Nanosized Building Blocks for Customizing Novel Antibiofilm Approaches
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH, 96 (2):
128-136 (2017)DOI: 10.1177/0022034516679397
Abstract
Recent advances in nanotechnology provide unparalleled flexibility to
control the composition, size, shape, surface chemistry, and
functionality of materials. Currently available engineering approaches
allow precise synthesis of nanocompounds (e.g., nanoparticles,
nanostructures, nanocrystals) with both top-down and bottom-up design
principles at the submicron level. In this context, these nanoelements
(NEs) or nanosized building blocks can 1) generate new nanocomposites
with antibiofilm properties or 2) be used to coat existing surfaces
(e.g., teeth) and exogenously introduced surfaces (e.g., restorative or
implant materials) for prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm
formation. Furthermore, functionalized NEs 3) can be conceived as
nanoparticles to carry and selectively release antimicrobial agents
after attachment or within oral biofilms, resulting in their disruption.
The latter mechanism includes smart release of agents when triggered by
pathogenic microenvironments (e.g., acidic pH or low oxygen levels) for
localized and controlled drug delivery to simultaneously kill bacteria
and dismantle the biofilm matrix. Here we discuss inorganic, metallic,
polymeric, and carbon-based NEs for their outstanding chemical
flexibility, stability, and antibiofilm properties manifested when
converted into bioactive materials, assembled on-site or delivered at
biofilm-surface interfaces. Details are provided on the emerging concept
of the rational design of NEs and recent technological breakthroughs for
the development of a new generation of nanocoatings or functional
nanoparticles for biofilm control in the oral cavity.