Thermosensitive Hydrogel-Delivered Tanshinone IIA Nanoparticles for Enhanced Periodontal Tissue Regeneration

Wenting Zou
Stomatology College of Jiamusi University, 154000
Jing Hu
The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Jiamusi University, 154000
Yuxuan Gao
Stomatology College of Jiamusi University, 154000
Bingjie Fan
Stomatology College of Jiamusi University, 154000
Yaru Wang
Stomatology College of Jiamusi University, 154000
Zhengguang Liu
Department of Stomatology, Shuangyashan Stomatological Hospital, 155100

Abstract:

Tanshinone IIA, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) component with anti-inflammatory and bone metabolism-promoting properties, its poor solubility has been an obstacle. By employing nanotechnology to load it within a temperature-sensitive hydrogel, this research aimed to enhance its bioavailability and facilitate periodontal tissue regeneration. Chitosan, dextran, and ?-glycerophosphate sodium were used as matrix materials, and the TA-NPs-loaded temperature-sensitive hydrogel was prepared via self-assembly. The hydrogel's structure and performance were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and rheological analysis. In vitro experiments, rat periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were used to assess the hydrogel's cellular proliferation toxicity and optimize drug concentration. In vivo experiments involved constructing a rat periodontitis model to evaluate the hydrogel's anti-inflammatory and bone regeneration effects. Results demonstrated successful hydrogel preparation with excellent thermosensitivity, biocompatibility, and drug sustained-release capabilities. In vitro experiments revealed that the TA-NPs-loaded hydrogel was non-toxic to PDLSCs and significantly promoted cell proliferation. In vivo experiments showed remarkable anti-inflammatory effects and alveolar bone regeneration. Micro-CT analysis indicated that the drug-loaded hydrogel intervention group (Group E) exhibited significantly higher bone volume fraction and bone mineral density comparing with the model group (P < 0.001). Haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining results demonstrated substantially reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in Group E, with clear periodontal membrane structure and significantly decreased collagen volume fraction (P < 0.01). In conclusion, this study successfully prepared a temperature-sensitive hydrogel loaded with TA-NPs, offer a novel approach and experimental basis for applying TCM in periodontal disease treatment, offering promising potential as an innovative periodontal tissue regeneration material.