Metronidazole- and Amoxicillin-Loaded PLGA and PCL Nanofibers as Potential Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Periodontitis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

Electrospun PLGA/PCL Nanofiber Film Loaded with LPA Promotes Full-Layer Wound Healing by Regulating the Keratinocyte Pyroptosis

Electrospun nanofibers have a number of qualities that make them a suitable choice for skin wound healing. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulates the keratinocytes and fibroblasts to proliferate, differentiate, and migrate and enhances skin wound healing. Here, we developed the electrospun scaffolds contained in polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The scaffolds loaded with LPA nanoparticles retained a porous nanofiber structure and showed better physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The scaffold continuously releases LPA to quickly initiate cell signaling and maintain long-term anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we found that PP scaffold with LPA reduces the disordered collagen deposition and the thickness of the newborn epidermis, improves skin healing, and reduces scar formation. Explaining the mechanism of LPA mineralized tissue regeneration in skin wound healing, LPA inhibited the pyroptosis of keratinocyte, a cell death process that induces inflammation and scar formation by inhibiting the expression of TNF-α and β-catenin proteins. Thus, the electrospun PP scaffold with LPA can be potentially developed as a therapeutic avenue to target skin wound healing.

Electrospun nanofibers of collagen and chitosan for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications: A review

Tissue engineering plays a vital role in the medical field that addresses the repair, regeneration, and replacement of damaged tissues or organs. The development of drug-eluting electrospun nanofiber composed of biological macromolecules plays a key role in providing localized drug delivery and structural support. This review examines the recent development and impact of electrospun nanofibers in the field of tissue engineering and explores their potential applications. This review also investigates into the fabrication techniques of nanofibers, highlighting the use of biopolymers like collagen and chitosan, chiefly, focuses on understanding the mechanisms of drug-releasing features of these nanofibers. Studies concerning the medical applications of these nanofibers, such as wound healing, skin regeneration, bone tissue engineering, and neural repair, were also reviewed. Beyond the application in tissue regeneration, this review also explores the potential efficacy of nanofibres in cancer therapy, antibacterial activity, enzyme immobilization, and biosensing applications. This study provides an up-to-date critical insight into the applications of electrospun nanofiber application and key scalable production processes, underscoring the potential economic impacts of advanced wound care technologies. While outlining current challenges, this paper also offers future perspectives on the design, application, and potential expansion of drug-eluting electrospun fibers in medical sciences, ultimately showcasing their pivotal role in advancing therapeutic outcomes.

The Effectiveness of Metronidazole as a Localized Drug Delivery System in the Treatment of Periodontal Diseases: A Narrative Review

Periodontitis is a complex, multifactorial chronic inflammatory condition that impacts the adjacent hard and soft tissues. Microorganisms, especially gram-negative anaerobic pathogens, are a causative factor for periodontal disease. Periodontitis is identified by observing deeper periodontal pockets, clinical attachment loss, and the reduction of alveolar bone, often in conjunction with these indicators. The condition can vary in severity and be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Scaling and root planing, combined with mechanical debridement, may not adequately reduce the bacterial load; therefore, adding local or systemic antimicrobials is advised as an adjunctive treatment. Commonly utilized local drug delivery agents for patients suffering from periodontitis include tetracycline, metronidazole, minocycline, doxycycline, and chlorhexidine. This system targets the pockets and eliminates the pathogens. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole compound used commonly against gram-negative anaerobes. Its mechanism lies in four basic steps through which bacterial cell death occurs. A 25% metronidazole gel is used widely in periodontitis patients. The effectiveness of metronidazole as a local drug delivery agent has been evaluated in numerous studies, which have shown improvements in clinical parameters. To achieve favorable clinical outcomes, the non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis should involve the systemic or local administration of metronidazole. Thus, the role of metronidazole in the emergence of periodontal diseases and its therapeutic uses are investigated in this narrative review.

