Injectable GelMA hydrogel intracanal medication composed of Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and Calcium hydroxide for endodontic treatment

• Grant number: 24/13344-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: February 28, 2025
• End date: August 27, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Luciano Tavares Angelo Cintra
• Grantee: Carolina Sayuri Wajima
• Supervisor: Marco Cicero Bottino
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Michigan, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/13400-9 - Investigation of the systemic and local biological properties of yerba mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis) on the severity of apical periodontitis in diabetic animals. Study of anti-inflammatory, antiresorptive, antioxidant and antidyslipidemic capacity, BP.MS

Abstract

The presence of microorganisms inside root canals is responsible for activating the immune system through an inflammatory process. However, if this inflammatory process persists, leading to irreversible inflammation, pulp necrosis and the possible presence of apical periodontitis (AP), root canal treatment becomes necessary. Endodontic diseases, such as AP, are responsible for the systemic release of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species capable of acting systemically, initiating or potentiating the pathogenesis of various systemic diseases. In addition, the presence of AP is related to root canal treatment failure. Systemic diseases, such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM), are also related to an increase in inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. Due to an unsatisfactory immune response, DM reduces the tissue's ability to repair itself and causes delayed healing, increasing the prevalence of AP even after treatment. The most commonly used intracanal medication is calcium hydroxide. However, some studies have revealed gaps, especially in relation to its antimicrobial effect and its action on periapical tissues. Therefore, new research should be carried out to add beneficial characteristics and improve calcium hydroxide. Natural compounds are gaining popularity because they have various beneficial effects and reduce adverse effects. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a perennial plant very common in South America and is consumed daily as a tea. Its notorious anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities make its use in dentistry interesting. In addition, the incorporation of substances into GelMA with the aim of manufacturing controlled drug release systems is very current. The application of intracanal medication in the form of a hydrogel provides maximum flexibility in a targeted drug release system. Aim: To develop an injectable intracanal medication made from a yerba mate (YM) based GelMA hydrogel associated with calcium hydroxide, with a view to its potential use as an intracanal medication in root canal treatment. Materials and methods: Firstly, the cytotoxicity of YM will be evaluated in order to determine the highest non-cytotoxic dose for incorporation into the GelMA hydrogel. Subsequently, YM will be incorporated with 5% or 1% calcium hydroxide, forming the following groups: GelMA, GelMA/YM, GelMA/Ca(OH)2 and GelMA/YM/Ca(OH)2). The morphological and chemical properties of the hydrogel, cell viability, swelling capacity, degradation rate and mechanical tests will be evaluated. In addition to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The results will be subjected to statistical tests with a significance level of 5%.