Bioactive Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Regenerative Endodontics

Abstract

Here we report the synthesis, materials characterization, antimicrobial capacity, and cytocompatibility of novel antibiotic-containing scaffolds. Metronidazole (MET) or Ciprofloxacin/(CIP) was mixed with a polydioxanone (PDS)polymer solution at 5 and 25 wt% and processed into fibers. PDS fibers served as a control. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile testing, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to assess fiber morphology, chemical structure, mechanical properties, and drug release, respectively. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated against those of Porphyromonas gingivalis/Pg and Enterococcus faecalis/Ef. Cytotoxicity was assessed in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Statistics were performed, and significance was set at the 5% level. SEM imaging revealed a submicron fiber diameter. FTIR confirmed antibiotic incorporation. The tensile values of hydrated 25 wt% CIP scaffold were significantly lower than those of all other groups. Analysis of HPLC data confirmed gradual, sustained drug release from the scaffolds over 48 hrs. CIP-containing scaffolds significantly (p < .00001) inhibited biofilm growth of both bacteria. Conversely, MET-containing scaffolds inhibited only Pg growth. Agar diffusion confirmed the antimicrobial properties against specific bacteria for the antibiotic-containing scaffolds. Only the 25 wt% CIP-containing scaffolds were cytotoxic. Collectively, this study suggests that polymer-based antibiotic-containing electrospun scaffolds could function as a biologically safe antimicrobial drug delivery system for regenerative endodontics.

The effect of diluted triple and double antibiotic pastes on dental pulp stem cells and established Enterococcus faecalis biofilm

“…Another approach to deliver these low antibiotic concentrations into the root canal could be through the use of a three-dimensional scaffold system. Recent studies have proposed the use of a bio-resorbable antibiotic-loaded scaffold to disinfect the root canal space in endodontic regeneration [38,39] …”

Semiconducting, biodegradable and bioactive fibers for drug delivery

“…This expected result is consistent with the lack of bactericidal activity of PLA, P3TMA and IBU. In contrast, halos of inhibition were observed for PLA-P3TMA electrospun fibers loaded with TCS, CHX and CIP, evidencing the antimicrobial activity of these drugs [36,56,57,60]. The formation of such Figure 11.…”

Functionalised nanoscale coatings using layer-by-layer assembly for imparting antibacterial properties to polylactide-co-glycolide surfaces

“…The outer layer, in contact with bone, was loaded with nanohydroxyapatite to enhance bone regeneration; while the other layer, in contact with epithelial tissue, was functionalised with metronidazole, incorporated in the layer bulk. Interestingly, the direct incorporation of antibiotics to these membranes has given promising results in terms of inhibition of bacteria growth [7,17,18]. However, although the antibacterial effects of these drugs are well known, recent findings have warned of the potentially toxic effects of these highly concentrated antibiotic drugs on dental pulp stem cells and dental pulp fibroblasts [19,20].…”