Construction of ZnO/PCL Antibacterial Coating Potentially for Dental Unit Waterlines

Abstract

The formation of bacterial biofilms and the contamination of treatment water within dental unit waterlines can lead to a risk of secondary bacterial infections in immunocompromised patients. Although chemical disinfectants can reduce the contamination of treatment water, they can also cause corrosion damage to dental unit waterlines. Considering the antibacterial effect of ZnO, a ZnO-containing coating was prepared on the surface of polyurethane waterlines using polycaprolactone (PCL) with a good film-forming capacity. The ZnO-containing PCL coating improved the hydrophobicity of polyurethane waterlines, thus inhibiting the adhesion of bacteria. Moreover, the continuous slow release of Zn ions endowed polyurethane waterlines with antibacterial activity, thus effectively preventing the formation of bacterial biofilms. Meanwhile, the ZnO-containing PCL coating had good biocompatibility. The present study suggests that ZnO-containing PCL coating can realize a long-term antibacterial effect on the polyurethane waterlines by itself, providing a novel strategy for the manufacture of autonomous antibacterial dental unit waterlines.

Study on the disinfection effect of chlorine dioxide disinfectant (ClO2) on dental unit waterlines and its in vitro safety evaluation

“…Although it performs similarly to other chlorine-containing disinfectants in some respects, 20 mg/L chlorine dioxide is distinguished by its overall utility, making it a preferred choice for disinfecting dental chair waterways [27][28][29]. Indeed, we have initiated preliminary clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of 20 mg/L chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant within clinical settings.…”

Study on the Disinfection Effect of Chlorine Dioxide Disinfectant（ClO2）on Dental Chair Waterlines and its In Vitro Safety Evaluation

“…The minimal morphological changes and low toxicity at 5 mg/L contrast sharply with the moderate toxicity observed at 80 mg/L, characterized by signi cant cell morphology alteration and increased cell death. Interestingly, at 20 mg/L, chlorine dioxide exhibited mild toxicity, suggesting a controlled impact on cell viability [25], which is critically important for applications within clinical settings, particularly in dentistry, where patient safety is paramount. The corrosion resistance tests further illuminated the dual challenge of disinfection e cacy versus material compatibility within DUWLs.…”