Journal article
Curcumin-photosensitized nanocapsules: biocompatibility and antimicrobial evaluation in primary tooth dentin contaminated with Streptococcus mutans
Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, Vol.15, 1614363
09/08/2025
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1614363
PMCID: PMC12450906
PMID: 40989180
Abstract
Introduction: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease with high prevalence, particularly in vulnerable populations, where Streptococcus mutans contributes to lesion progression via acid production and biofilm formation. Minimally invasive strategies, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with advanced delivery systems, offer promising alternatives for caries management.
Methods: Zein-based nanocapsules loaded with curcumin (Nano-curcumin) were synthesized via nanoprecipitation and characterized for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, morphology, and curcumin release. Biocompatibility was assessed using rabbit oral mucosal cells via MTT and trypan blue assays. Antimicrobial efficacy was tested in vitro on primary dentin slices contaminated with S. mutans across four groups: Nano-curcumin, Nano-curcumin + PDT, diode laser, and untreated control. Colony-forming units (CFU) were quantified after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05).
Results: Nano-curcumin demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (~100%), spherical morphology, low polydispersity (0.108), and favorable colloidal stability, with sustained curcumin release over 24 hours. Cytotoxicity assays showed >50% cell viability at 100 μg·mL⁻¹ and ~80% at intermediate concentrations (50–75 µg·mL-¹). Both curcumin nanocapsules and their photosensitized versions significantly reduced S. mutans CFU compared to controls (p < 0.05), with PDT-enhanced nanocapsules showing the greatest reduction, though not statistically different from non-photosensitized nanocapsules.
Discussion: Curcumin-loaded zein nanocapsules are biocompatible and effective against S. mutans, with controlled release properties. Photodynamic activation further enhances antimicrobial activity, supporting their potential as a minimally invasive approach for managing carious lesions, particularly in pediatric dentistry. This strategy integrates a natural photosensitizer with a biodegradable polymeric matrix, providing a safe and innovative alternative for caries control.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Curcumin-photosensitized nanocapsules: biocompatibility and antimicrobial evaluation in primary tooth dentin contaminated with Streptococcus mutans
- Creators
- Michelle Cristina ErckmannAline AlmeidaDiogo DominguiniDaniela BeckerJosiane Khun RutzDachamir HotzaAbhishek ParoliaVanessa Valgas Dos SantosMichael Ramos NunesCleonice Gonçalves Da RosaAnelise Viapiana Masiero
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, Vol.15, 1614363
- DOI
- 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1614363
- PMID
- 40989180
- PMCID
- PMC12450906
- NLM abbreviation
- Front Cell Infect Microbiol
- ISSN
- 2235-2988
- eISSN
- 2235-2988
- Publisher
- FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
- Grant note
- Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa e Inovacao do Estado Santa Catarina (FAPESC): FAPESC 12/2020 TO2021TR1482, FAPESC 12/2020 TO2021TR001430, FAPESC 15/2021 TO2021TR001220, FAPESC 54/2022 TO2023TR000648, FAPESC 54/2022 TO2023TR000883, FAPESC 54/2022 TO2023TR000884, FAPESC 15/2023 TO2023TR001418, FAPESC 15/2023 TO2023TR001518 FAPESC: 18/2024, 20/2024, 61/2024 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq): 69/2022-PIBPG Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)-Programa de Desenvolvimento da Pos-Graduacao (PDPG)
The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This research was funded by Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa e Inovacao do Estado Santa Catarina (FAPESC) grant numbers FAPESC 12/2020 TO2021TR1482, FAPESC 12/2020 TO2021TR001430, FAPESC 15/2021 TO2021TR001220, FAPESC 54/2022 TO2023TR000648, FAPESC 54/2022 TO2023TR000883, FAPESC 54/2022 TO2023TR000884, FAPESC 15/2023 TO2023TR001418, FAPESC 15/2023 TO2023TR001518, FAPESC no 18/2024, FAPESC no 20/2024, and FAPESC no 61/2024. This research was also funded by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq) no 69/2022-PIBPG and the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)-Programa de Desenvolvimento da Pos-Graduacao (PDPG).
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/08/2025
- Academic Unit
- Endodontics
- Record Identifier
- 9984962540802771
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