Nanoparticle-encapsulated baicalein markedly modulates pro-inflammatory response in gingival epithelial cells

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oral Biology

Background:

• Periodontitis is a global oral disease caused by microbial imbalance and inflammation.
• Natural flavonoids like baicalin (BA) and baicalein (BE) have anti-inflammatory properties but poor solubility limits use.
• Developing effective delivery systems for these flavonoids is crucial for treating periodontitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize amine-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for encapsulating BA and BE.
• To evaluate the loading efficiency, release profiles, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake of nano-encapsulated BA and BE (Nano-BA, Nano-BE).
• To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of Nano-BE on IL-1β-induced inflammation in human gingival epithelial cells (hGECs).

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of amine-modified MSNs and encapsulation of BA and BE.
• Analysis of loading efficiency and in vitro release kinetics.
• Cytotoxicity assays on primary hGECs.
• Transmission electron microscopy for cellular uptake visualization.
• Cytokine array and ELISA to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects in IL-1β-stimulated hGECs.

Main Results:

• Amine-modified MSNs successfully encapsulated BA and BE, enhancing drug delivery and prolonging release up to 216 hours.
• Nano-BA and Nano-BE were internalized by hGECs and remained intracellularly for at least 24 hours.
• Nano-BE pre-treatment significantly reduced IL-1β-induced IL-6 and IL-8 expression in hGECs.

Conclusions:

• Nanoparticle encapsulation improves the delivery and bioavailability of baicalein and baicalin.
• Nano-encapsulated baicalein demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects in gingival epithelial cells.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing advanced oral care therapeutics for periodontitis.