Antibacterial polysaccharide gels for dentistry with properties similar to soft tissues based on konjac and xanthan gums.

This article focuses on the synthesis and characterization of antibacterial gels based on dialdehyde polysaccharides derived from periodate oxidation of xanthan and konjac gums, designed for the treatment of periodontitis. These gels covalently bind the antibiotics vancomycin and amikacin to the polysaccharide chains, enabling targeted, enzyme-triggered antibiotic release at infection sites, which may reduce the risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. The gels exhibit rheological properties—accumulation modulus (G') and loss modulus (G")—comparable to soft gingival tissues and hyaluronic acid fillers, suggesting mechanical compatibility and low risk of tissue irritation. In vitro studies demonstrated that konjac-based gels with antibiotics are non-toxic to human fibroblasts and effective against Staphylococcus aureus at bactericidal concentrations significantly exceeding minimum inhibitory levels. These findings support the potential use of such polymeric antibiotic depots as localized, biocompatible treatments for infectious periodontitis.