Specific delivery of metronidazole using microparticles and thermosensitive in situ hydrogel for intrapocket administration as an alternative in periodontitis treatment

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease primarily caused by the prevalence of bacterial overgrowth resulting in the development of an inflammatory condition that destroys the tooth's supporting tissues and eventual tooth loss. Comparatively, to other treatment methods, it is difficult for topical antibacterial drugs to effectively permeate the biofilm's physical barrier, making conventional therapy for periodontitis more challenging. This novel study combines thermosensitive in situ hydrogel with microparticles (MPs) to enhance the targeted delivery of metronidazole (MET) to the periodontal pocket. Polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer was utilized to produce bacteria-sensitive MPs. Additionally, the study assessed the attributes of MPs and demonstrated an enhancement in the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of MPs towards Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia coli (EC). Subsequently, we incorporated MET-MPs into thermosensitive in situ hydrogel formulations using chitosan. The optimized formulations exhibited stability, appropriate gelation temperature, mucoadhesive strength, and viscosity. In vitro permeation tests showed selective and prolonged drug release against SA and EC. Ex vivo experiments demonstrated no significant differences between in situ hydrogel containing pure MET and MET-MPs in biofilm quantity, bacterial counts, and metabolic activity in biofilms. According to in vitro tests and the effectiveness of the antibacterial activity, this study has exhibited a novel methodology for more efficacious therapies for periodontitis. This study aims to utilize MET in MPs to improve its effectiveness, enhance its antibacterial activity, and improve patient treatment outcomes. In further research, the efficacy of the treatment should be investigated in vivo using an appropriate animal model.

Enhancing periodontal defences with nanofiber treatment: recent advances and future prospects

The term periodontal disease is used to define diseases characterised by inflammation and regeneration of the gums, cementum, supporting bone, and periodontal ligament. The conventional treatment involves the combination of scaling, root planning, and surgical approaches which are invasive and can pose certain challenges. Intrapocket administration of nanofibers can be used for overcoming challenges which can help in speeding up the wound repair process and can also be used to promote osteogenesis. To help make drug delivery more effective, nanofibers are an interesting solution. Nanofibers are nanosized 3D structures that can fill the pockets and have excellent mucoadhesion which prolongs their retention time on the target site. Moreover, their structure mimics the natural extracellular matrix which enables nanomaterials to sense local biological conditions and start cellular-level reprogramming to produce the necessary therapeutic efficacy. In this review, the significance of intrapocket administration of nanofibers using recent research for the management of periodontitis has been discussed in detail. Furthermore, we have discussed polymers used for the preparation of nanofibers, nanofiber production methods, and the patents associated with these developments. This comprehensive compilation of data serves as a valuable resource, consolidating recent developments in nanofiber applications for periodontitis management into one accessible platform.

A new strategy for the treatment of middle ear infection using ciprofloxacin/amoxicillin-loaded ethyl cellulose/polyhydroxybutyrate nanofibers

A middle ear infection occurs due to the presence of several microorganisms behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and is very challenging to treat due to its unique location and requires a well-designed treatment. If not treated properly, the infection can result in severe symptoms and unavoidable side effects. In this study, excellent biocompatible ethyl cellulose (EC) and biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymer were used to fabricate drug-loaded nanofiber scaffolds using an electrospinning technique to overcome antibiotic overdose and insufficient efficacy of drug release during treatment. PHB polymer was produced from Halomonas sp., and the purity of PHB was found to around be 90 %. Additionally, ciprofloxacin (CIP) and amoxicillin (AMX) are highly preferable since both drugs are highly effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria to treat several infections. Obtained smooth nanofibers were between 116.24 and 171.82 nm in diameter and the addition of PHB polymer and antibiotics improved the morphology of the nanofiber scaffolds. Thermal properties of the nanofiber scaffolds were tested and the highest Tg temperature resulted at 229 °C. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were tested, and the highest tensile strength resulted in 4.65 ± 6.33 MPa. Also, drug-loaded scaffolds were treated against the most common microorganisms that cause the infection, such as S.aureus, E.coli, and P.aeruginosa, and resulted in inhibition zones between 10 and 21 mm. MTT assay was performed by culturing human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD MSCs) on the scaffolds. The morphology of the hAD MSCs' attachment was tested with SEM analysis and hAD MSCs were able to attach, spread, and live on each scaffold even on the day of 7. The cumulative drug release kinetics of CIP and AMX from drug-loaded scaffolds were analysed in phosphate-buffered saline (pH: 7.4) within different time intervals of up to 14 days using a UV spectrophotometer. Furthermore, the drug release showed that the First-Order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models were the most suitable kinetic models. Animal testing was performed on SD rats, matrix and collagen deposition occurred on days 5 and 10, which were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. At the highest drug concentration, a better repair effect was observed. Results were promising and showed potential for novel treatment.

