Development and Evaluation of Thermosensitive Hydrogels with Binary Mixture of Scutellariae baicalensis radix Extract and Chitosan for Periodontal Diseases Treatment

Abstract

Scutellaria baicalensis root displays anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties due to the presence of flavonoids, particularly baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin. Our work aimed at developing thermosensitive hydrogels containing a binary mixture of S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract and chitosan as a novel approach for periodontal diseases treatment. Two types of chitosan were employed in preliminary studies on binary mixtures with S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract standardized for baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin. Thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared of poloxamer 407, alginate sodium, and cellulose derivatives and evaluated in terms of rheological and mucoadhesive behavior. The presence of chitosan altered the release profile of active compounds but did not affect their in vitro permeation behavior in PAMPA assay. The synergistic effects of S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract and chitosan toward ferrous ion-chelating activity, inhibition of hyaluronidase, and pathogen growth were observed. The thermosensitive gelling system showed shear-thinning properties, gelation temperature between 25 and 27 °C, and favorable mucoadhesiveness in contact with porcine buccal mucosa, which was enhanced in the presence of binary mixture of S. baicalensis radix extract and chitosan. The release tests showed that baicalin and baicalein were liberated in a prolonged manner with a fast onset from hydrogel formulations.

Chitosan as a Functional Carrier for the Local Delivery Anti-Inflammatory Systems Containing Scutellariae baicalensis radix Extract

“…The utility contour profiles allowed for the prediction of the model and the identification of the optimal extraction process parameters: 80% methanol in the extraction mixture, 70 °C, and 4 cycles (statistically insignificant parameter). Although there are reports of the use of other types of extractants and extraction methods (60% methanol [ 21 ] or 70% methanol using classical extraction [ 33 ]), it becomes necessary to use a statistical approach so that the processed extract is characterized by the highest biological activity for a given indication. The use of the DoE approach seems to meet these expectations.…”

“…Characteristic bands of S. baicalensis lyophilized extract at 3330 cm −1 , 1720 cm −1 , and 1660 cm −1 were connected with the stretching vibration of the O–H, –COOH, and C=O groups, where signals at 1600 cm −1 and 1580 cm −1 with the C=C vibration stretching of the aromatic rings in the structure of flavones. The broad bands in the range 1200–900 cm −1 were connected to the various stretching vibrations of C–O bonds of saccharides [ 21 ]. Described wavelengths were also those characteristics of baicalin, the main active compound in the extract [ 35 ].…”

“…Thus, it can be concluded that the prepared systems are physical mixtures, and no changes in the chemical structure of the S. baicalensis extract occurred after the system preparation process. Therefore, it is the method of preparing the system that has a decisive impact on the formation of connections between the components, and grinding leads to the formation of only a physical mixture [ 21 ], while in the case of other preparation methods, ATR spectra may indicate interactions between the extract and chitosan [ 22 ].…”

“…In addition to anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, plant material also has an antioxidant effect, which is no less critical in the pathogenesis of oral diseases [ 20 ]. Combinations of S. baicalensis with chitosan have been described in the literature in the context of its use in the treatment of periodontal diseases [ 21 ] and vaginal infections [ 22 ]. Still, the topic has not been thoroughly understood, for example, from the influence of chitosan properties on the physicochemical parameters of the systems.…”

What Do We Know about Antimicrobial Activity of Astaxanthin and Fucoxanthin?

“…In a much higher concentration of 1000 µg/mL, FUC also acts against Listeria monocytogenes [53]. According to our previous studies, in the case of natural compounds, including flavonoids, organic acids, and curcumin, values of MIC above 1000 µg/mL should be considered as poor activity or lack of activity [54][55][56]. So high concentrations have no real therapeutic application and should be marked as inactive against microorganisms.…”