Sustained co-delivery of ibuprofen and basic fibroblast growth factor by thermosensitive nanoparticle hydrogel as early local treatment of peri-implantitis

Objective: The aims of this study were to 1) encapsulate ibuprofen (IBU) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in a thermosensitive micellar hydrogel, 2) test the biological properties of this in situ drug delivery system, and 3) study the effect of hydrogel in promoting soft tissue healing after implant surgery and its anti-inflammatory function as an early local treatment of peri-implantitis. Materials and methods: A thermosensitive micellar hydrogel was prepared from amphiphilic copolymer poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-1,4,8-trioxa [4.6] spiro-9-undecanone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-1,4,8-trioxa [4.6] spiro-9-undecanone) (PECT) nanoparticles and tested in vitro using a scanning electron microscope, rheometer, UV spectrophotometer, HPLC, and transmission electron microscope. Results: The bFGF + IBU/PECT hydrogel formed a stable, water-dispersible nanoparticle core shell that was injectable at room temperature, hydrogel in situ at body temperature, and provided sustained release of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. The hydrogel promoted the proliferation and adhesion of human gingival fibroblasts, upregulated the expression of adhesion factors such as vinculin proteins, and showed anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion: In situ preparation of IBU- and bFGF-loaded PECT hydrogel represents a promising drug delivery system with the potential to provide early local treatment for peri-implantitis.