The ability of zinc-loaded matrices to promote precipitation of calcium phosphate deposits, together with their observed non-toxicity and its surface chemistry allowing covalent binding of proteins, may offer new strategies for periodontal regeneration.

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Most of the polymers used as biomaterials for scaffolds are naturally occurring, synthetic biodegradable, and synthetic non-biodegradable polymers. Since synthetic polymers can be adapted for obtaining singular desired characteristics by applying various fabrication techniques, their use has increased in the biomedical field, in dentistry in particular. The manufacturing methods of these new structures include many processes, such as electrospinning, 3D printing, or the use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Synthetic polymers show several drawbacks that can limit their use in clinical applications, such as the lack of cellular recognition, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Moreover, concerning biodegradable polymers, the time for matrix resorption is not predictable, and non-resorbable matrices are preferred for soft tissue augmentation in the oral cavity. This review aimed to determine a new biomaterial to offset the present shortcomings in the oral environment. Researchers have recently proposed a novel non-resorbable composite membrane manufactured via electrospinning that has allowed obtaining remarkable in vivo outcomes concerning angiogenesis and immunomodulation throughout the polarization of macrophages. A prototype of the protocol for in vitro and in vivo experimentation with hydrogels is explained in order to encourage innovation into the development of promising biomaterials for soft tissue augmentation in the near future.

Aim To evaluate in a laboratory setting the antimicrobial properties and the potential to inhibit biofilm formation of novel remineralizing polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) when applied to dentine surfaces and to ascertain the effect of the functionalization of these NPs with zinc, calcium or doxycycline. Methodology The antimicrobial activity and inhibition of biofilm formation of polymeric NPs were analysed on human dentine blocks that were infected with Enterococcus faecalis before or after application of NPs. LIVE/DEAD ® testing under Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and bacterial culturing were employed to analyse biofilm biovolume and bacterial viability. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy was also employed to assess biofilm morphology. One‐way anova with Welch’s correction and post hoc comparison by the Games–Howell test were performed for comparisons between groups. Results The un‐functionalized NPs displayed the greatest antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis biofilms as they provided the lowest biovolume (3865.7 ± 2926.97 µm3; P < 0.001) and the highest dead/injured cells percentage (79.93 ± 18.40%; P < 0.001), followed by Dox‐NPs (biovolume: 19,041.55 ± 17,638.23 µm3, dead/injured cells: 45.53 ± 26.50%; P < 0.001). Doxycycline‐loaded NPs had the largest values of inhibition of biofilm formation with the lowest biofilm biovolume (8517.65 ± 7055.81 µm3; P < 0.001) and a high dead/injured bacterial percentage (68.68 ± 12.50%; P < 0.001). Un‐functionalized NPs did not reduce biomass growth (P > 0.05), but attained the largest percentage of compromised cells (93 ± 8.23%; P < 0.001), being able to disrupt biofilm formation. It also produced occlusion of dentinal tubules, potentially interfering with bacterial tubule penetration. Conclusions A new generation of bioactive nano‐fillers (doxycycline‐functionalized polymeric NPs) had antibacterial activity and occluded dentinal tubules. Incorporating these NPs into endodontic sealers may have the potential to enhance the outcome of root canal treatment.