Development of Drug Loaded Injectable Bioactive Glass for Dental Applications

Abstract

Conventional therapies practiced for the treatment of dental infections are limited and invasive. Thus, in recent years, injectable hydrogel systems have emerged as a promising approach for tissue repair and localized drug delivery. These systems offer advantages such as ease of administration, minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, and long-term efficacy. That is why, in this study, we synthesized a novel thermoresponsive, injectable hydrogel using biocompatible and biodegradable components, namely chitosan and alginate, in combination with the bioactive glass that will be used to promote bone regeneration along with the antibacterial properties. Various concentrations of the primary polymers and selenium-substituted bioactive glasses were investigated, and the hydrogels were characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and contact angle measurements. Gelation behavior and setting time of the hydrogels were analyzed both with and without the presence of bioactive glass by employing tube inversion method and a setting time of 13 minutes was achieved for the prepared hydrogel system. Their injectability was assessed using syringe needles of different gauges like 17G, 18G, 19G and was found to be in accordance with their applicability as minimally invasive procedures. Furthermore, antibacterial studies were conducted against S. mutans, revealing significant antibacterial activity of the drug loaded hydrogels containing selenium-substituted bioactive glass with the maximum inhibition shown by the hydrogels with highest percentage of selenium.