Curclodent: Development of a Curcumin-clove Oil-loaded Chitosan-gelatin Dental Implant Coating

Mechanical and antibacterial efficacy of minocycline- and curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles coated on dental implants for the treatment of peri-implantitis

Smart Coatings Integrating Antimicrobial and Tissue-Remodeling Functions for Implant Interfaces.

The multifunctional coating provides sustained antimicrobial activity alongside immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative effects, supporting its potential to treat implant-related infections while enhancing peri-implant soft tissue remodeling.

Enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of polyester hernia meshes via layer-by-layer chitosan surface modification

Winning the 'race for the surface': curcumin-loaded PEDOT coatings with enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial capabilities.

The continued growth of bioelectronics has created a pressing demand for the development of implant coatings that integrate balanced electrochemical performance, surface characteristics favouring cell adhesion, excellent biocompatibility, and effective antibacterial functionality. To meet these demands, we propose curcumin-modified conducting polymer coatings that simultaneously enhance biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and preserve electrochemical functionality. In this study, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coatings were modified by curcumin - a natural agent widely studied due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Curcumin was immobilised within PEDOT coatings by electropolymerization in different environments (acetonitrile, water) and in the presence of different electrolytes (tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate, tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate or phosphate-buffered saline). The results showed that addition of curcumin during the electrochemical polymerization leads to the formation of PEDOT coatings with good conductivity (impedance <1 MΩ at 1 kHz) and favourable wettability (contact angle ∼50°), ideal for cell anchoring. Detailed kinetic analysis revealed that the mechanism of curcumin release depends on the selection of electrolyte. While the AlamarBlue assay indicated the beneficial influence of curcumin on fibroblast viability, a distinct localized antibacterial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also observed on the surface. In conclusion, PEDOT-Curcumin multifunctional coatings are shown to successfully shift the "race for the surface" in favour of mammalian cells, offering a promising strategy for the fabrication of implant coatings.

Design and evaluation of chitosan/gellan gum hybrid in situ forming implants for delivering ciprofloxacin for periodontitis treatment.

Periodontitis is a chronic oral inflammatory disease commonly caused by bacterial infection that affects oral health. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is an antimicrobial agent with low water solubility (0.067 mg/mL at 25 °C, pH 7.5) and poor permeability. This research aims at fabricating chitosan/gellan gum hybrid extended release in-situ forming implants (CG-IFIs) loaded with CIP/Poloxamer 407 solid dispersion for treatment of periodontitis. Solid dispersions were loaded into chitosan/gellan gum matrix, cross linked with 2% w/v sodium bicarbonate. Upon exposing the implants to body temperature, a sol-gel transition occurs. The implants were evaluated for gelation time, injectability, in-vitro drug release, surface morphology and erosion rate. Results indicated that formulation (CG-IFI3) comprising 1% (w/v) chitosan, 0.2% (w/v) gellan gum, and a 2:1 w/w ratio of Poloxamer 407/CIP solid dispersion exhibited an appropriate gelation time (12 ± 2.5 min), favorable flow rate (0.83 ± 0.05 ml/min), and sustained drug release over two weeks. The selected formulation (CG-IFI3) was injected intragingivally into the mandibular incisive region of a rat model after induction of periodontitis via the ligature method. After 15 days of treatment, CG-IFI3 significantly reduced periodontal inflammation, vascular congestion, and tissue infiltration. These findings suggest that CG-IFI3 is a promising localized delivery system for managing periodontitis.

Antimicrobial Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA)/Bioactive Glass Dental Adhesives

Oral diseases, such as periodontitis, remain a major global concern due to their high incidence and significant morbidity. The principal drivers are bacterial overgrowth and associated inflammation. Bioactive glass of the 45S5 Bioglass® composition (BG) is known for its remineralising, osteogenic and antibacterial effects via ion release, but its application has been limited in oral environments. In this study, a photocurable GelMA hydrogel was developed as a carrier matrix for BG (1–15% w/v) to obtain synergy between the adhesive properties of the GelMA and the bioactivity of the glass. Incorporation of 10% w/v BG improved ultimate tensile strength (97 kPa) compared to pure GelMA (58 kPa) and reduced swelling by 18%. The composites showed ~60% higher adhesive strength on collagen sheets than GelMA alone. Tensile bonding strengths reached 54 kPa on collagen sheets and 23 kPa on tooth sections. Lap-shear adhesive strengths were 44 kPa on collagen and 18 kPa on implant metal. In vitro studies confirmed the composite’s biocompatibility with dental pulp stem cells and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, the GelMA/BG composite presents a multifunctional platform for dental remineralisation with promising mechanical, adhesive and antibacterial performance.