Synergistic anticancer effect of Pistacia lentiscus essential oils and 5-Fluorouracil co-loaded onto biodegradable nanofibers against melanoma and breast cancer

Chemoresistance and severe toxicities represent major drawbacks of chemotherapy. Natural extracts, including the essential oils of Pistacia lentiscus (PLEO), exhibit substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities where different cancers are reported to dramatically recess following targeting with PLEO. PLEO has promising antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the therapeutic properties of PLEO are restricted by limited stability, bioavailability, and targeting ability. PLEO nanoformulation can maximize their physicochemical and therapeutic properties, overcoming their shortcomings. Hence, PLEO was extracted and its chemical composition was determined by GC-MS. PLEO and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) were electrospun into poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibers (PCL-NFs), of 290.71 nm to 680.95 nm diameter, to investigate their anticancer and potential synergistic activities against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human adenocarcinoma breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and human skin melanoma cell line (A375). The prepared nanofibers (NFs) showed enhanced thermal stability and remarkable physical integrity and tensile strength. Biodegradability studies showed prolonged stability over 42 days, supporting the NFs use as a localized therapy of breast tissues (postmastectomy) or melanoma. Release studies revealed sustainable release behaviors over 168 h, with higher released amounts of 5FU and PLEO at pH 5.4, indicating higher targeting abilities towards cancer tissues. NFs loaded with PLEO showed strong antioxidant properties. Finally, NFs loaded with either PLEO or 5FU depicted greater anticancer activities compared to free compounds. The highest anticancer activities were observed with NFs co-loaded with PLEO and 5FU. The developed 5FU-PLEO-PCL-NFs hold potential as a local treatment of breast cancer tissues (post-mastectomy) and melanoma to minimize their  possible recurrence.

Development of a PVA/PCL/CS-Based Nanofibrous Membrane for Guided Tissue Regeneration and Controlled Delivery of Doxycycline Hydrochloride in Management of Periodontitis: In Vivo Evaluation in Rats

Antibiotic administration is an adjacent therapy to guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in the management of periodontitis. This is due to the major role of pathogen biofilm in aggravating periodontal defects. This study aimed to fabricate a GTR membrane for sustained delivery of doxycycline hydrochloride (DOX) while having a space-maintaining function. The membranes were prepared using a polymeric blend of polycaprolactone/polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan by the electrospinning technique. The obtained membranes were characterized in terms of physicochemical and biological properties. Nanofibers showed a mean diameter in the submicron range of < 450 nm while having uniform randomly aligned morphology. The obtained membranes showed high strength and flexibility. A prolonged in vitro release profile during 68 h was observed for manufactured formulations. The prepared membranes showed a cell viability of > 70% at different DOX concentrations. The formulations possessed antimicrobial efficacy against common pathogens responsible for periodontitis. In vivo evaluation also showed prolonged release of DOX for 14 days. The histopathological evaluation confirmed the biocompatibility of the GTR membrane. In conclusion, the developed nanofibrous DOX-loaded GTR membranes may have beneficial characteristics in favour of both sustained antibiotic delivery and periodontal regeneration by space-maintaining function without causing any irritation and tissue damage.

