In a promising development for dental health, researchers have found that chitosan gel could play a significant role in managing chronic periodontitis, a common gum disease that affects millions worldwide. The study, led by Hatem Abd Alaziz from the Periodontology department at the Faculty of Dentistry, October 6 University in Giza, Egypt, suggests that a 1% chitosan gel could be an effective adjunctive treatment for stage II to III chronic periodontitis.
Chitosan, a derivative of chitin found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, has been gaining attention for its biomedical applications. In this study, published in the Journal of Bioscience and Applied Research, 30 patients were divided into two groups. One group received scaling, root planning, and intrapocket administration of chitosan gel, while the control group received only scaling and root planning. The results showed significant improvements in clinical parameters like probing depth and clinical attachment level in the group treated with chitosan gel, particularly at the 3-month mark.
“Intrapocket application of chitosan gel 1% appeared to be effective adjunctive in the treatment of stage II to III chronic periodontitis,” said lead author Hatem Abd Alaziz. This finding could open up new avenues for the maritime sectors involved in the harvesting and processing of crustaceans. The demand for chitosan could potentially increase, creating opportunities for businesses in this sector to diversify their products and explore new markets.
Moreover, the topical application of chitosan gel could also have implications for oral health products. As Abd Alaziz noted, “Topical application of chitosan gel provides a pivotal role in the treatment of periodontitis.” This could lead to the development of new dental care products, further boosting the market for chitosan derivatives.
For maritime professionals, this research underscores the potential value of byproducts from crustacean processing. As the demand for sustainable and effective medical treatments grows, chitosan could become an increasingly important commodity. This study, published in the Journal of Bioscience and Applied Research (translated to English as the Journal of Life Sciences and Practical Research), highlights the importance of exploring the full potential of marine resources, not just for food, but also for their biomedical applications.