Biomaterial made from jackfruit latex is a promising treatment for periodontitis
With pomegranate peel extract and simvastatin, the product proved effective in combating the infection, inflammation, and periodontal tissue loss caused by the disease
Researchers from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FCMS) at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP) in Sorocaba, in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, have developed a biomaterial containing jackfruit latex, pomegranate peel extract, and simvastatin (a statin-based medication) that shows promising efficacy in treating periodontitis.
This chronic inflammatory disease of infectious origin leads to the progressive destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, resulting in bone resorption and loss of attachment.
Conventional treatments aim to control infection and inflammation, but they do not effectively promote the regeneration of periodontal tissues, which limits their long-term effectiveness. Techniques such as guided tissue regeneration and bone grafting have been suggested for these cases, but their clinical effects are inconsistent and sometimes unpredictable.
To address this issue, the FCMS researchers focused on exploring natural, bioactive biomaterials that could combat the condition in an integrated manner.
“We began to view latex extracted from jackfruit as an interesting alternative, as it has adhesive properties. This led us to believe that it could remain longer at the site affected by periodontitis, promoting a more targeted release of therapeutic compounds and potentially reducing the need for systemic antibiotic use,” explains Professor Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek, from the Department of Surgery at the FCMS. She coordinated the study, which was supported by FAPESP (projects 23/17083-8 and 23/12039-0) and published in the journal Polymer Bulletin.
The substance was combined with pomegranate peel extract, which has recognized antimicrobial potential for topical application, and simvastatin, an anti-inflammatory drug that has been studied for its ability to stimulate bone formation. This combination resulted in a mucoadhesive matrix that acts directly at the site of the lesion.
Topically applied simvastatin is also more effective since, when administered orally, the substance is predominantly retained by the liver. Only a small fraction reaches the systemic circulation, requiring higher doses that can increase the risk of adverse effects, including acute muscle degeneration.
In the study, the scientists conducted an experiment in which latex was manually extracted from freshly harvested jackfruit and underwent careful purification. Then, pomegranate peel extract was incorporated into the matrix. Throughout the study, a series of physicochemical and biological characterizations were performed to better understand the structure and behavior of the material.
An in vitro assay was conducted using human adipose-derived stem cells with a formulation of simvastatin at different concentrations (0.3%, 0.6%, and 1.2%) that did not alter the structure of the gel and are technically safe. All concentrations increased osteoinduction within 14 days, with an even more pronounced effect after 21 days. This corroborates the potential of the material for treating periodontitis.
“Overall, the results were very encouraging for us. We observed that the developed biomaterial has great potential for future applications in treating periodontitis and in other areas as well, especially since it involves a material that has received little attention in the scientific literature for biomedical use,” says Duek.
“Despite these promising results, we’re continuing to move forward with new studies to more thoroughly evaluate the efficacy and safety of the system,” she adds.
About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)
The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in all fields of knowledge by awarding scholarships, fellowships and grants to investigators linked with higher education and research institutions in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is aware that the very best research can only be done by working with the best researchers internationally. Therefore, it has established partnerships with funding agencies, higher education, private companies, and research organizations in other countries known for the quality of their research and has been encouraging scientists funded by its grants to further develop their international collaboration. You can learn more about FAPESP at www.fapesp.br/en and visit FAPESP news agency at www.agencia.fapesp.br/en to keep updated with the latest scientific breakthroughs FAPESP helps achieve through its many programs, awards and research centers. You may also subscribe to FAPESP news agency at http://agencia.fapesp.br/subscribe
Journal
Polymer Bulletin
Article Title
Jackfruit latex-pomegranate extract biomaterial incorporated with simvastatin as a potential osteoinductive system for periodontal applications
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