Drug release from PLGA microparticles can be slowed down by a surrounding hydrogel

This study aimed to evaluate and better understand the potential impact that a layer of surrounding hydrogel (mimicking living tissue) can have on the drug release from PLGA microparticles. Ibuprofen-loaded microparticles were prepared with an emulsion solvent extraction/evaporation method. The drug loading was about 48%. The surface of the microparticles appeared initially smooth and non-porous. In contrast, the internal microstructure of the particles exhibited a continuous network of tiny pores. Ibuprofen release from single microparticles was measured into agarose gels and well-agitated phosphate buffer pH 7.4. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and X-ray μCT imaging were used to characterize the microparticles before and after exposure to the release media. Importantly, ibuprofen release was much slower in the presence of a surrounding agarose gel, e.g., the complete release took two weeks vs. a few days in well agitated phosphate buffer. This can probably be attributed to the fact that the hydrogel sterically hinders substantial system swelling and, thus, slows down the related increase in drug mobility. In addition, in this particular case, the convective flow in agitated bulk fluid likely damages the thin PLGA layer at the microparticles' surface, giving the outer aqueous phase more rapid access to the inner continuous pore network: Upon contact with water, the drug dissolves and rapidly diffuses out through a continuous network of water-filled channels. Without direct surface access, most of the drug "has to wait" for the onset of substantial system swelling to be released.

Nedaplatin/Peganum harmala Alkaloids Co-Loaded Electrospun, Implantable Nanofibers: A Chemopreventive Nano-Delivery System for Treating and Preventing Breast Cancer Recurrence after Tumorectomy

Currently, the main pillars in treating breast cancer involve tumorectomy pursued by hormonal, radio, or chemotherapies. Nonetheless, these approaches exhibit severe adverse effects and might suffer from tumor recurrence. Therefore, there is a considerable demand to fabricate an innovative controlled-release nano-delivery system to be implanted after tumor surgical removal to guard against cancer recurrence. In addition, combining platinum-based drugs with phytochemicals is a promising approach to improving the anticancer activity of the chemotherapeutics against tumor cells while minimizing their systemic effects. This study designed polycaprolactone (PCL)-based electrospun nanofiber mats encapsulating nedaplatin (N) and Peganum harmala alkaloid-rich fraction (L). In addition to physicochemical characterization, including average diameters, morphological features, degradation study, thermal stability, and release kinetics study, the formulated nanofibers were assessed in terms of cytotoxicity, where they demonstrated potentiated effects and higher selectivity towards breast cancer cells. The dual-loaded nanofiber mats (N + L@PCL) demonstrated the highest antiproliferative effects against MCF-7 cells with a recorded IC50 of 3.21 µg/mL, as well as the topmost achieved selectivity index (20.45) towards cancer cells amongst all the tested agents (N, L, N@PCL, and L@PCL). This indicates that the dual-loaded nanofiber excelled at conserving the normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). The combined therapy, N + L@PCL treatment, resulted in a significantly higher percent cell population in the late apoptosis and necrosis quartiles as compared to all other treatment groups (p-value of ≤0.001). Moreover, this study of cell cycle kinetics revealed potentiated effects of the dual-loaded nanofiber (N + L@PCL) at trapping more than 90% of cells in the sub-G1 phase and reducing the number of cells undergoing DNA synthesis in the S-phase by 15-fold as compared to nontreated cells; hence, causing cessation of the cell cycle and confirming the apoptosis assay results. As such, our findings suggest the potential use of the designed nanofiber mats as perfect implants to prevent tumor recurrence after tumorectomy.

