Effect of metronidazole microcapsules with silver nanoparticles on the efficacy of alginate gel in the correction of structural and functional periodontium disorders in rats with periodontitis

Objective: To evaluate the effect of metronidazole loaded into alginate microcapsules impregnated with silver on structural and functional periodontium disorders in periodontitis. Materials and Methods. Our research was conducted on 30 white male rats, randomly distributed among two groups. The comparison group consisted of 15 animals with experimental periodontitis, which received applications of a gel containing microcapsules without additional loading of active substances. The experimental group included 15 animals with periodontitis, which received applications of gel with microcapsules containing metronidazole to the inflamed gums. To assess the morphological changes in periodontium, the mandible was collected followed by its histological examination. Results. Application of a gel containing microcapsules with silver nanoparticles loaded with metronidazole on the gums of animals with periodontitis led to a partial reduction of structural disorders. E.g., out of 15 animals, local disorganization of the periodontal ligament fibers in the experimental group was observed only in 5 cases and signs of limited bone loss were observed in 2 cases. In the comparison group, bone resorption was noted in all 15 animals, while diffuse alteration of fibers throughout the periodontal ligament was confirmed in 13 of 15 cases. Conclusion.The inclusion of metronidazole in alginate microcapsules with silver nanoparticles leads to a significant reduction in the destructive processes occurring in the periodontal tissues during periodontitis.