Formulation and Characterization of Mucoadhesive Polymeric Films Containing Extracts of Taraxaci Folium and Matricariae Flos

Development and Evaluation of Gelatin-Based Gummy Jellies Enriched with Oregano Oil: Impact on Functional Properties and Controlled Release

Functional foods play a crucial role in contemporary dietary strategies. This study investigates the incorporation of oregano oil, a bioactive extract that is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, into gelatin-based gummy jellies to develop functional food products with controlled release properties. The jellies were evaluated for mass uniformity, swelling index, disintegration time, and tensile strength under simulated oral and gastric conditions. The results showed that oregano oil significantly reduced the swelling index (e.g., 128.76 ± 0.67% at pH 5) and prolonged the disintegration time (e.g., 6-18 min across pH environments), highlighting its potential for controlled release. The mechanical strength remained stable (5.2 ± 0.3 N), ensuring structural integrity. These findings suggest that oregano-oil-enriched gummy jellies offer health benefits, although further studies are needed to explore their long-term stability and bioavailability.

Optimization of Mucoadhesive Oral Films Containing Olive Leaf Extract and Microencapsulated Thyme Essential Oil With Potential Antimicrobial Activity

In this study, developing mucoadhesive oral films with optimized olive leaf extract (OLE) and microencapsulated thyme essential oil (TEO) contents was aimed to create a novel oral delivery system with desirable film properties as well as enhanced bioactivities. For this, TEO-containing sodium alginate/okra gum microcapsules were first fabricated at optimized electrospray conditions, where optimization was performed for three parameters, which are the flow rate of the emulsion solution, the potential difference, and the distance between the nozzle of the sample container and the collector plate, through three-level centered Box-Behnken design. Prior to the inclusion of the OLE in custom-designed mucoadhesive films, polymeric components of the films were also optimized through a separate multi-variable, three-level Box-Behnken experimental design by which the effect of mixing ratios of Carbopol 934, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyethylene glycol on viscosity, solution pH, film pH, disintegration time, thickness, and weight were elaboratively investigated. The resulting films, containing OLE and microencapsulated TEO, obtained through solvent casting were characterized for pH, viscosity, mass uniformity and thickness, dispersion, tensile strength, folding endurance, contact angle, in vitro mucoadhesion time, and ex vivo mucoadhesion force. Results showed that the film had good tensile strength, swelling capacity, compatibility with oral mucosa, and flexibility. It also demonstrated desirable stability and adhesion ability. Regarding bioactivity, the film was found to have desirable antioxidant capacity and it was non-toxic to fibroblast cells when diluted to certain concentration. Moreover, antiviral studies indicated reductions of 32.39% and 54.29% against Poliovirus Type 1 and Murine Norovirus, respectively, while preliminary antibacterial tests showed no significant reduction in certain bacteria within 1 min, but a logarithmic reduction in Staphylococcus aureus was observed. Despite favorable mucoadhesion properties and physical attributes, further investigation is needed to enhance the antimicrobial effectiveness of the films for their potential utilization in drug delivery systems.

Challenges in Optimizing Nanoplatforms Used for Local and Systemic Delivery in the Oral Cavity

In this study, we focused on innovative approaches to improve drug administration in oral pathology, especially by transmucosal and transdermal pathways. These improvements refer to the type of microneedles used (proposing needles in the saw), to the use of certain enhancers such as essential oils (which, besides the amplifier action, also have intrinsic actions on oral health), to associations of active substances with synergistic action, as well as the use of copolymeric membranes, cemented directly on the tooth. We also propose a review of the principles of release at the level of the oral mucosa and of the main release systems used in oral pathology. Controlled failure systems applicable in oral pathology include the following: fast dissolving films, mucoadhesive tablets, hydrogels, intraoral mucoadhesive films, composite wafers, and smart drugs. The novelty elements brought by this paper refer to the possibilities of optimizing the localized drug delivery system in osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint, neuropathic pain, oral cancer, periodontitis, and pericoronitis, as well as in maintaining oral health. We would like to mention the possibility of incorporating natural products into the controlled failure systems used in oral pathology, paying special attention to essential oils.

Exploring the Efficacy of Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Periodontitis: A Literature Review

Periodontitis, a prevalent oral condition, is facing difficulties in therapeutic approaches, sometimes leading to failure. This literature review was conducted to investigate the diversity of other therapeutic approaches and their potential contributions to the successful management of the disease. This research scrutinized the alterations in microbial diversity and imbalances in crucial microbial species, which contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Within the limitations of this study, we highlight the importance of understanding the treatment plan's role in periodontitis disease, opening the way for further research and innovative treatment plans to mitigate the impact of periodontitis on oral health. This will aid both healthcare professionals and patients in preventing and effectively treating periodontitis, ultimately improving oral health outcomes and overall systemic health and well-being.