Integrating Chinese Herbs and Western Medicine for New Wound Dressings through Handheld Electrospinning

In this nanotechnology era, nanostructures play a crucial role in the investigation of novel functional nanomaterials. Complex nanostructures and their corresponding fabrication techniques provide powerful tools for the development of high-performance functional materials. In this study, advanced micro-nanomanufacturing technologies and composite micro-nanostructures were applied to the development of a new type of pharmaceutical formulation, aiming to achieve rapid hemostasis, pain relief, and antimicrobial properties. Briefly, an approach combining a electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique and reversed-phase solvent was employed to fabricate a novel beaded nanofiber structure (BNS), consisting of micrometer-sized particles distributed on a nanoscale fiber matrix. Firstly, Zein-loaded Yunnan Baiyao (YB) particles were prepared using the solution electrospraying process. Subsequently, these particles were suspended in a co-solvent solution containing ciprofloxacin (CIP) and hydrophilic polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and electrospun into hybrid structural microfibers using a handheld electrospinning device, forming the EHDA product E3. The fiber-beaded composite morphology of E3 was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the amorphous state of CIP in the BNS membrane due to the good compatibility between CIP and PVP. The rapid dissolution experiment revealed that E3 exhibits fast disintegration properties and promotes the dissolution of CIP. Moreover, in vitro drug release study demonstrated the complete release of CIP within 1 min. Antibacterial assays showed a significant reduction in the number of adhered bacteria on the BNS, indicating excellent antibacterial performance. Compared with the traditional YB powders consisting of Chinese herbs, the BNS showed a series of advantages for potential wound dressing. These advantages include an improved antibacterial effect, a sustained release of active ingredients from YB, and a convenient wound covering application, which were resulted from the integration of Chinese herbs and Western medicine. This study provides valuable insights for the development of novel multiscale functional micro-/nano-composite materials and pioneers the developments of new types of medicines from the combination of herbal medicines and Western medicines.

Recent Advances on Electrospun Nanofibers for Periodontal Regeneration

Periodontitis is an inflammatory infection caused by bacterial plaque accumulation that affects the periodontal tissues. Current treatments lack bioactive signals to induce tissue repair and coordinated regeneration of the periodontium, thus alternative strategies are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Electrospun nanofibers present high porosity and surface area and are able to mimic the natural extracellular matrix, which modulates cell attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Recently, several electrospun nanofibrous membranes have been fabricated with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic properties, showing promising results for periodontal regeneration. Thus, this review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the art of these nanofibrous scaffolds in periodontal regeneration strategies. First, we describe the periodontal tissues and periodontitis, as well as the currently available treatments. Next, periodontal tissue engineering (TE) strategies, as promising alternatives to the current treatments, are addressed. Electrospinning is briefly explained, the characteristics of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are highlighted, and a detailed overview of electrospun nanofibers applied to periodontal TE is provided. Finally, current limitations and possible future developments of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for periodontitis treatment are also discussed.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental pharmacology explored Ermiao wan protected against periodontitis via the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB/MAPK signal pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ermiao Wan (EMW), a classic and famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based herbal formula combined Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid. (Cortex Phellodendri Chinsis, CP) and Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. (Rhizoma Atractylodis, RA) with the weight composition of 1:1, has been used for the treatment of periodontitis in China for a long time. However, its efficacy and mechanism of action are still unclear now.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study explored the efficacy and pharmaceutical mechanism of action of EMW against periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The efficacy of EMW against periodontitis was evaluated using the ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP) mice, and inflammatory-related factors in gingiva and alveolar bone loss were determined using the qRT-PCR and micro-CT assays. The potential pharmacological mechanisms were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and further confirmed by the qRT-PCR and western blotting assays.

RESULTS

EMW exhibited inhibitory effects on periodontitis in the LIP mice. Bio-informational analysis showed the core compounds (berberine and chlorogenic acid) targeted the key genes (AKT, MAPK1, MAPK14, NF-κB, TNF, IL-2, and IL1B) through regulating the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB/MAPK signal pathways, which were validated using the qRT-PCR and western blotting assays.

