PNS043 Evaluation of chitosan and carbopol gel with Melaleuca alternifolia oil against pathogenic microorganisms

Abstract

Carbopol and chitosan are substances commonly used in the base formulation of mucoadhesive gels. Carpobol is an anionic synthetic poliacrilic polymer while chitosan is a cationic gelling of natural origin, used in formulations of natural products. There is a great interest in the development of mucoadhesive gels to treat oral or vaginal pathologies, especially which caused by microorganisms. In order to treat these kinds of pathologies, several natural compounds had been evaluated in the last years. One of these is Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree oil, that has a long history of use as a topical antiseptic and, in recent times, has gained a reputation as a safe, natural and effective antiseptic. Considering the broad spectrum of antimicrobial action, this work proposed to develop a new topical formulation focusing to treat oral and vaginal candidiasis.