Polyzwitterion Manipulates Remineralization and Antibiofilm Functions against Dental Demineralization

Abstract

Biomineralization technology has become a trend for the arrest and prevention of dental caries. In particular, the bioactivity and ability to release large amounts of Ca2+ and PO4 3– ions make amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) for hard tissue remineralization are highly desired. However, the instability of ACP limits its clinical application. Under continuous bacterial challenge in the oral cavity, the currently developed ACP-based remineralization system lacks the ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Here, a dual-functional nanocomposite with antibiofilm and remineralization properties was designed by combining zwitterionic poly­(carboxybetaine acrylamide) (PCBAA) and ACP. The resulting nanocomposite was stable in solution for at least 3 days without any aggregation. The PCBAA/ACP nanocomposite exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the adhesion and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans and exhibited bactericidal activities under acidic conditions resulting from bacteria. Moreover, compared with fluoride, this nanocomposite demonstrated superior effects in promoting the remineralization of demineralized enamel and the occlusion of exposed dentinal tubules in vivo and in vitro. The present work provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the use of the PCBAA/ACP nanocomposite as a potential dual-functional agent for arresting and preventing caries.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate/mineralization precursors co-delivery hollow mesoporous nanosystem for synergistic manipulation of dentin exposure

“…Diffraction peaks in Fig. 2 i at 2 θ = 25.9° (002), 31.8° (211), and 32.9° (300), respectively, correspond to characteristics of hydroxyapatite (HAp) that appeared in native dentin [ 56 ]. These reflections dramatically disappeared or weakened after acid etching.…”

“…Importantly, the EGCG and PAH-ACP loaded silica nanoparticles in the form of paste are small enough to penetrate into dentinal tubules to a certain depth. The continuously released Ca and P ions from E/PA@HMS increase the inorganic content and allow their conversion into HAp crystals for mineralization to fully occupy the tubules and integrate with the inner walls [ 56 , 57 ]. Taking into account the mineralization effects of collagen fibrils and demineralized dentin from ACP precursors, the mechanical properties and stability of mineralized regions can be enhanced and the microhardness recovery can be realized.…”

Advanced materials for enamel remineralization

“…ACP can be stabilized by amphoteric ionic poly (carboxy betaine acrylamide) (PCBAA). PCBAA/ACP nanocomposites contribute to the growth of HAP in the damaged sublayer of enamel by blocking spontaneous ion conversion on the enamel surface while releasing sufficient ions ( He et al, 2022 ). Thus, PCBAA/ACP nanocomposites performed admirably in both remineralization (10.08 μ m thick remineralized layer in mice intraoral for 14 days) and antimicrobial experiments (almost no bacterial adherence).…”

Genomic and phenotypic characterization of Streptococcus mutans isolates suggests key gene clusters in regulating its interaction with Streptococcus gordonii

“…Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is an essential cariogenic bacterium that metabolizes carbohydrates within the oral cavity and thereby lowers the local pH at the tooth surface (Loesche, 1986;OmerOglou et al, 2022). When this pH value drops to 5.5 or below, it can result in tooth surface demineralization and dental caries development (He et al, 2022).…”