Microstructured Polymer System Containing Proanthocyanidin-Enriched Extract from Limonium brasiliense as a Prophylaxis Strategy to Prevent Recurrence of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are a global oral health problem affecting almost 10% of the global population. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is one of the main bacteria involved in initiation and progression of inflammatory processes as a result of the action of the cysteine proteases lysin- and arginine-gingipain. Surelease/polycarbophil microparticles (MLB), containing a lyophilized proanthocyanidin-enriched fraction from the rhizomes of Limonium brasiliense, traditionally named as “baicuru” (EAF), were manufactured. EAF was characterized by UHPLC by the presence of samarangenins A and B (12.10% ± 0.07% and 21.05% ± 0.44%, respectively) and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (13.44% ± 0.27%). Physiochemical aspects of MLB were characterized concerning particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, EAF release, and mucoadhesion. Additionally, influence of the EAF-loaded microparticles were performed concerning potential influence on viability of human buccal KB cell, Pg adhesion to KB cells, gingipain activity and Pg biofilm formation. In general, all MLB tested showed strong adhesion to porcine cheek mucosa (93.1% ± 4.2% in 30 min test), associated with a prolonged release of EAF (up to 16. 5% ± 0.8% in 24 h). Preincubation of KB cells with MLB (25 µg/mL) resulted in up to 93% ± 2% reduced infection rate by Pg. Decreased activity of the Pg-specific virulence factors lysin- and arginine-gingipain proteases by MLB were confirmed. MLB decreased biofilm formation of Pg (97% ± 2% at 60 µg/mL). Results from this study prove the promising activity of MLB containing EAF microparticles as a prophylaxis strategy to prevent recurrence of Pg.