Electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers loaded with quaternary ammonium compounds for localized eradication of periodontal biofilms.

Periodontitis is driven by polymicrobial biofilms and remains difficult to treat using systemic antibiotics, which fail to achieve therapeutic concentrations within periodontal pockets. In this study, we report on the fabrication of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers incorporating quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)-specifically benzyltriethylammonium chloride (BTEAC) and benzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride (BDMDAC) as localized antimicrobial platforms. Electrospinning parameters were optimized to achieve high drug loading and reproducible fiber morphologies. Incorporation of QACs reduced their porosity and surface area, while thermal stability increased because of enhanced intermolecular interactions. The nanofibers exhibited high wettability and sufficient integrity for specimen handling for oral applications, and the structures remained stable in artificial saliva. Both formulations demonstrated rapid in vitro drug release. Antimicrobial testing against both planktonic and biofilm forms of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, revealed structure, dose and environment-dependent efficacy. PVA-BTEAC showed pronounced bactericidal activity against E. coli, S. mutans, and P. gingivalis, whereas PVA-BDMDAC exhibited strong bactericidal effects against S. aureus, S. mutans, and P. gingivalis. Most QAC loadings were non-cytotoxic to L929 fibroblasts; however, the highest dose of BTEAC was cytotoxic, consistent with a burst-release profile. Overall, these results demonstrate that QAC-loaded PVA nanofibers exhibit rapid and complete antimicrobial agent release, alongside broad-spectrum efficacy against both planktonic and biofilm-associated bacteria, supporting their potential as localized intraoral delivery platforms for periodontal biofilm eradication. BDMDAC-loaded nanofibers in particular show promise for application in the dynamic environment of periodontal pockets.