Oral mucosal ulcerations expose connective tissue to different pathogens and this can progress to systemic
infection. This study aimed to synthesize environmentally-friendly films with
chitosan and protic
ionic liquids, possessing mucoadhesive properties, activity against opportunistic microorganisms, enhanced malleability and mechanical resistance to be used as a
wound dressing on the oral mucosa. Therefore, films with
chitosan and 10, 35, and 50 % (wt/wt) of 2-hydroxy diethylammonium
lactate,
salicylate, and
maleate protic
ionic liquids were synthesized. Thickness measurements and mechanical properties analysis were performed. In addition, oral mucoadhesion, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity properties were investigated. Results showed that the addition of 35wt% and 50wt% of all kinds of protic
ionic liquids tested presented significant improvements in film thickness and mechanical properties. Films based on
chitosan and the protic
ionic liquid 2-hydroxy diethylammonium
salicylate at percentages of 35 and 50wt% exhibited superior mucoadhesive properties, antimicrobial activity on opportunistic microorganisms and an improvement in their flexibility after immersion in synthetic saliva. Cytotoxicity results suggest that all kinds of
chitosan/protic
ionic liquids films tested are safe for intra-oral use. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that these materials could be good candidates for efficient and environmentally-friendly
wound dressing films on the oral mucosa.