Biofilm-targeted liposomal curcumin delivery system for anti-caries therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Dental caries is a significant global health issue.
• Current treatments like chlorhexidine and fluoride have limitations, including disruption of oral homeostasis and adverse effects.
• Curcumin, a natural compound, shows promise but suffers from poor stability, solubility, and biofilm penetration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a pH-responsive liposomal delivery system for curcumin (Cur/DCPA-H2O).
• To enhance curcumin's transport into acidic cariogenic biofilms.
• To assess the therapeutic efficacy of Cur/DCPA-H2O for dental caries prevention.

Main Methods:

• Physicochemical characterization using spectrophotometry, TEM, and DLS.
• Biocompatibility assessment via CCK-8 assays, hemolysis tests, and Live/Dead staining.
• In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo evaluation of antibacterial efficacy and caries reduction using CFU counting, SEM, CLSM, CV staining, micro-CT, Keyes' scoring, and 16S rRNA sequencing.

Main Results:

• Cur/DCPA-H2O liposomes demonstrated charge reversal for enhanced penetration into biofilms.
• Light irradiation generated ROS, contributing to biofilm matrix disruption and reduced bacterial viability.
• In a rat caries model, Cur/DCPA-H2O reduced caries severity by approximately 50% and promoted a healthier oral microbiome.

Conclusions:

• A biofilm-targeted, pH-responsive liposomal curcumin delivery system is a safe and effective strategy for caries prevention.
• This approach highlights the potential of natural therapeutics to modulate pathogenic biofilms with minimal impact on the overall microbial community.