Development of a jackfruit latex-based mucoadhesive biomaterial incorporated with pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract for periodontitis treatment

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, resulting in the destruction of bone and periodontal ligaments. Pathogenic bacterial biofilms play a central role in initiating and sustaining the inflammatory response. Conventional treatments, such as mechanical biofilm removal and antibiotic therapy, have limitations, including antimicrobial resistance and undesirable side effects. Mucoadhesive biomaterials and antimicrobial phytotherapeutics have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to develop and characterize a mucoadhesive biomaterial based on jackfruit latex (JL) (Artocarpus heterophyllus), incorporating different concentrations (2.5 %, 5.0 %, and 10.0 %) of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) (Punica granatum L.), and to evaluate its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. JL is a natural, highly adhesive, sustainable, and cost-effective polymeric gum, while PPE is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. FTIR analysis revealed physical interactions between JL and PPE. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the developed materials exhibit thermal stability. The JL+5 %PPE formulation showed optimized performance in the sustained in vitro release of PPE over a period of 840 h. Antimicrobial assays indicated that PPE effectively inhibits the growth of both Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus oralis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Moreover, SEM analysis revealed that the JL+5 %PPE formulation was capable of inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation. The mucoadhesive capacity was confirmed through compression tests using mucin discs. Furthermore, the samples exhibited cell viability greater than 100 % after 24 h of culture. The results reinforce the potential of JL incorporated into PPE as an alternative for the treatment of periodontitis.