Core-Shell Electrospun Membranes Enable Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Local Therapy for Periodontitis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Periodontology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Periodontitis is a widespread inflammatory disease causing tissue destruction and tooth loss.
• Current treatments for periodontitis often lack localized delivery and multifunctional capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a coaxial electrospun core-shell scaffold for localized periodontal therapy.
• To incorporate regenerative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agents into the scaffold.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial electrospinning of polycaprolactone (PCL) core and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) shell scaffolds.
• Incorporation of nanohydroxyapatite and lignin-silver nanoparticles (Lig-Ag NPs) in the core.
• Loading of ketoprofen in the shell for anti-inflammatory delivery.
• In vitro assessment of drug release, cytocompatibility, immunomodulatory effects, and antimicrobial activity.

Main Results:

• Scaffolds demonstrated high ketoprofen encapsulation efficiency (79-89.5%) with rapid, burst-dominated release within 48 hours.
• The 0.75HADL formulation achieved 92% cumulative ketoprofen release within 24 hours.
• In vitro studies confirmed cytocompatibility with human gingival fibroblasts, immunomodulatory effects on macrophages (suppressing MCP-1 and MMP-9), and significant reduction of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.
• The Lig-Ag NP-functionalized membranes showed potent antimicrobial and mycostatic effects.

Conclusions:

• The developed coaxial scaffold effectively delivers ketoprofen and exhibits combined regenerative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The 0.75HADL formulation demonstrated optimal physicochemical and biological performance for periodontal applications.
• This multifunctional scaffold holds significant potential for advanced local therapy in periodontitis treatment.