Synthesis and characterization of cannabidiol-loaded nanoemulsions and evaluation of their effects on periodontitis-related biofilms

• Grant number: 24/15212-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Periodontology
• Principal Investigator: Denise Madalena Palomari Spolidorio
• Grantee: Celina Cruz Mainardes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/04500-5 - Impact of E-Cigarette Exposure on the Growth and Biofilm Formation of Streptococcus oralis: Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of CBD-loaded Nanoemulsions, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

Nanotechnology has attracted attention in recent years for its ability to enhance drug encapsulation. Among these innovations, nanoemulsions - mixtures of oil and water on a nanometric scale - stand out for their ability to control drug release, reduce toxicity, and increase antimicrobial potential, particularly when coated with chitosan. Natural products, such as plant extracts, have also gained prominence for their active biological properties, similar to those of synthetic drugs, and their capacity to combat drug resistance. Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid from Cannabis sativa, is notable for its anti-inflammatory, healing, and antimicrobial properties, showing promise in treating oral diseases caused by biofilms, such as periodontitis. This chronic inflammatory condition leads to bone resorption and is associated with biofilms formed by both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Although the standard treatment involves mechanical debridement, there is growing interest in exploring complementary alternatives. In this context, STUDY A will focus on the synthesis and analysis of nanoemulsions containing CBD, with or without chitosan coating, to investigate their effects on the permeability of bacterial cell membranes. STUDY A will evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of these nanoemulsions and free CBD in vitro, examining their impact on periodontopathogenic bacteria in both planktonic form and single-species biofilms, as well as studying the gene expression of these bacteria's virulence factors. Finally, STUDY A will investigate the effect of CBD on Streptococcus oralis biofilms exposed to electronic cigarettes. Statistical analyses will be conducted at a 5% significance level (¿ = 0.05).