Mucoadhesive nanofibrous membrane with anti-inflammatory activity

Fabrication of Periodontal Membrane From Nelumbo nucifera: A Novel Approach for Dental Applications

Background The periodontal membrane plays a crucial role in tooth support and maintenance. Natural materials with biocompatible and bioactive properties are of interest for periodontal membrane fabrication. Nelumbo nucifera, known for its therapeutic properties, presents a potential source for such materials. Aim This study aimed to fabricate a periodontal membrane from N. nucifera and evaluate its biocompatibility and potential for periodontal tissue regeneration. Materials and methods N. nucifera stems were collected dried, and aqueous extract was prepared. The extracted material was then processed into a membrane scaffold using a standardized fabrication method. The fabricated membrane was characterized by its physical and chemical properties. Biocompatibility was assessed using human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF) cells cultured on the membrane, followed by viability, proliferation, and anti-microbial assays. Results The fabricated N. nucifera membrane exhibited a porous structure with suitable mechanical properties for periodontal membrane application. The membrane supported the adhesion, viability, and proliferation of hPDLF cells in vitro. Conclusion The fabrication of a periodontal membrane from N. nucifera shows promise as a natural and biocompatible material for periodontal tissue regeneration. Further studies are warranted to explore its clinical potential in periodontal therapy.

Cobalt/Bioglass Nanoparticles Enhanced Dermal Regeneration in a 3-Layered Electrospun Scaffold

Purpose

Due to the multilayered structure of the skin tissue, the architecture of its engineered scaffolds needs to be improved. In the present study, 45s5 bioglass nanoparticles were selected to induce fibroblast proliferation and their protein secretion, although cobalt ions were added to increase their potency.

Methods

A 3-layer scaffold was designed as polyurethane (PU) - polycaprolactone (PCL)/ collagen/nanoparticles-PCL/collagen. The scaffolds examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), tensile, surface hydrophilicity and weight loss. Biological tests were performed to assess cell survival, adhesion and the pattern of gene expression.

Results

The mechanical assay showed the highest young modulus for the scaffold with the doped nanoparticles and the water contact angle of this scaffold after chemical crosslinking of collagen was reduced to 52.34±7.7°. In both assessments, the values were statistically compared to other groups. The weight loss of the corresponding scaffold was the highest value of 82.35±4.3 % due to the alkaline effect of metal ions and indicated significant relations in contrast to the scaffold with non-doped particles and bare one (P value<0.05). Moreover, better cell expansion, greater cell confluence and a lower degree of toxicity were confirmed. The up-regulation of TGF β1 and VEGF genes introduced this scaffold as a better model for the fibroblasts commitment to a new skin tissue among bare and nondoped scaffold (P value<0.05).

Conclusion

The 3-layered scaffold which is loaded with cobalt ions-bonded bioglass nanoparticles, is a better substrate for the culture of the fibroblasts.

A biomimetic multi-layer scaffold with collagen and zinc doped bioglass as a skin-regeneration agent in full-thickness injuries and its effects in vitro and in vivo

Due to the multilayer structure of skin tissue, the fabrication of a 3-layer scaffold could result in planned dermal regeneration. Herein, polyurethane (PU) and polycaprolactone (PCL), as a function of their mechanical stability and collagen due to its arginine-glycine-aspartic acid sequences, zinc ions because of overcoming the common problems of biological factors were employed. The scaffolds' physical, mechanical, and biological properties were examined by SEM, FTIR, contact angle, mechanical tensile, bacteriocidal efficacy, and hemolysis. Also, after L-929 fibroblast seeding, their biological activity was determined by SEM, DAPI, and MTT assays. Then, the cell-seeded scaffolds were implanted in full-thickness wounds of rats and evaluated by wound closure, histological, and molecular techniques. The in vivo studies showed better wound closure with the composite scaffold containing zinc ions. While its dermal re-organization was retarded in the presence of zinc ions compared to the composite scaffold containing non-doped bioglass. Despite this, the doped composite scaffold indicated better observations with the histological evaluations than the nontreated and bare scaffold groups. Real-time PCR confirmed the higher expression of FGF2 and FGFR genes in rats treated with the zinc-doped composite scaffold. In conclusion, PU/PCL-collagen/PCL-collagen containing the doped or non-doped nanoparticles showed better potential to heal dermal injuries.

Clinical evaluation of chitosan/polycaprolactone nanofibrous scaffolds releasing tetracycline hydrochloride in periodontal pockets of patients with chronic periodontitis

Background

The role of bacteria in the initiation and progression of periodontitis has led to a great interest in using antibiotics to suppress pathogenic microbiota. Considering the drawbacks of systemic antibiotics' application, local delivery systems directly in the periodontal pocket can be helpful. Therefore, the effect of an efficient tetracycline-loaded delivery system was investigated on the clinical parameters of periodontitis.

Methods

In this clinical trial with a split-mouth design, 10 patients with periodontitis with pocket depths≥5 mm were included. After scaling and root planing (SRP) for all the patients, one side of the mouth was randomly considered as the control group, and on the other side, chitosan/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous films containing tetracycline (5%) were placed in pockets of 5 mm and deeper. Clinical measurements of pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) indices were made at the beginning and after 8 weeks of intervention. PPD, CAL, and BOP parameters were compared between the control and test groups before and after the intervention with paired t tests using SPSS 24. The significance level of the tests was considered at P<0.05.

