Comparative Study of Chlorhexidine-Loaded Microneedle Patches vs Gels in Local Periodontal Therapy.

Background: Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, requires effective local antimicrobial therapy. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a gold-standard antimicrobial, but conventional gel delivery faces limitations in sustained release and pocket penetration. Materials and Methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial was conducted with 60 periodontitis patients (30 per group). Clinical parameters (probing depth - PD, clinical attachment level - CAL, bleeding on probing - BOP) and microbial counts (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: PD reduction: Significantly greater in MN patch group at 3 months (2.8 ± 0.6 mm vs. 1.9 ± 0.5 mm, P < 0.001) and 6 months (3.1 ± 0.7 mm vs. 2.2 ± 0.6 mm, P < 0.001). CAL gain: Superior in the MN group at 6 months (2.5 ± 0.8 mm vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 mm, P = 0.002). Microbial reduction: Significantly higher for both pathogens in the MN group at all time points (P < 0.01). Patient discomfort: Lower with MN patches (15% vs. 45%, P = 0.008). Conclusion: CHX-loaded MN patches demonstrate superior clinical and antimicrobial efficacy with enhanced patient comfort compared to gels, representing a promising advancement in localized periodontal therapy.