Preparation and characterization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, glycyrrhizin, vitamin-D3, and citric acid-loaded mucoadhesive pectin microparticles for the management of dental caries.

Study Design

Population: In vivo studies on Wistar rats
Methods: Microparticles were synthesized via ionic gelation and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), etc.; in vitro assays including antimicrobial (agar well diffusion, MIC, MBC), anti-biofilm, and anti-inflammatory (cytokine analysis) were performed

Abstract

Background: Dental caries, a prevalent oral disease, results from bacterial biofilm formation and enamel demineralization, leading to tooth decay and associated complications. Conventional treatments face challenges such as poor drug bioavailability and antibiotic resistance.

Objectives: This study aims to develop a mucoadhesive localized drug delivery system (LDDS) incorporating Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, glycyrrhizin (GL), citric acid (CA), and pectin (PC) to enhance antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties for effective dental caries management.

Methods: Microparticles were synthesized via ionic gelation and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), etc.

Results: In vitro assays, including antimicrobial (agar well diffusion, MIC, MBC), anti-biofilm, and anti-inflammatory (cytokine analysis), demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and S. mutans with notable reductions in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and increased IL-10 expression. The formulation also exhibited strong antioxidant potential in DPPH scavenging assays. In vivo studies on Wistar rats confirmed prolonged retention in the oral cavity and effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, further supported by histopathological analysis. The findings indicate that the developed microparticles offer a promising alternative for dental caries treatment by ensuring sustained drug release, improved bioavailability, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of probiotic-based mucoadhesive drug delivery systems in oral health management. It highlights their role in reducing reliance on conventional antibiotics, mitigating bacterial resistance, and improving patient compliance.

Graphical Abstract:

Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-025-01010-1.

Keywords: Lactobacillus species; Anti-inflammatory activity; Antimicrobial activity; Dental caries; Mucoadhesive drug delivery.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus	—	Improved Oral Retention	Beneficial	Moderate	View source In vivo studies on Wistar rats confirmed prolonged retention in the oral cavity and effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity
Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus	—	Increased Antioxidant Activity	Beneficial	Small	View source The formulation also exhibited strong antioxidant potential in DPPH scavenging assays.
Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus	—	Reduced Dental Caries	Beneficial	Moderate	View source The developed microparticles offer a promising alternative for dental caries treatment by ensuring sustained drug release, improved bioavailability, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus	—	Reduced Inflammation	Beneficial	Moderate	View source demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and S. mutans with notable reductions in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and increased IL-10 expression.