Results

The mean PPD, CAL, and BOP in both the control (SRP) and test (LDDs) groups decreased after 8 weeks. A significant difference was detected in reducing PPD, BOP, and CAL after 8 weeks in 5-mm pockets, and the mean values were higher in the test group than in the control (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The local drug delivery system using chitosan/PCL nanofibrous films containing tetracycline can effectively control periodontal diseases by reducing pocket depth and inflammation and improving CAL without offering side effects, although further evaluations are needed.

Recent Progress of Electrospun Herbal Medicine Nanofibers

Herbal medicine has a long history of medical efficacy with low toxicity, side effects and good biocompatibility. However, the bioavailability of the extract of raw herbs and bioactive compounds is poor because of their low water solubility. In order to overcome the solubility issues, electrospinning technology can offer a delivery alternative to resolve them. The electrospun fibers have the advantages of high specific surface area, high porosity, excellent mechanical strength and flexible structures. At the same time, various natural and synthetic polymer-bound fibers can mimic extracellular matrix applications in different medical fields. In this paper, the development of electrospinning technology and polymers used for incorporating herbal medicine into electrospun nanofibers are reviewed. Finally, the recent progress of the applications of these herbal medicine nanofibers in biomedical (drug delivery, wound dressing, tissue engineering) and food fields along with their future prospects is discussed.

Advances in the Application of Electrospun Drug-Loaded Nanofibers in the Treatment of Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers affect oral and systemic health and have high prevalence in the population. There are significant individual differences in the etiology and extent of the disease among patients. In the treatment of oral ulcers, nanofiber films can control the drug-release rate and enable long-term local administration. Compared to other drug-delivery methods, nanofiber films avoid the disadvantages of frequent administration and certain side effects. Electrospinning is a simple and effective method for preparing nanofiber films. Currently, electrospinning technology has made significant breakthroughs in energy-saving and large-scale production. This paper summarizes the polymers that enable oral mucosal adhesion and the active pharmaceutical ingredients used for oral ulcers. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of currently available electrospun nanofiber films on oral ulcers in animal experiments and clinical trials are investigated. In addition, solvent casting and cross-linking methods can be used in conjunction with electrospinning techniques. Based on the literature, more administration systems with different polymers and loading components can be inspired. These administration systems are expected to have synergistic effects and achieve better therapeutic effects. This not only provides new possibilities for drug-loaded nanofibers but also brings new hope for the treatment of oral ulcers.

Chitosan/PEO nanofibers containing Calendula officinalis extract: Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation for wound healing applications

Wound healing is a complex pathophysiological process, highlighting the importance of effective and thorough wound care along with the prevention of wound infection, a major barrier that can slow down or even disrupt the healing process. To date, there are plenty of herbal plants well known and historically supernatural, showing profound wound healing effects. Application of such herbal extracts/ingredients in electrospun nanofiber platforms has shown promising outcomes in improving wound healing process. Based on these facts, we loaded Calendula officinalis extract (CO) in chitosan/polyethylene oxide scaffolds (CS/PEO) by electrospinning. Using SEM, morphology of electrospun scaffolds showed a narrow range of fiber diameter, around 143--252 nm, with uniform and bead-free appearance. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CO extract in nanofibrous scaffolds. Of importance, incorporation of CO extract improved mechanical properties of CS/PEO nanofibers. A 1602 cP reduction in viscosity and a 0.892 ms/cm increase in the conductivity of the solution was observed after addition of the CO extract. CO extract showed strong antibacterial properties with 96% and 94% reduction in Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, respectively. In vitro studies with fibroblast cells confirmed enhanced proliferation, growth and attachment of the cells. The in vivo and histological analysis of rat wounds, revealed excellent wound healing ability of CS/PEO/CO dressings (87.5 % wound closure after 14 days) via improving collagen synthesis, re-epithelization and remodeling of the tissue. In sum, our findings show that CS/PEO/CO scaffolds can be used as a promising dressing for the treatment of skin wounds.

Current status and future of delivery systems for prevention and treatment of infections in the oral cavity

Oral health reflects the general health, and it is fundamental to well-being and quality of life. An infection in the oral cavity can be associated with serious complications in human health. Local therapy of these infections offers many advantages over systemic drug administration, targeting directly to the diseased area while minimizing systemic side effects. Specialized drug delivery systems into the oral cavity have to be designed in such a fashion that they resist to the aqueous environment that is constantly bathed in saliva and subject to mechanical forces. Additionally, a prolonged release of drug should also be provided, which would enhance the efficacy and also decrease the repeated dosing. This review is aimed to summarize the current most relevant findings related to local drug delivery of various drug groups for prevention and treatment of infections (viral, bacterial, fungal) and infection-related manifestations in the oral cavity. Current therapeutic challenges in regard to effective local drug delivery systems will be discussed, and the recent approaches to overcome these obstacles will be reviewed. Finally, future prospects will be overviewed to promote novel strategies that can be implemented in clinical management for prevention and treatment of oral infections.

Mucoadhesive Electrospun Fibre-Based Technologies for Oral Medicine

Oral disease greatly affects quality of life, as the mouth is required for a wide range of activities including speech, food and liquid consumption. Treatment of oral disease is greatly limited by the dose forms that are currently available, which suffer from short contact times, poor site specificity, and sensitivity to mechanical stimulation. Mucoadhesive devices prepared using electrospinning offer the potential to address these challenges by allowing unidirectional site-specific drug delivery through intimate contact with the mucosa and with high surface areas to facilitate drug release. This review will discuss the range of electrospun mucoadhesive devices that have recently been reported to address oral inflammatory diseases, pain relief, and infections, as well as new treatments that are likely to be enabled by this technology in the future.