Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a multifunctional oral wound care gel (OWCG) formulated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin (GEL), and curcumin (CUR) to enhance oral soft tissue regeneration. METHODS: CMC was synthesized through etherification, whereas CUR was extracted using a modified ethanol-based method. OWCG was prepared and crosslinked using 5 % citric acid. Physicochemical characterization including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), swelling behavior, and in vitro drug release were assessed. Biological evaluations included in vitro anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays on fibroblast (3T3-L1) cell, and scratch wound healing assays. RESULTS: OWCG exhibited a maximum swelling capacity of 86 % at neutral pH and 83 % CUR release under alkaline conditions within 24 h. In vitro protein denaturation inhibition was 82.4 %, confirming its anti-inflammatory efficacy. The gel exhibited notable antibacterial activity. MTT assays demonstrated over 90 % cell viability at 48 h, and scratch wound assays showed 90 % wound closure within the same timeframe. CONCLUSION: OWCG demonstrated good biocompatibility, antimicrobial efficacy, and wound healing potential, supporting its use in oral wound care.