Terminalia chebula Seed Extract–Loaded Biogel as a Potential Alternative to Chlorhexidine for Early Peri-Implantitis: An In Vitro Evaluation
Terminalia chebula; Terminalia chebula seed extract (TCSE); Peri-implantitis; Biogel; Antibiofilm activity; Cytocompatibility.
AuthorsAbstractIntroduction: Peri-implantitis is a biofilm-mediated inflammatory disease that compromises implant longevity through persistent microbial colonization, oxidative stress, and progressive peri-implant bone loss. Although chlorhexidine (CHX) remains the clinical gold standard, its prolonged use is associated with cytotoxicity and undesirable adverse effects. Therefore, naturally derived biomaterials with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and biocompatible properties are being explored as alternative therapeutic agents. Aim: To formulate a Terminalia chebula seed extract (TCSE)-loaded biogel and evaluate its physicochemical characteristics, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and cytocompatibility properties for the management of early periimplantitis. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic TCSE was incorporated into a gelatin– alginate biogel and characterized for pH, spreadability, viscosity, and swelling behavior. Phytochemical screening and DPPH assays were performed to determine bioactive constituents and antioxidant potential. Antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Antibiofilm activity was evaluated by crystal violet assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cytocompatibility was determined using the MTT assay on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Results: TCSE demonstrated abundant phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and glycosides with concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The optimized biogel exhibited near-neutral pH, desirable viscosity, adequate spreadability, and satisfactory swelling behavior. TCSE inhibited S. aureus (MIC/MBC: 250/500 µg/ml) and P. gingivalis (250/1000 µg/ml), with greater activity against P. gingivalis. The biogel significantly reduced biofilm biomass and bacterial viability in a concentration-dependent manner, confirmed by crystal violet assay and confocal microscopy. Although CHX exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy, TCSE-loaded biogel maintained excellent osteoblast viability across all tested concentrations, whereas CHX showed marked cytotoxicity. Conclusion: TCSE-loaded biogel demonstrated promising multifunctional properties, combining antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and excellent cytocompatibility. These findings support its potential as a safe adjunctive local drug-delivery system for the management of early peri-implantitis. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org - Published by Riset Publication Services LLC
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