Chitosan/Fluoride Nanoparticles for Preventing Dental Caries

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is still a major public health problem. The use of fluoride is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of fluoride entrapped in chitosan nanoparticles in vivo. Methods: Sodium fluoride was loaded in chitosan via ionic gelation of tripolyphosphate nanoparticles. Characterization of nanoparticles was investigated by using the zeta potential, size of particles, loading capacities, encapsulation efficiency, and Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy. Chitosan/ fluoride nanoparticles were fabricated by a method of fluoride/chitosan cross-linking with tripolyphosphate. Results: The size of nanoparticles was 219 nm. According to the zeta potential results, by adding sodium fluoride to chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles reducing the number of positive charges of chitosan, the result was diminished zeta potential from +30.8 mV to +14.9 mV. The optimum drug loading and percentage of entrapment efficiency were 70% and 30% respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed linked among tripolyphosphate, chitosan and fluoride nanoparticles. In vitro characterization of nanoparticles demonstrated higher fluoride uptake ability and smooth releasing profile. Conclusion: It is suggested that fluoride/chitosan nanoparticles synthesized in our study may be a promising means of delivering fluoride for the early prevention of tooth decay.

Polysaccharide-Based Micro- and Nanosized Drug Delivery Systems for Potential Application in the Pediatric Dentistry

“…However, chitosan as a carrier was the most effective polymer, ensuring continuous delivery of the caries protective agent. The results of an experimental study by Ebrahim et al also supported the promising action of fluoride/chitosan nanoparticles [ 55 ]. Up to 2017, there was only one clinical study that reported the effect of the use of fluoride ions incorporated into bioadhesive fluoride tablets [ 125 ].…”

Role of Chitosan Hydrogels in Clinical Dentistry

“…There have been many studies that documented the combination of chitosan with various other ingredients normally used in dentifrices, such as NaF, SnCl 2, KNO 3 , HA, and SnF 2, with increased effectiveness of the dentifrice in some of the studies [ 41 , 42 ]. In their report on the commercially available, fluoride-free chitosan-based dentifrice, tissue loss was significantly reduced, according to Ganss et al Using NaF- and Sn-based dentifrices has also been linked to similar results in terms of halting the deterioration of the dentin matrix and enamel [ 43 , 44 , 45 ]. These results are explained by the strong affinity of chitosan for binding to zeta potential-negative structures like enamel and salivary pellicles, as well as the cationic character of chitosan in combination with a low pH.…”

The Effectiveness of Chitosan on Children’s Dental and Oral Health as a Primary Preventive: A Literature Review

“…Ebrahimi and colleagues stated that the synthesized fluoride/chitosan nanoparticles were a promising way to provide fluoride for the early prevention of tooth decay. 19 Simeonov and colleagues in their research developed a chitosan microgel hybrid which showed an effective agent for enhancing remineralization of early caries development and carried out an early-stage approach that has been tested and proved effective for early demineralization of enamel remineralization. 20 In elementary school children, the level of oral hygiene is low, so it can increase the incidence of dental and oral diseases caused by various microorganisms.…”