3D-Printed Chitosan-Based Scaffolds with Scutellariae baicalensis Extract for Dental Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Periodontology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Scutellaria baicalensis radix extract contains flavones like baicalin, known for antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Periodontal diseases require innovative treatments for effective management and personalized care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-printed chitosan-based hydrogel incorporating Scutellaria baicalensis extract for periodontal disease treatment.
• To evaluate the printability, drug release kinetics, anti-inflammatory activity, and biocompatibility of the developed hydrogel scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and characterization of chitosan-gelatin-Scutellaria baicalensis extract (CS/Gel/Ex) hydrogels.
• Assessment of hydrogel printability, scaffold morphology, and stability using ATR-FTIR and XRPD.
• In vitro evaluation of baicalin release kinetics (Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models).
• Assessment of anti-inflammatory properties via hyaluronidase inhibition and in vitro wound healing assays using fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• The optimal hydrogel formulation (2.5% CS, 2% Gel, 10% Ex) exhibited excellent printability, forming smooth, uniform scaffolds.
• Amorphization of baicalin within the hydrogel matrix led to significantly enhanced in vitro release, following Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics.
• The CS/Gel/Ex hydrogel demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 63.57 mg/mL) and biocompatibility, accelerating fibroblast-mediated wound closure by 97.1% in 24 hours.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed CS/Gel/Ex hydrogel scaffolds show promising potential for the personalized treatment of periodontal diseases.
• The enhanced drug release and wound healing capabilities highlight the therapeutic value of this innovative biomaterial.