Innovative coenzyme Q10-loaded nanoformulation as an adjunct approach for the management of moderate periodontitis: preparation, evaluation, and clinical study

Periodontal diseases are worldwide chronic inflammatory conditions that are associated with heavy production of reactive oxygen species followed by damage of the tooth-supporting tissues. Although the mechanical approach of scaling and root planing (SRP) for removing of plaque is considered as the key element for controlling periodontitis, the anatomical complexity of the teeth hinders accessibility to deeper points. The aim of this study was to design a micellar nanocarrier of coenzyme Q10 (Q(10)) to support the management of moderate periodontitis. Q(10) was formulated in nanomicelles (NMQ10) and evaluated regarding encapsulation efficiency, loading efficiency, percent yield, hydrodynamic size (D-h), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (zeta potential). NMQ10 was incorporated to in situ gelling systems and the in vitro release of Q(10) was studied. A clinical study including evaluation of periodontal parameters and biochemical assay of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and lipid peroxide was achieved. Results revealed that Q(10) was efficiently entrapped in spherical-shaped stable NMQ10 with D-h, PDI, and zeta potential of 154.0 nm, 0.108, and - 31.67 mV, respectively. The clinical study revealed that SRP only exhibited improvement of the periodontal parameters. Also, assay of T-AOC and lipid peroxide revealed that their values diminished by 21.5 and 23.8%, respectively. On the other hand, SRP combined with local application of NMQ10 resulted in a significant management of the periodontal parameters, and likewise, the assayed biomarkers proved enhanced antioxidant activity over SRP alone. In conclusion, NMQ10 can be suggested as a promising nanosystem as an approach to support the management of chronic periodontitis. Such results could be used to conduct larger clinical studies. Graphical abstrac