The impact of chitosan derived from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) pupae on bone remodeling post-tooth extraction: an in vivo study

Introduction: Bone defects or alveolar sockets commonly occur after tooth extraction. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) pupae contain 35% chitin, which can be converted into chitosan. This study aims to analyze the effect of BSF pupae chitosan gel on the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in post-extraction sockets. Method: This study employed a true experimental design. The left mandibular incisor of guinea pigs was extracted. In the control group (n=9), the socket was filled with polyethylene glycol (PEG) gel as a placebo, while in the treatment group (n=9), the socket was filled with BSF pupae chitosan gel. The gel was applied until the socket was full, followed by suturing with non-absorbable silk. Euthanasia was performed on days 7, 14, and 21 to evaluate the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Data were analyzed using one-way Anova. Results: The osteoblast count in the treatment group increased on day 7 (52.20 ± 1.90), day 14 (91.53 ± 1.00), and day 21 (104.13 ± 5.33) compared to the control group: day 7 (39.80 ± 5.43), day 14 (61.13 ± 1.10), and day 21 (82.60 ± 2,11). The number of osteoclasts decreased in both groups: in the control group on day 7 (9.83 ± 0.35), day 14 (12.80 ± 0.72), and day 21 (2.46 ± 0.11); and in the treatment group on day 7 (4.86 ± 1.51), day 14 (9 ± 0.34), and day 21 (2.66 ± 0.11). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in osteoblast and osteoclast counts between the treatment and control groups (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The application of chitosan BSF pupae gel can increase osteoblast numbers and decrease osteoclast numbers after tooth extraction, potentially accelerating bone formation and offering benefits for future bone regeneration.