Effect of Photodynamic Therapy and PCL-Curcumin-loaded Nanoparticles on Oral Cell

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of PCL (Poliprolactone polymeric)-Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles on human oral keratinocytes (NOK Si).
Methods: The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal serum bovine, 1% penicillin, streptomycin and glutamine. Cells were subcultured every 3 days, seeded in 24-well cell culture plates and incubated at 37° C in 5% CO2. Concentrations between 0.195 and 200 µg/mL of Curcumin (Cur) loaded (CurNP) or not (NP) to polymeric nanoparticles, with and without photoactivation, were tested in 3 different times, as well as Chlorhexidine (0.20 - 0.01%) as positive control. The alamarBlue® test was used to determine cell viability. The data were analyzed at a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05).
Results: In the 3 times tested (3, 4 and 5 min), without exposure to light, concentrations below 125 µg/mL of Cur, CurNP and NP did not interfere in cell viability when compared to the negative control group (DMEM). Exposure for 3 and 4 min with light, concentrations below 125 µg/mL showed no difference in relation to the control without light. At 5 min exposure, the groups containing Curcumin (Cur and CurNP) showed a cytotoxic effect. Concentrations 0.195 µg/mL of CurNP and below 1.56 µg/mL of NP were similar to the control without light.
Conclusions: Curcumin associated or not to polymeric nanoparticles (PCL), without photoactivation can be used for treatment of oral infections. However, when photoactivated may be used at concentrations below 1.56 µg/mL.