Novel biopolymer spray formulation for drug delivery in precision dentistry.

Addressing the growing challenges of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, this study first reports a promising advancement in precision dentistry: an intricately formulated biopolymer spray designed for precise, localized drug delivery during tailored dental procedures. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), recognized for its controlled release, biodegradability, and FDA-approved biocompatibility, forms the core of this formulation. Utilizing the double emulsion method, PLGA microparticles (PLGA-MPs) were loaded with dental antibiotics: sodium amoxicillin (AMX-Na), trihydrate amoxicillin (AMX-Tri), and metronidazole (Met). This antibiotic combination was thoughtfully selected to meet the distinctive requirements of the most impacting dental treatments. The newly developed biopolymer spray underwent thorough in-vitro analysis, revealing an optimized release curve for antibiotics over time, guaranteeing sustained therapeutic efficacy, and dose-dependent efficacy, accommodating personalized treatment approaches. The positive outcomes position the novel biopolymer spray formulation the leaders in advancing localized drug delivery during dental procedures. Moreover, the precise application and the tunable formulation meets the concept of precision medicine: in detail, this formulation represents a significant stride in dental therapeutics, significantly contributing to the predictability of dental implantology.

Phytochemicals Involved in Mitigating Silent Toxicity Induced by Heavy Metals.

Heavy metals (HMs) are natural elements present in the Earth's crust, characterised by a high atomic mass and a density more than five times higher than water. Despite their origin from natural sources, extensive usage and processing of raw materials and their presence as silent poisons in our daily products and diets have drastically altered their biochemical balance, making them a threat to the environment and human health. Particularly, the food chain polluted with toxic metals represents a crucial route of human exposure. Therefore, the impact of HMs on human health has become a matter of concern because of the severe chronic effects induced by their excessive levels in the human body. Chelation therapy is an approved valid treatment for HM poisoning; however, despite the efficacy demonstrated by chelating agents, various dramatic side effects may occur. Numerous data demonstrate that dietary components and phytoantioxidants play a significant role in preventing or reducing the damage induced by HMs. This review summarises the role of various phytochemicals, plant and herbal extracts or probiotics in promoting human health by mitigating the toxic effects of different HMs.

Critical Overview on Pure Chitosan-based Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: Clinical insights in Dentistry.

Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE) is a field of regenerative medicine continuously improving, thanks to the development of new biomaterials used as grafts or scaffolds for repairing bone defects. In recent years, chitosan, a natural biopolymer extracted mainly from crustacean shells, has demonstrated unique and desirable characteristics for BTE applications, such as: biocompatibility, biodegradability, and osteoconductive behavior. Additionally, the presence of numerous active amine groups in its chemical structure allows it to be easily modified. Data suggest that chitosan scaffolds are highly biomimetic, and show an interesting bioactivity, and antibacterial behavior. We have demonstrated, in a critical overview, how chitosan-based scaffolds may hold great interest for BTE applications in medical and dental applications. Future research should be focused on the use of chitosan-scaffolds combined with other biomaterials or bioactive molecules, to increase their overall regenerative potential, also in critical-sized defects. In conclusion, chitosan can be considered a promising biomaterial in BTE and clinical dentistry.

Nanotechnologies: An Innovative Tool to Release Natural Extracts with Antimicrobial Properties.

Site-Specific release of active molecules with antimicrobial activity spurred the interest in the development of innovative polymeric nanocarriers. In the preparation of polymeric devices, nanotechnologies usually overcome the inconvenience frequently related to other synthetic strategies. High performing nanocarriers were synthesized using a wide range of starting polymer structures, with tailored features and great chemical versatility. Over the last decade, many antimicrobial substances originating from plants, herbs, and agro-food waste by-products were deeply investigated, significantly catching the interest of the scientific community. In this review, the most innovative strategies to synthesize nanodevices able to release antimicrobial natural extracts were discussed. In this regard, the properties and structure of the starting polymers, either synthetic or natural, as well as the antimicrobial activity of the biomolecules were deeply investigated, outlining the right combination able to inhibit pathogens in specific biological compartments.