Injectable Liposome-Loaded Hydrogel Formulations with Controlled Release of Curcumin and α-Tocopherol for Dental...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chitosan hydrogels are promising for dental applications but often lack sufficient bioactivity.
• Curcumin and α-tocopherol possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for tissue regeneration.
• Liposomal encapsulation can improve the stability and delivery of active compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable chitosan-based hydrogel formulation incorporating curcumin and α-tocopherol-loaded liposomes (Lip/Cur+Toc).
• To evaluate the injectability, drug release kinetics, and biological performance of the hydrogels for endodontic and periodontic applications.
• To investigate the antimicrobial mechanisms of the hydrogels using computational models.

Main Methods:

• Development of injectable hydrogels using low- and high-molecular-weight chitosan (LCH and HCH) with Lip/Cur+Toc.
• Rheological analysis for injectability assessment.
• In vitro studies using human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs).
• Assessment of cell viability, odontogenic differentiation (ALP activity, biomineralization), wound healing, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial efficacy.
• Computational modeling for antimicrobial mechanism investigation.

Main Results:

• The hydrogels demonstrated successful injectability and delayed release of curcumin and α-tocopherol.
• Lip/Cur+Toc enhanced hDPSC viability, induced ALP activity, and promoted biomineralization.
• HCH with Lip/Cur+Toc showed the highest hGF viability, while both LCH and HCH formulations achieved nearly 100% wound healing within 2 days.
• Lip/Cur+Toc@LCH exhibited superior antioxidant activity and efficacy against Escherichia coli, while Lip/Cur+Toc@HCH was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions:

• Injectable chitosan hydrogels loaded with Lip/Cur+Toc are multi-functional and exhibit significant potential for endodontic and periodontic applications.
• The formulation supports cell proliferation, differentiation, wound healing, and possesses targeted antimicrobial properties.
• Computational investigation provides novel insights into the hydrogels' antimicrobial mechanisms.