Silver Nanoparticles as Chlorhexidine and Metronidazole Drug Delivery Platforms: Their Potential Use in Treating Periodontitis

Abstract

Purpose Periodontal disease (PD), defined as oral inflammation caused by dental plaque, is an emerging problem. PD may lead to tooth loss, and treatment options are limited. In this study, we designed, synthesized, and characterized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) conjugated with chlorhexidine (AgNPs-CHL) or metronidazole (AgNPs-PEG-MET) to determine whether they can be used to treat PDs. Materials and Methods AgNPs were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectrometry, thermogravimetric analyses, and dynamic light scattering. We determined the safety and the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of synthesized AgNPs in an in vitro model of periodontitis. Antimicrobial properties were determined by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) on reference strains of bacteria and fungi. Human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1), murine macrophage (RAW264.7) and human foetal osteoblast (hFOB1.19) cells were used in the study. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation. Cytokine levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; metalloproteinase expression was measured using Western blotting. Results The synthesized AgNPs were spherical and narrow-dispersed with an average diameter of 13.4 nm ± 3.0 nm in the case of AgNPs-CHL and 3.72 nm ± 0.72 nm in the case of AgNPs-PEG-MET. Both types of AgNPs were active against bacteria and fungi. AgNPs-CHL proved to be a more potent antimicrobial agent, although they were more cytotoxic than AgNPs-PEG-MET; however, both demonstrated beneficial properties in nontoxic concentrations. AgNPs-CHL and AgNPs-PEG-MET decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα. Both agents also decreased the levels of metalloproteinases MMP3 and MMP8, which may indicate that they will inhibit tissue degradation. Conclusion AgNPs-CHL and AgNPs-PEG-MET may be possible therapeutic options for PD, as they have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, to fully understand the potential of AgNPs, our in vitro findings must be evaluated in an in vivo model.

The Pharmacological Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Functionalized with Eptifibatide on Platelets and Endothelial Cells

“…[26][27][28] When designing a new pharmaceuticals based on silver nanoparticle platform, the potential cytotoxicity of silver nanomaterials should be taken into account. 29,30 The AgNPs-EPI synthesized for our experiments did not reduce the viability of human platelets and endothelial cells at concentrations<125 µg/mL, as shown by LDH and MTT tests. In addition, AgNPs-EPI tested in our work did not induce significant hemolysis when incubated with RBCs.…”

“…The encapsulation of the anticoagulant drug EPI in poly (DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles was perfor med. 30 Experiments have shown effective drug delivery into the bloodstream and a low risk of platelet (membrane receptor) activation. Other researchers developed RGD-modified nanoliposomes (RGD-MNL) prepared as carriers for the targeted delivery of eptifibatide to activated platelets.…”

Addressing Antimicrobial Properties in Guided Tissue/Bone Regeneration Membrane: Enhancing Effectiveness in Periodontitis Treatment

“…Moreover, the metalloproteinases MMP3 and MMP8, which are closely linked to tissue degradation, were notably suppressed by both AgNPs-CHL and AgNPs-PEG-MET. These findings strongly suggest the potential of these innovative platforms for the management of periodontal disease …”

“…These findings strongly suggest the potential of these innovative platforms for the management of periodontal disease. 61 In a groundbreaking study, Rani et al investigated the fascinating potential of nanosilver (AgNPs) in the context of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and its impact on the colonization and penetration of GTR by specific pathogens. They proved that AgNPs, which can promote the regeneration of mammalian cells, are also effective in preventing periodontal disorders.…”

Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Periodontal Tissue Regeneration

“…However, the brittleness of SF restricts its use for flexible membrane material. Then, SF was mixed or reinforced with other materials, such as polyethylene oxide and chitosan, to achieve desired mechanical or biological properties [ 123 ]. In recent studies, a novel bilayer membrane comprising of nanocalcium-phosphate incorporating a silk fibroin-PCL-PEG-PCL electrospun layer and a PCL membrane layer was developed for GBR, and the results of structural, chemical and mechanical analyses prefigured the potential application for GBR treatments [ 124 ].…”