Development and in vitro evaluation of a xylitol/erythritol carbomer gel for xerostomia relief.

Abstract

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, significantly impairs oral health and quality of life. Artificial saliva formulations can provide symptomatic relief and protect oral tissues. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a xylitol/erythritol-based Carbomer gel as an artificial saliva substitute. The gel formulation was prepared and characterized for physicochemical properties, mucoadhesion, and antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), biofilm inhibition, and biofilm disruption were assessed using standardized microbiological assays with triplicate replicates. The formulated gel demonstrated optimal pH (~ 8), appropriate viscosity, and a mucoadhesive duration of 50 min. Compared to a commercial control (Mucosamin), the gel showed superior antimicrobial effects with MIC and MBC values of X/256 and X/128, respectively. Biofilm inhibition reached 72.3% at the MIC concentration, significantly higher than the control (60.1%, p < 0.05). Biofilm disruption was similarly enhanced. This xylitol/erythritol Carbomer gel shows promising physicochemical and antimicrobial properties for xerostomia relief. While in vitro findings indicate potential clinical utility, further studies, including clinical trials, are warranted to confirm efficacy and safety.