Publication: Fabrication and characterization of calcium hydroxide encapsulated alginate microspheres for dental applications
Date
2025-08-07
Authors
Joycelyn, Ng Xin Yee
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Abstract
The increasing demand for improved dental materials has led to the development of innovative drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing treatment outcomes. This research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of calcium hydroxide-encapsulated alginate microspheres (Ca(OH)₂-AMs) for dental applications. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) is widely utilized in endodontic procedures due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to stimulate dentin regeneration. However, its clinical use is limited by its rapid solubility and degradation. To address these issues, this study explores the encapsulation of Ca(OH)₂ within alginate microspheres, with a chitosan coating to enhance stability and controlled release. The encapsulation process was carried out using a two-step method: chitosan coating via ionic gelation followed by alginate encapsulation through emulsification/gelation. The impact of various oils (olive, palm, and coconut oil) and water-to-oil ratios on the microsphere properties, including morphology, particle size, and encapsulation efficiency, were thoroughly investigated. Characterization of the microspheres was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and particle size analysis (PSA). The results demonstrate that the chitosan-alginate system significantly improved the stability, bioavailability, and sustained release of Ca(OH)₂, which is crucial for dental applications like pulp capping and root canal therapy. The study also provides insights into the role of natural oils in enhancing the mechanical properties and release profiles of the microspheres. These findings suggest that calcium hydroxide encapsulated in alginate microspheres holds significant promise for enhancing the effectiveness and longevity of dental treatments.