Injectable Thermosensitive Hydrogel Containing Bakuchiol Reduces Periodontal Inflammation and Alveolar Bone Loss in a...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Periodontology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory disease causing tooth-supporting tissue destruction.
• Current treatments have limitations, necessitating novel localized drug delivery systems.
• Bakuchiol, a natural compound, possesses potential therapeutic properties for periodontitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a bakuchiol-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel (BTH) for localized periodontitis treatment.
• To assess the physicochemical properties, drug release, and therapeutic efficacy of BTH.
• To investigate the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and bone-protective effects of BTH.

Main Methods:

• Bakuchiol was incorporated into a poloxamer/carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel, forming BTH.
• Gelation, drug release, antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis, and cytotoxicity were evaluated.
• In vitro anti-inflammatory effects and in vivo efficacy in a rat periodontitis model were assessed.

Main Results:

• BTH exhibited thermosensitive sol-gel transition and sustained bakuchiol release for 15 days.
• BTH demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis and was non-cytotoxic.
• In vitro studies showed downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, while in vivo application reduced alveolar bone loss and inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Bakuchiol-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel (BTH) is a promising system for localized periodontitis treatment.
• BTH possesses significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The developed hydrogel effectively reduces alveolar bone loss and tissue destruction in periodontitis models.