Injectable Methacrylated Gelatin Hydrogel for Safe Sodium Hypochlorite Delivery in Endodontics
Renan Dal-Fabbro1, Yu-Chi Huang1, Priscila T A Toledo1,2
1Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 24, 2023
Summary
A novel hydrogel system effectively delivers sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in regenerative endodontics. This drug delivery system shows promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity with a safe in vivo profile.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Research
- Regenerative Endodontics
Background:
- Controlling sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) release in root canals is difficult for regenerative endodontics.
- A new drug delivery system is needed to safely manage NaOCl in endodontic treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel system loaded with aluminosilicate clay nanotubes (HNTs) and NaOCl for endodontic applications.
- To assess the chemo-mechanical properties, degradability, cytocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy of the developed hydrogel.
Main Methods:
- GelMA hydrogels were incorporated with HNTs and NaOCl at varying concentrations.
- Characterization included SEM, chemo-mechanical testing, degradation, swelling, cytocompatibility assays, and in vitro/in vivo evaluations.
- Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed using agar plates and biofilm reduction assays.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels exhibited consistent pore sizes and rougher surfaces with HNT incorporation.
- All hydrogels showed significant swelling, complete degradation within 7 days, and maintained compressive modulus.
- The 12.5 HNT(Double) formulation demonstrated superior antibacterial and antibiofilm activity.
- In vivo studies showed partial degradation, mild inflammation, and no tissue necrosis after 21 days.
Conclusions:
- The HNT-NaOCl-loaded GelMA hydrogel effectively retains NaOCl disinfectant properties.
- This system offers a safer alternative for endodontic procedures, minimizing harmful potential.
- The developed hydrogel shows promise for controlled NaOCl delivery in regenerative endodontics.
