Chitosan-Based Phytochemical Delivery System: a Multifunctional Approach for Managing Periodontitis

Objectives: To develop and evaluate a chitosan-based local drug delivery system infused with Solasodine, Lupeol, and Quercetin for periodontal disease management, targeting antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with sustained drug release and biocompatibility.
Methods: Chitosan films were fabricated using a solvent-casting method and loaded with phytochemicals (Solasodine, Lupeol, and Quercetin) at various concentrations. The films were evaluated for physicochemical properties, including thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, and swelling index. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed against key periodontal pathogens. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were tested through DPPH radical scavenging and protein denaturation assays, respectively. Drug release profiles were analyzed over 7 days using UV spectrophotometry. Biocompatibility was assessed using an MTT assay on L929 mouse fibroblast cells.
Results: The films exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, with average thickness, (0.28±0.02mm), folding endurance (58±5 times), surface pH (6.56) and swelling index (sustained hydration, 10 hours). Among the loaded phytochemicals, Solasodine (16mg/mL) showed the highest antibacterial activity, with significant inhibition zones against P.aeruginosa, K.pneumoniae, S.aureus, and E.faecalis. The films also exhibited potent activity against A.actinomycetemcomitans, P.gingivali, P.intermedia and T.forsythia. Lupeol demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity, with a 32.39% inhibition of protein denaturation, while Quercetin showed superior antioxidant activity with the greatest radical scavenging ability. The films demonstrated sustained drug release over 7 days, with Solasodine showing steady release peaking on the 7th day, Lupeol exhibiting gradual release, and Quercetin releasing rapidly within 3 days before plateauing. The MTT assay confirmed the biocompatibility of the films.
Conclusions: Chitosan-based films loaded with Solasodine, Lupeol, and Quercetin exhibit promising antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, with sustained drug release and excellent biocompatibility, making them viable for periodontal therapy. Further, in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these findings. depicting its potential to be considered for human use.