Cellulose-Based Hydrogel Mitigates Periodontitis With Sustained Release Of Curcumin

This study aimed to develop a Tempo-oxidized bacterial cellulose nanofiber-dopamine/polyvinyl alcohol/curcumin (TOBC-DA/PVA/Cur, TPC) hydrogel and investigate its sustained-release property, antibacterial efficacy, and anti-inflammatory mechanism. Cur-loaded hydrogel was synthesized by modulating TOBC-DA/PVA ratios. Rheological experiments, FT-IR, XPS, and SEM were used to analyze hydrogel rheology, chemical composition, surface bonding, and microstructure. Sustained curcumin release and biocompatibility were validated through sustained release experiment, CCK-8 assays, and live/dead cell staining. Antibacterial activity against E. coli was tested. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, with qRT-PCR and ELISA quantifying IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP9 expression at gene/protein levels. In a rat periodontitis model, micro-CT, H&E/Masson staining, immunohistochemistry, and RNA sequencing were used to evaluate alveolar bone resorption, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen degradation, and underlying mechanisms. Rheological, FT-IR, XPS, and SEM analyses confirmed TPC hydrogel synthesis with a three-dimensional porous structure. TPC hydrogel exhibited sustained release of Cur, biocompatibility, antibacterial property, and suppression of IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP9 expression. In addition, TPC hydrogel reduced alveolar bone loss and periodontal tissue destruction. RNA sequencing suggested Cur’s anti-inflammatory effects via the PI3K-Akt pathway. TPC hydrogel demonstrates sustained release of Cur, biocompatibility, and antibacterial/anti-inflammatory efficacy, effectively attenuating tissue destruction and alveolar bone resorption through the PI3K-Akt pathway. This novel Cur formulation shows promise for the therapy of periodontitis.