Method: The anti-oxidant/drug carrier gels were prepared by dispersion of the corresponding components in glycerol. Glacial acetic acid (3% w/w) was then added with continuous mixing and finally the chitosan polymer was spread on the surface of the dispersion and mixed well to form the required gel. Near confluent Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells were used to test for the cytotoxicity of the different chitosan hydrogels using the MTT assay. The different hydrogels were added to the growth medium at a concentration of 1mg/ml. Medium without hydrogels was used as controls. Three replicates were done for each hydrogel type.
Results: The cell survival rate after 24 hours exposure was found to be: chitosan/nystatin/propolis (95%), chitosan/propolis/green tea (101%), chitosan/nystatin/propolis/green tea/BSA (104%), chitosan/choline salicylate/nystatin/krill oil (101%), chitosan/choline salicylate/nystatin/without krill oil (94%).
Conclusion: The different combinations of chitosan with the tested anti-oxidants and tested drugs did not influence the cell survival rate significantly (Tukey-Kramer Multiple-Comparison Test) and seemed safe to be used with bonding agents to increase the bond strength.