PLGA-lecithin nanocarrier encapsulating curcuma caesia oil in a mucoadhesive gel: efficacy analysis against periodontal infections.

Aim: The study reported development of Curcuma caesia leaf essential oil encapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarrier-embedded gel as a potential strategy to treat periodontal infection.

Method: Curcuma caesia oil loaded experimental nanocarriers (CNCs) were developed by nano precipitation method and characterized. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of CNCs loaded gel (CNCsG) was evaluated.

Results: GC/MS analysis revealed Borneol as the major phytoactive constituent. CNCs were spherical, nanosized (51.28 ± 2.1 nm), with -40.5 ± 0.8% mV surface charge, 20.8 ± 0.7% w/w oil loading and 86.4 ± 1.3% encapsulation efficiency. CNCsG was reported with satisfied mucoadhesion (45.66 ± 2.2 dyne/cm2), viscosity (37745 ± 32.7 cps), spreadability (6.5 ± 1.2 gm.cm/sec), sustained ex-vivo release. A faster recovery of infection towards normal was observed in periodontitis rats by CNCsG than Clorni gel. Improved plasma pharmacokinetic profile was reported for CNCsG as compared to standard gel.

Conclusion: CNCsG was reported having promising antibacterial potency. In vivo efficacy data would lay foundation for futuristic clinical testing of CNCsG in periodontitis.