Development and evaluation of a PLGA/TiO ₂ nanocomposite for periodontal applications: Synthesis, characterization, and cytocompatibility with human gingival fibroblasts—An in vitro study

Background. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles exhibit promising antibacterial and structural properties but raise concerns of cytotoxicity in oral soft tissues. Incorporating TiO2 into biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) may reduce these adverse effects and improve clinical applicability in periodontal therapy. Methods. TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified sol–gel method and incorporated into PLGA matrices with and without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer. The formulations were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Cytocompatibility was evaluated using the MTT assay on HGF cells across concentrations of 1–100 μg/mL after 24 and 48 h. Results. TiO2 nanoparticles alone induced significant, dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability to ~45% at 100 μg/mL after 48 h (P<0.01). Pure PLGA maintained>90% cell viability at all tested concentrations. The PLGA/TiO2 nanocomposite showed markedly reduced cytotoxicity, maintaining>80% viability even at 100 μg/mL. Incorporation of PVP improved nanoparticle dispersion, as confirmed by FESEM and DLS, and enhanced the thermal stability of the composite. Conclusion. Encapsulation of TiO2 within a PLGA matrix significantly mitigated cytotoxicity while preserving structural stability, with PVP further improving homogeneity and heat resistance. These findings highlight the potential of PLGA/TiO2 nanocomposites as safe and effective candidates for periodontal wound dressings, implant coatings, or regenerative scaffolds.