and methods: The gels were made according to good laboratory practice standards. The pH of the gel formulations was measure with a pH meter (Eutech, Cyberscan) using 1% aqueous solutions of the gels at room temperature. Extensibility was determined with a wooden block and glass slide apparatus. The gel was added and the time it took too completely separate from the fixed was note. The spreading capacity was calculate using formulas (S = W × L / T) The measurement of the consistency of the gels was carried out by dropping a cone from a fixed distance of 10 cm in such a way that it lands in the center of a glass cup filled with the gel. Cone penetration was measured from the surface of the gel to the tip of the cone within the gel. The distance traveled by the cone after 10 seconds was recorded. To analyze the superficial topographic characteristics of the gels, photographs were taken with a confocal microscope. Results: All formulations are in a range of pH values close to neutrality (pH 6.4-6.9). The gel prepared with alendronate presented higher extensibility, while the others showed lower extensibility with similarities between them. The consistency analysis showed no differences between the formulations. The selected formulations presented a brown olive-green color with different intensities; they presented a homogeneous appearance to the naked eye, but heterogeneous when observed under a confocal microscope. Conclusions: In the characterization of the gels, show that they have a variable texture and consistency depends on the type and concentration of the active ingredient used. The most suitable gel formulation was alendronate.