Acetanilide‐loaded injectable hydrogels with enhanced bioactivity and biocompatibility for potential treatment of periodontitis

Abstract Chronic periodontitis poses long‐term challenges in dentistry, requiring the development of innovative dental composites with biocompatibility, bone regeneration, and antibacterial properties. This study focuses on synthesis of novel injectable thermoresponsive hydrogels composed of chitosan, sodium bicarbonate, bioactive glass (20 and 40% w/w), and acetanilide drug (0.3 and 0.6% w/w). These hydrogels exhibit a sol–gel transition at 37°C, addressing periodontal challenges with reduced gelation time. The smooth flow characteristic was evaluated through 17‐22 gauge syringe needles at low temperature. Rheological studies demonstrated pseudoplastic behavior, with viscosity decreasing as shear rate increases. Fourier transform infrared and x‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the bioactivity of hydrogels, forming a bone‐like apatite layer in simulated body fluid. The drug‐loaded hydrogels demonstrated promising in vitro antibacterial properties against dental pathogens, specifically Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Drug dissolution analysis revealed relatively high release rate at 37°C, highlighting its role in rapidly eliminating bacterial colonies at the target site, while the subsequent sustained release contributes to the prevention of infection recurrence. Finally, biocompatibility was assessed with fibroblast, where the cells were observed anchoring into the polymeric chains of hydrogel through extended filopodia.