Multicomponent Antibiofilm Lipid Nanoparticles as Novel Platform to Ameliorate Resveratrol Properties: Preliminary Outcomes on Fibroblast Proliferation and Migration

Hybrid Nanocomposite Mini-Tablet to Be Applied into the Post-Extraction Socket: Matching the Potentialities of Resveratrol-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles and Hydroxyapatite to Promote Alveolar Wound Healing

Background/Objectives: Following tooth extraction, resveratrol (RSV) can support healing by reducing inflammation and microbial risks, though its poor solubility limits its effectiveness. This study aims to develop a solid nanocomposite by embedding RSV in lipid nanoparticles (mLNP) within a hydrophilic matrix, to the scope of improving local delivery and enhancing healing. Hydroxyapatite (HXA), often used as a bone substitute, was added to prevent post-extraction alveolus volume reduction. Methods: The mLNP-RSV dispersion was mixed with seven different polymers in various mLNP/polymer ratios. Following freeze-drying, the powders were redispersed, and the resulting dispersions were tested by DLS experiments. Then, the best two nanocomposites underwent extensive characterization by SEM, XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and thermal analysis as well as in vitro partitioning studies aimed at verifying their ability to yield the mLNP-RSV from the hydrophilic matrix to a lipophilic tissue. The characterizations led to identify the best nanocomposite, which was further combined with HXA to obtain hybrid nanocomposites, further evaluated as pharmaceutical powders or in form of mini-tablets. Results: PEG-based nanocomposites emerged as optimal and, following HXA insertion, the resulting powders revealed adequate bulk properties, making them useful as a pharmaceutical intermediate to produce ≈59 mm3 mini-tablets, compliant with the post-extraction socket. Moreover, they were proven ex vivo to be able to promote RSV and GA accumulation into the buccal tissue over time. Conclusions: The here-proposed mini-tablet offers an innovative therapeutic approach for alveolar wound healing promotion as they led to a standardized dose administration, while being handy and stable in terms of physical solid identity as long as it takes to suture the wound.

Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against Enterococcus faecalis in Endodontic Infections

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, when formulated as solid lipid nanoparticles (CUR-loaded SLN) against Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared as a carrier for CUR, which significantly improved its solubility. SLNs made with cetyl palmitate and Tween 80 were obtained via the hot ultrasonication method. The physicochemical properties of CUR-loaded SLNs were evaluated, including their size, stability, and release profile. Antimicrobial testing was conducted against both sessile and planktonic E. faecalis populations. Cytotoxicity was assessed on human gingival fibroblasts. Results: The CUR-loaded SLNs exhibited about 200 nm and a -25 mV surface potential, and the encapsulation of CUR did not affect the physicochemical properties of SLNs. CURs were released from SLNs in a controlled and sustained manner over 100 h. The nanoparticles remained stable for at least two months when stored at 4 °C or 25 °C, making them suitable for clinical use. Antioxidant activity was confirmed through DPPH and ABTS assays. Free CUR significantly reduced the planktonic E. faecalis CFU counts by approximately 65% after 24 h of exposure. However, this inhibitory effect diminished with longer exposure times (48 and 72 h). Antimicrobial activity studies of CUR-loaded SLNs showed dose- and time-dependent effects, in the 2.5-10 µg/mL range, against both sessile and planktonic E. faecalis populations, over 24 to 72 h. The CUR-loaded SLNs showed good cytocompatibility with human fibroblasts up to 2.5 μg/mL, suggesting low toxicity. Conclusions: CUR-loaded SLNs demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis, along with good cytocompatibility, indicating their potential as an effective adjunct therapy in endodontic treatments.

Healing with herbs: an alliance with 'nano' for wound management

INTRODUCTION

Wound healing is an intricate and continual process influenced by numerous factors that necessitate suitable environments to attain healing. The natural ability of wound healing often gets altered by several external and intrinsic factors, leading to chronic wound occurrence. Numerous wound dressings have been developed; however, the currently available alternatives fail to coalesce in all conditions obligatory for rapid skin regeneration.

AREA COVERED

An extensive review of articles on herbal nano-composite wound dressings was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, from 2006 to 2024. This review entails the pathophysiology and factors leading to non-healing wounds, wound dressing types, the role of herbal bio-actives for wound healing, and the advantages of employing nanotechnology to deliver herbal actives. Numerous nano-composite wound dressings incorporated with phytoconstituents, herbal extracts, and essential oils are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

There is a strong substantiation that several herbal bio-actives possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, and angiogenesis promoter activities that accelerate the wound healing process. Nanotechnology is a promising strategy to deliver herbal bio-actives as it ascertains their controlled release, enhances bioavailability, improves permeability to underlying skin layers, and promotes wound healing. A combination of herbal actives and nano-based dressings offers a novel arena for wound management.

Recent Approaches to Wound Treatment-Second Edition

Wound healing is a complex process involving a number of mechanisms [...].

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.

Polyphenols and their nanoformulations as potential antibiofilm agents against multidrug-resistant pathogens

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens is a major problem in the therapeutic management of infectious diseases. Among the bacterial resistance mechanisms is the development of an enveloped protein and polysaccharide-hydrated matrix called a biofilm. Polyphenolics have demonstrated beneficial antibacterial effects. Phenolic compounds mediate their antibiofilm effects via disruption of the bacterial membrane, deprivation of substrate, protein binding, binding to adhesion complex, viral fusion blockage and interactions with eukaryotic DNA. However, these compounds have limitations of chemical instability, low bioavailability, poor water solubility and short half-lives. Nanoformulations offer a promising solution to overcome these challenges by enhancing their antibacterial potential. This review summarizes the antibiofilm role of polyphenolics, their underlying mechanisms and their potential role as resistance-modifying agents.

Plant-Derived Polyphenols to Prevent and Treat Oral Mucositis Induced by Chemo- and Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers Management

Oral Mucositis (OM) is the most common side effect due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are the conventional treatment options for head and neck cancers. OM is a severe inflammatory condition characterized by multifactorial etiopathogenesis. It further negatively affects patients' quality of life by severe impairment of normal oral functions. Consequently, it is mandatory to identify new effective therapeutic approaches to both prevent and treat OM while also avoiding any recurrence. Polyphenols recently attracted the interest of the scientific community due to their low toxicity and wide range of biological activities making them ideal candidates for several applications in the odontostomatological field, particularly against OM. This review collects the in vivo studies and the clinical trials conducted over the past 13 years evaluating the preventive and curative effects of several polyphenolic compounds towards chemo- and radiotherapy-induced OM, both when administered alone or as a plant-extracted phytocomplex. The literature fully confirms the usefulness of these molecules, thus opening the possibility of their clinical application. However, polyphenol limitations (e.g., unfavourable physicochemical properties and susceptibility to degradation) have emerged. Consequently, the interest of the scientific community should be focused on developing innovative delivery systems able to stabilize polyphenols, thus facilitating topical administration and maximizing their efficacy.