Emerging Nanostructures in Dental Applications

Lipid nanoparticle-based formulations for high-performance dentistry applications

“…Cancer nanotechnology has been the key focus area of research where different nanoparticle systems have been developed for theragnostic applications. 124 Among different nanocarrier systems, lipid-based nanostructures represent one of the most potential colloidal systems as the carrier for chemotherapeutic agents. 81,[125][126][127][128][129][130][131] Some of the lipid NPs-based formulations are either in clinical trials or a few have already been commercialized for cancer targeting.…”

“…The global threat of antibiotic resistance has posed significant interest in finding antiinfective alternatives in the form of nanoformulations or coatings to control the biofilm formation in the oral environment. 124,158,159 Among these nanostructures, early attempts included the application of liposomes synthesized (by sonication and reverse phase evaporation) using dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), phosphatidyl-inositol (PI), and phosphatidyl-glycerol (PG) for size ranging from 35 to 310 nm to target and deliver bactericide (Triclosan@) for disrupting the biofilm formed by S. sanguis, S. mutans, S. epidermidis, and Proteus vulgaris. [160][161][162][163][164] The studies suggested that the liposomes engineered with succinyl concanavalin A (S-ConA) or polyhydroxy groups (using PI) on the surface were more active by lowering the interaction energy between the liposome and bacterial surface.…”

“…229,230 However, with increasing bacterial resistance toward drugs and antibiotics, alternate approaches involving different type of nanostructures are under investigation as antibacterial, antimicrobial, and targeted drug delivery agent. 124,228,[231][232][233] Early attempts (1990s) involved the application of lipid bilayer in the cubic phase gel for the local sustained delivery of metronidazole/tetracycline into the periodontal pocket. 234,235 Thereafter, in different studies, the liposome nanostructures synthesized using soya lecithin were used to deliver enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) or cinnamic acid at the periodontitis site in vivo, suggesting the significant suppression of gingival inflammation and increased alveolar bone apposition compared to the control group.…”

Nanoparticles: Taking a Unique Position in Medicine

“…Unlike bleach and other chemical disinfectants, NP-based aerosols are non-toxic and do not harm human or animal health. Issues relating to minimizing the impact of NT on human health and the environment are summarized below [ 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ]. Key issues in dealing with the potential impact of NT on human health are classified in Figure 3 .…”

“…Sanità et al revealed in 2020 that albumin functionalization on silver–eumelanin hybrid NPs reduced normal mammary cell chemotoxicity in vitro (MCF10a). Incomplete particle analysis is the primary reason for their approval for use in human treatments [ 96 ]. Size, shape, content, charge and surface chemistry, encapsulation efficiency, and evaluation of the encapsulated drug with factors such as loading, distribution, release kinetics, interaction with cells, and transport system should all be part of the characterization.…”