Injectable Citral-Loaded Nanotube-Modified GelMA Hydrogel for Periodontitis Treatment

• Grant number: 24/16101-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Periodontology
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Guilherme de Siqueira Branco
• Grantee: Wanderson da Silva dos Santos
• Supervisor: Marco Cicero Bottino
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Michigan, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/08395-6 - Effect of citral on Periodontal Disease in rats, BP.DR

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, leading to bone loss and potentially tooth loss. The disease arises from an imbalance between the oral microbiota and the host immune response, resulting in bacterial colonization, particularly by Porphyromonas gingivalis. Standard treatment typically involves mechanical debridement, often combined with antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine, which can have associated side effects. Natural substances such as Citral-a mixture of monoterpenoids found in lemongrass and ginger (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil-have shown promise as alternative treatments due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The primary objective of this project is to formulate an injectable Citral-loaded, nanotube-modified GelMA hydrogel and to evaluate its efficacy in treating periodontitis in rats. These hydrogels are designed to provide sustained release of Citral, enhancing tissue regeneration while minimizing side effects associated with conventional therapies. The materials will undergo comprehensive testing, including assessments of drug release profiles, swelling, degradation, biomechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activities. Mean values ± SD will be calculated, and statistical comparisons will be made using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA or two-way ANOVA, with P<0.05 considered significant.