Remineralization and bacterial inhibition of early enamel caries surfaces by carboxymethyl chitosan lysozyme nanogels loaded with antibacterial drugs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop dual-functional CMC-LYZ-ACP nanogels. Three different antibacterial substances, tea polyphenols (TPs), silver nitrate (AgNO3), and chlorhexidine (CHX) are then combined to form three dual-functional CMC-LYZ-ACP nanogels for remineralization and antibacterial purposes.

METHODS

An in vitro model of Streptococcus mutans biofilm was established to analyze the inhibitory effect of the antibacterial-remineralizing dual-functional nanogels on the biofilm. And the nanogels were applied to the surface of demineralized enamel to assess their remineralization efficacy.

RESULTS

The three remineralization-antibacterial dual-functional CMC-LYZ-ACP nanogels exhibited stable particle sizes within 200 nm and were all negatively charged nanospherical structures. They demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against Streptococcus mutans and achieved good remineralization outcomes both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of the three antibacterial agents (AgNO3, TPs, CHX) endowed the CMC-LYZ-ACP nanogels with excellent antibacterial properties, inhibiting the growth of plaque biofilms while maintaining their potent remineralization capabilities.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Remineralizing demineralized enamel while inhibiting biofilm adhesion and formation of caries-inducing bacteria can block caries and provide new strategies for early enamel caries treatment.