EUCALYPTUS-COLLAGEN COMPOSITE GELS FOR DENTISTRY APPLICATIONS

Composite gels based on collagen and eucalyptus oil were prepared in order to be used in dentistry. The main components such as beta-Cymene (32.1%), Eucalyptol (36.59%), Cryptone (4.35%) and Spathulenol (3.82%) of Eucalyptus camadulensis Dehnh. essential oil were determined by GC-MS. The eucalyptus oil dissolved in different concentration of ethanol (4 and 8% v/v) was embedded in collagen gels (0.4 and 0.8% w/w) and crosslinked with tannic acid (0.2 and 0.4% w/w). The stability of gels was depending on collagen concentration, only the gels with 0.8% of collagen being stable. The rheological analysis of composite gels showed that formulation containing a combination of ethanol and tannic acid at the ratio of 8% v/v: 0.4% w/w resulted in the highest consistency index and yield stress. All the 0.8% collagen gels exhibited a suitable pseudoplastic behaviour and could be recommended for an adequate administration in the oral cavity.