Thermosensitive Green Propolis hydrogel for use as an adjunct to periodontal treatment - Clinical and laboratory analysis

• Grant number: 25/09261-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Periodontology
• Principal Investigator: Mario Taba Junior
• Grantee: Nathalya Maria Vilela Moura
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/10206-0 - Thermosensitive Green Propolis hydrogel for use as an adjunct to periodontal treatment - Clinical and laboratory analysis, AP.R

Abstract

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that, if left untreated, can lead to the destruction of the supporting and protective tissues of the teeth (periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, root cementum and gums), with the most aggravating consequence being tooth loss. With technological advances, there are increasingly precise diagnostics and treatment methods, which leads to new ways of improving periodontal treatment, which includes the use of natural products as adjuvants, such as Green Propolis, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Thus, the present study proposes the formulation and analysis of the effect of a thermosensitive, slow-release green propolis hydrogel, comparing it with 0.2% chlorhexidine thermosensitive hydrogel as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in patients with periodontitis. The clinical parameters of gingival bleeding, probing depth, bleeding on probing and clinical attachment level will be evaluated at baseline, 21 days, 45 days and 90 days, with periodontal treatment at baseline. Saliva, biofilm and gingival crevicular fluid will be collected to evaluate the presence of pathogens, analysis of the microbiome and expression of inflammation and healing markers. 60 patients will be evaluated divided into four groups, where saliva, biofilm and gingival crevicular fluid will be collected, scaling and root planing (SRP) and application of the thermosensitive hydrogel will be carried out. This way we will have: group A (SRP + Application of green propolis thermosensitive hydrogel), group B (SRP + Application of thermosensitive hydrogel without active substance), group C (SRP + Application of 0.2% chlorhexidine thermosensitive hydrogel - positive control), group D (SRP + Irrigation with saline solution - negative control). Clinical data will be grouped into mean and standard deviation and will be subjected to normality tests to select the best test to be applied. This way, we seek to evaluate a practical and accessible adjunctive treatment to enhance the beneficial effects of conventional mechanical therapy. The potential results could contribute to more personalized treatment for patients and possibly better results. (AU)