CONCLUSIONS

EMW could eliminate alveolar bone loss and inhibit inflammation, thereby preventing the development of periodontitis. The mechanism of action may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB/MAPK signal pathways. Therefore, EMW was a potential therapy for the treatment of periodontitis.

Nanomaterials: an intra-periodontal pocket drug-delivery system for periodontitis

Periodontitis is a microbiological condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. The fundamental to effective periodontal therapy is choosing the suitable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, together with the proper route of drug administration and delivery system. Intra-periodontal pocket approach with nano drug-delivery systems (NDDS) such as polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, liposomes, polymersomes, exosomes, nano micelles, niosome, solid lipid nanoparticles, nano lipid carriers, nanocomposites, nanogels, nanofibers, scaffolds, dendrimers, quantum dots, etc., will be appropriate route of drug administration and delivery system. This NDDS delivers the drugs at the site of infection to inhibit growth and promote tissue regeneration. The present review focused on providing comprehensive information on the NDDS for periodontitis, which enhanced therapeutic outcomes via intra-periodontal pocket delivery.

Nanofibers with genotyped Bacillus strains exhibiting antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity

Biofilm-associated diseases such as periodontitis are widespread and challenging to treat which calls for new strategies for their effective management. Probiotics represent a promising approach for targeted treatment of dysbiosis in biofilm and modulation of host immune response. In this interdisciplinary study, nanofibers with two autochthonous Bacillus strains 27.3.Z and 25.2.M were developed. The strains were isolated from the oral microbiota of healthy individuals, and their genomes were sequenced and screened for genes associated with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, virulence factors, and transferability of resistance to antibiotics. Spores of two Bacillus strains were incorporated individually or in combination into hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and composite PEO/alginate nanofibers. The nanofiber mats were characterised by a high loading of viable spores (> 7 log CFU/mg) and they maintained viability during electrospinning and 6 months of storage at room temperature. Spores were rapidly released from PEO nanofibers, while presence of alginate in the nanofibers prolonged their release. All formulations exhibited swelling, followed by transformation of the nanofiber mat into a hydrogel and polymer erosion mediating spore release kinetics. The investigated Bacillus strains released metabolites, which were not cytotoxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. Moreover, their metabolites exhibited antibacterial activity against two periodontopathogens, an antiproliferative effect on PBMCs, and inhibition of PBMC expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In summary, the developed nanofiber-based delivery system represents a promising therapeutic approach to combat biofilm-associated disease on two fronts, namely via modulation of the local microbiota with probiotic bacteria and host immune response with their metabolites.

Bench-to-bedside: Feasibility of nano-engineered and drug-delivery biomaterials for bone-anchored implants and periodontal applications

Nanotechnology and drug-release biomaterials have been thoroughly explored in the last few years aiming to develop specialized clinical treatments. However, it is rare to find biomaterials associated with drug delivery properties in the current dental market for application in oral bone- and periodontal-related procedures. The gap between basic scientific evidence and translation to a commercial product remains wide. Several challenges have been reported regarding the clinical translation of biomaterials with drug-delivery systems (BDDS) and nanofeatures. Therefore, processes for BDDS development, application in preclinical models, drug delivery doses, sterilization processes, storage protocols and approval requirements were explored in this review, associated with tentative solutions for these issues. The diversity of techniques and compounds/molecules applied to develop BDDS demands a case-by-case approach to manufacturing and validating a commercial biomaterial. Promising outcomes such as accelerated tissue healing and higher antibacterial response have been shown through basic and preclinical studies using BDDS and nano-engineered biomaterials; however, the adequate process for sterilization, storage, cost-effectiveness and possible cytotoxic effects remains unclear for multifunctional biomaterials incorporated with different chemical compounds; then BDDSs are rarely translated into products. The future benefits of BDDS and nano-engineered biomaterials have been reported suggesting personalized clinical treatment and a promising reduction in the use of systemic antibiotics. Finally, the launch of these specialized biomaterials with solid data and controlled traceability onto the market will generate strong specificity for healthcare treatments.

