Jackfruit latex-pomegranate extract biomaterial incorporated with simvastatin as a potential osteoinductive system for periodontal applications

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of infectious origin that leads to the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues, resulting in bone resorption and attachment loss. Conventional treatments aim to control infection and inflammation; however, they show limited effectiveness in promoting periodontal tissue regeneration. In this context, the development of multifunctional biomaterials capable of controlled drug release emerges as a promising strategy. Jackfruit latex (JL), a natural material with mucoadhesive properties, previously combined with pomegranate peel extract (PPE), has demonstrated antimicrobial potential for local application. In the present study, the incorporation of simvastatin (SIM), a drug with well-established osteoinductive and anti-inflammatory activity, into the JL/PPE system was proposed to enhance bone regeneration. Physicochemical analyses indicated that the addition of different SIM concentrations (0.3%, 0.6%, and 1.2%) did not alter the JL/PPE gel structure, whereas in vitro biological assays revealed sustained drug release and increased osteoinduction, particularly after 21 days of differentiation. The results highlight the potential of the JL/PPE + SIM biomaterial as a local drug delivery system for the treatment and regeneration of periodontal tissues.