Synthesis of novel chlorhexidine spheres with controlled release from a UDMA–HEMA resin using ultrasound

Abstract Objective Establish the release kinetics of new chlorhexidine particles incorporated in a dental resin, and with the application of ultrasound. Methods Spherical chlorhexidine particles (SCP) were synthesized (5 wt%), freeze dried and incorporated into UDMA–HEMA resins. Chlorhexidine diacetate (CDP) (5 wt%) was similarly incorporated in separate resins. Resin discs were immersed in deionized water, and a release profile established (650 h). Ultrasound was used to trigger chlorhexidine (CHX) release from the resin discs at specific durations (10–30 s) and time intervals (1–425 h). Chlorhexidine content was determined by UV–vis absorption. The chlorhexidine particles/polymer composites were characterized using TGA, SEM, and confocal microscopy. Results SCP exhibited structures with high chlorhexidine content (90–95%), and a Mean (SD) diameter of 17.2 (2.5) μm which was significantly (p  Significance Chlorhexidine spheres incorporated in a dental resin demonstrated a responsive and lower CHX release. Ultrasound enhanced CHX release and is useful in clinical situations where the drug is required on demand to treat severe or persistent infections.