Evaluation of the anti-biofilm effect of poloxamer-based thermoreversible gel of silver nanoparticles as a potential medication for root canal therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to design silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) poloxamer thermoreversible gel (AgNPs-PL) and investigate whether this gel could provide sustained antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in the root canal. The gels fabricated were characterized in terms of gelatin temperature, particle size, in-vitro Ag+ release, and elemental content. Cytotoxicity of AgNPs-PL on primary human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs) was examined by CCK-8 assay. Characterization of AgNPs-PL gel revealed that it contained particles existing as large clumps/fused aggregates of different shapes, with a mean diameter of 21.624 ± 14.689 nm, exhibited sustained release of Ag+ for 9 days, and non-toxic to HPDLFs at a low dose (4–32 μg/mL) through 24, 48, and 72 h exposures. The antibacterial effect of 16 and 32 μg/mL concentrations of AgNPs-PL was compared with blank poloxamer gel (PL) and calcium hydroxide (CH) using three methods: (I) agar counting plate, (II) scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, and (III) confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis. AgNPs-PL at the two doses above was more effective than PL and CH in removing E. faecalis biofilm at 1, 3, 9 days. Thus, AgNPs-PL exhibits strong activity against E. faecalis and is easy to produce, with a continuous release profile of Ag+. AgNPs-PL gel may be a candidate for a new root canal disinfection.

Niclosamide-loaded nanoparticles disrupt Candida biofilms and protect mice from mucosal candidiasis

“…For uniform delivery of NCL-EPO-NP on intraoral and intravaginal administration, we incorporated NCL-EPO-NP into our previously reported thermosensitive gel composition containing 20% P407 and 1% Poloxamer 188. We and others have demonstrated that thermosensitive P407 hydrogels can be effectively used for the intraoral and intravaginal application of NPs without affecting their inherent properties and release [ 36 , 37 , 74 , 75 ]. Additionally, we have previously shown that NPs stabilized with P407 show significant enhancement in mucosal transport in vivo leading to improved efficacy [ 57 , 58 , 76 ].…”

“…Additionally, we have previously shown that NPs stabilized with P407 show significant enhancement in mucosal transport in vivo leading to improved efficacy [ 57 , 58 , 76 ]. Finally, studies have also shown that Poloxamer 407 thermosensitive hydrogel can also interfere with the formation of microbial biofilms [ 75 , 77 , 78 ]. Taken together, usage of mucus-penetrating P407 as a stabilizer for EPO-NCL-NPs and P407 thermosensitive gel to deliver NCL-EPO-NPs was deemed advantageous for improving outcome of in vivo studies.…”

Niclosamide loaded Eudragit EPO nanoparticles show enhanced Candida biofilm penetration, trigger biofilm detachment and protect from mucosal candidiasis

“…Finally, studies have also shown that Poloxamer 407 thermosensitive hydrogel can also interfere with the formation of microbial biofilms 76,78,79 . Taken together, usage of mucus-penetrating P407 as a stabilizer for EPO-NCL-NPs and P407 thermosensitive gel to deliver NCL-EPO-NPs was deemed advantageous for improving outcome of in vivo studies.…”

“…For uniform delivery of NCL-EPO-NP on intra-oral and intra-vaginal administration, we incorporated NCL-EPO-NP into our previously reported thermosensitive gel composition containing 20% P407 and 1% Poloxamer 188. We and others have demonstrated that thermosensitive P407 hydrogels can be effectively used for the intra-oral and intra-vaginal application of nanoparticles without affecting their inherent properties and release 36,37,75,76 . Additionally, we have previously shown that nanoparticles stabilized with P407 show significant enhancement in mucosal transport in vivo leading to improved efficacy 58,59,77 .…”

“…We and others have demonstrated that thermosensitive P407 hydrogels can be effectively used for the intra-oral and intra-vaginal application of nanoparticles without affecting their inherent properties and release 36,37,75,76 . Additionally, we have previously shown that nanoparticles stabilized with P407 show significant enhancement in mucosal transport in vivo leading to improved efficacy 58,59,77 .…”