Polyester-releasing sesamin by electrospinning technique for the application of bone tissue engineering

Sesamin, a significant lignin compound isolated from sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn), is well known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue growth promotion properties. Bioabsorbable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is also a well-known polymer applied to various fields of medicine as biomaterials. The main objective of this research was to produce a prototype material from PCL and sesamin by electrospinning technique for bone tissue engineering applications. Dichloromethane and dimethylformamide (7:3) mixture was used as the solvent system for fabrication of PCL nanofiber with different loads of sesamin concentrations (1–6 wt%). The crystallinity levels decreasing and the entrapment efficiency increasing (86.87%–93.97%) were observed while sesamin concentrations were increased. The infrared spectra of electrospun mats confirmed that sesamin corporated into fibrous networks. The sesamin-loaded PCL nanofibrous membranes showed a significant release of sesamin in the range of 1.28–8.16 μg/mL within 10 weeks. The release data were fitted to zero order, first order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models to evaluate sesamin-releasing mechanisms and kinetics. The releasing kinetics of sesamin followed the Fickian diffusion mechanism of Korsmeyer-Peppas (R² = 0.99). In vitro experiments with an osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63) revealed cell attachment, biocompatibility, and promotion of bone marker expression, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were studied. The electrospun PCL nanofiber loaded with sesamin had the potential as a scaffold for sesamin delivery to bone cells and applications in biomedicine.

Electrospun Nanofibers for Periodontal Treatment: A Recent Progress

Periodontitis is a major threat to oral health, prompting scientists to continuously study new treatment techniques. The nanofibrous membrane prepared via electrospinning has a large specific surface area and high porosity. On the one hand, electrospun nanofibers can improve the absorption capacity of proteins and promote the expression of specific genes. On the other hand, they can improve cell adhesion properties and prevent fibroblasts from passing through the barrier membrane. Therefore, electrospinning has unique advantages in periodontal treatment. At present, many oral nanofibrous membranes with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue regeneration properties have been prepared for periodontal treatment. First, this paper introduces the electrospinning process. Then, the commonly used polymers of electrospun nanofibrous membranes for treating periodontitis are summarized. Finally, different types of nanofibrous membranes prepared via electrospinning for periodontal treatment are presented, and the future evolution of electrospinning to treat periodontitis is described.

Biomaterials and Extracellular Vesicle Delivery: Current Status, Applications and Challenges

In this review, we will discuss the current status of extracellular vesicle (EV) delivery via biopolymeric scaffolds for therapeutic applications and the challenges associated with the development of these functionalized scaffolds. EVs are cell-derived membranous structures and are involved in many physiological processes. Naïve and engineered EVs have much therapeutic potential, but proper delivery systems are required to prevent non-specific and off-target effects. Targeted and site-specific delivery using polymeric scaffolds can address these limitations. EV delivery with scaffolds has shown improvements in tissue remodeling, wound healing, bone healing, immunomodulation, and vascular performance. Thus, EV delivery via biopolymeric scaffolds is becoming an increasingly popular approach to tissue engineering. Although there are many types of natural and synthetic biopolymers, the overarching goal for many tissue engineers is to utilize biopolymers to restore defects and function as well as support host regeneration. Functionalizing biopolymers by incorporating EVs works toward this goal. Throughout this review, we will characterize extracellular vesicles, examine various biopolymers as a vehicle for EV delivery for therapeutic purposes, potential mechanisms by which EVs exert their effects, EV delivery for tissue repair and immunomodulation, and the challenges associated with the use of EVs in scaffolds.

