Preparation of Artificial Saliva Formulation

Abstract

Dry mouth or throat (xerostomia) is a clinical condition characterized by desiccation of the intraoral tissues. Patients with chronic or temporary sensation of dry mouth need some kind of treatment to relieve the symptoms. Causes of dry mouth include medications, autoimmune disease (Sjogren’s syndrome), radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer, hormone disorders and infections. The project is important not only because saliva substitutes are not manufactured locally, but also because most saliva substitutes use mucin (porcin in origin). Therefore there is a need to produce one with other source which has properties to mucin itself. The objective of this project is to produce saliva substitutes that can serve as mouth and throat lubricants. The first step was pre-formulation studies that involved characterization of active ingredients (physical, chemical, and mechanical properties) in order to choose what other ingredients (excipients) should be used in the preparation. Formulation studies also considered such factors as solubility, viscosity, and pH. The last step was assessment of safety and stability of the final product. The new artificial saliva formulations containing various ratios of SCMC (Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), MC (methyl cellulose) and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methycellulose) have been developed. Combination of cellulose derivatives and albumin in these formulations resulted in the physical properties of these new artificial saliva substitutes closely resembling human saliva and mucin-based saliva substitutes. Formula we choose were the most suitable formulae due to their viscosity and pH properties which closely resemble human saliva and mucin based saliva substitutes.