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

Abstract

The plant material Scutellariae baicalensis radix, which is rich in flavones (baicalin), possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This work aimed to develop a 3D-printed chitosan-based hydrogel rich in Scutellariae baicalensis extract as an innovative approach for the personalized treatment of periodontal diseases. Chitosan-based hydrogels were prepared, and the printability of the prepared hydrogels was determined. The hydrogel with 2.5% w/v of high molecular-weight chitosan (CS), 2% w/v gelatin (Gel), and 10% w/w of extract (Ex) presented the best printability, producing smooth and uniform scaffolds. It was proved that the CS/Gel/Ex hydrogel was stabilized by hydrogen bonds and remained in amorphous dispersion in the 3D-printed structures (confirmed by ATR-FTIR and XRPD). Due to the amorphization of the active substance, a significant increase in the release of baicalin in vitro was observed. It was demonstrated that there was an initial burst release and a continuous release profile (n = 3). Higuchi kinetic was the most likely baicalin release kinetic. The second fit, the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics model, showed coupled diffusion of the active ingredient in the hydrated matrix and polymer relaxation regulated release, with n values ranging from 0.45 to 0.89. The anti-inflammatory properties of 3D-printed scaffolds were assessed as the ability to inhibit the activity of the hyaluronidase enzyme. Activity was assessed as IC50 = 63.57 ± 4.98 mg hydrogel/mL (n = 6). Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated the biocompatibility of the material. After 24 h of exposure to the 2.5CS/2Gel/10Ex scaffold, fibroblasts migrated toward the scratch, closed the “wound” by 97.1%, and significantly accelerated the wound healing process. The results render the 3D-printed CS/Gel/extract scaffolds as potential candidates for treating periodontal diseases.

Electrospun Nanofibers with Pomegranate Peel Extract as a New Concept for Treating Oral Infections

“…Human normal skin fibroblasts (Hs27 cells), purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas, VA, USA), were incubated with extracts 1, 2, and 19 for 24 h. The MTT method was used to measure the vitality of the cells using the previously detailed methods [ 6 ].…”

“…The ability of extracts 1, 2, and 19 to repair wounds was examined on Hs27 cells using the scratch test, utilizing the previously detailed methods [ 6 ].…”

“…Plant-based remedies for periodontitis have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that also impact the structure of the periodontium [ 4 ]. Numerous studies demonstrate the advantages of phytotherapy in the treatment of periodontal diseases and indicate the usefulness of Baikal skullcap roots [ 5 , 6 ], tea leaves [ 7 ], or resveratrol-rich plants [ 8 ]. There is still little information about the use of pomegranate peel.…”