Curcumin-infused carboxymethyl cellulose-gelatin gel for oral tissue repair: Preliminary evaluation.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a multifunctional oral wound care gel (OWCG) formulated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin (GEL), and curcumin (CUR) to enhance oral soft tissue regeneration.

METHODS

CMC was synthesized through etherification, whereas CUR was extracted using a modified ethanol-based method. OWCG was prepared and crosslinked using 5 % citric acid. Physicochemical characterization including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), swelling behavior, and in vitro drug release were assessed. Biological evaluations included in vitro anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays on fibroblast (3T3-L1) cell, and scratch wound healing assays.

RESULTS

OWCG exhibited a maximum swelling capacity of 86 % at neutral pH and 83 % CUR release under alkaline conditions within 24 h. In vitro protein denaturation inhibition was 82.4 %, confirming its anti-inflammatory efficacy. The gel exhibited notable antibacterial activity. MTT assays demonstrated over 90 % cell viability at 48 h, and scratch wound assays showed 90 % wound closure within the same timeframe.

CONCLUSION

OWCG demonstrated good biocompatibility, antimicrobial efficacy, and wound healing potential, supporting its use in oral wound care.