Electrospun multifunctional nanofibrous mats loaded with bioactive anemoside B4 for accelerated wound healing in diabetic mice

With the worldwide prevalence of diabetes and considering the complicated microenvironment of diabetic wounds, the design and development of innovative multifunctional wound dressing materials are much wanted for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds in diabetic patients. In the present study, anti-inflammatory ingredients loaded with nanofibrous wound dressing materials were manufactured by a promising blend-electrospinning strategy, and their capability for treating the diabetic wound was also systematically explored. A polymer blend consisting of Chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was electrospun into CS-PVA nanofibrous mats as control groups. In the meanwhile, a bioactive ingredient of Chinese medicine Pulsatilla, anemoside B4(ANE), with different contents were loaded into the electrospinning solution to construct CS-PVA-ANE nanofibrous mats. The developed CS-PVA-ANE wound dressing materials exhibited multifunctional properties including prominent water absorption, biomimetic elastic mechanical properties, and sustained ANE releasing behavior, as well as outstanding hemostatic properties. The in vitro studies showed that the CS-PVA-ANE nanofiber mats could significantly suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated differentiation of pro-inflammatory (M1) macrophage subsets, and notably reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well as obviously decrease inflammatory cytokine release. The in vivo animal studies showed that the CS-PVA-ANE nanofiber mats promoted the healing of diabetic wounds by significantly enhancing wound closure rates, accelerating excellent angiogenesis, promoting re-epithelization and collagen matrix deposition throughout all stages of wound healing. The present study demonstrated that CS-PVA-ANE nanofiber mats could effectively shorten the wound-healing time by inhibiting inflammatory activity, which makes them promising candidates for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds caused by diabetes.

Encapsulation of Metronidazole in Biocompatible Macrocycles and Structural Characterization of Its Nano Spray-Dried Nanostructured Composite

Due to the great potential of biocompatible cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and 4-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SCX4) macrocycles in drug delivery, the confinement of the pharmaceutically important metronidazole as an ionizable model drug has been systematically studied in these cavitands. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements gave 1.9 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and 1.0 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ as the association constants of the protonated metronidazole inclusion in CB7 and SCX4, whereas the unprotonated guests had values more than one order of magnitude lower, respectively. The preferential binding of the protonated metronidazole resulted in 1.91 pH unit pK_a diminution upon encapsulation in CB7, but the complexation with SCX4 led to a pK_a decrease of only 0.82 pH unit. The produced protonated metronidazole–SCX4 complex induced nanoparticle formation with protonated chitosan by supramolecular crosslinking of the polysaccharide chains. The properties of the aqueous nanoparticle solutions and the micron-sized solid composite produced therefrom by nano spray drying were unraveled. The results of the present work may find application in the rational design of tailor-made self-assembled drug carrier systems.

Gellan Gum-Based Bilayer Mucoadhesive Films Loaded with Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride and Clove Oil for Possible Treatment of Periodontitis

Background/Objective

Periodontitis is a widely spread oral infection and various antibiotics are utilized for its treatment, but high oral doses and development of antibiotic resistance limit their use. This study was aimed at development of natural polymer-based mucoadhesive bilayer films loaded with moxifloxacin hydrochloride (Mox) and clove essential oil (CEO) to potentially combat bacterial infection associated with periodontitis.

Methods

Films were synthesized by double solvent casting technique having an antibiotic in the gellan gum-based primary layer with clove oil in a hydroxyethyl cellulose-based secondary layer.

Results

Prepared films were transparent, flexible, and showed high antibacterial response against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The films showed excellent pharmaceutical attributes in terms of drug content, folding endurance, swelling index, and mucoadhesive strength. Solid state characterization of formulation showed successful incorporation of drug and oil in separate layers of hydrogel structure. An in-vitro release study showed an initial burst release of drug followed by sustained release for up to 48 hours.

Conclusion

The prepared mucoadhesive bilayer buccal films could be used as a potential therapeutic option for the management of periodontitis.