Dexamethasone-loaded biopolymeric nanoparticles promote gingival fibroblasts differentiation

Polymer-based nanoparticles (NPs) can be efficiently used for the delivery of bioactive molecules for both in vitro and in vivo applications affording high drug loading and controlled release profiles. Within this framework polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) NPs with a diameter of 290 ± 41 nm have been fabricated and loaded with dexamethasone (DXM) using a patented procedure. The aim of the project was to setup a controlled delivery system to promote the in vitro differentiation of Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs). First the uptake of fluorescent PLGA NPs by HGFs cells was investigated; then experiments were also addressed to analyze the specific cell response to DXM, in order to evaluate its functional efficiency in comparison with its conventional addition to the culture medium. The results showed that cells treated with DXM-loaded NPs acquired the osteoblast phenotype faster in comparison to those treated with the free drug. The slow and sustained release of DXM from PLGA NPs produced a constant and uniform concentration of drug inside cells with long-term and enhanced biochemical effects.