PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a novel, drug-free therapy that can reduce the over-accumulation of cariogenic bacteria on dental surfaces. METHODS: We designed and synthesized a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrophilic copolymer functionalized with a pyrophosphate (PPi) tooth-binding anchor using "click" chemistry. The polymer was then evaluated for hydroxyapatite (HA) binding kinetics and capability of reducing bacteria adhesion to artificial tooth surface. RESULTS: The PPi-PEG copolymer can effectively inhibit salivary protein adsorption after rapid binding to an artificial tooth surface. As a result, the in vitro S. mutans adhesion study showed that the PPi-PEG copolymer can inhibit saliva protein-promoted S. mutans adhesion through the creation of a neutral, hydrophilic layer on the artificial tooth surface. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested the potential application of a PPi-PEG copolymer as a drug-free alternative to current antimicrobial therapy for caries prevention.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a novel, drug-free therapy that can reduce the over-accumulation of cariogenic bacteria on dental surfaces. METHODS: We designed and synthesized a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrophilic copolymer functionalized with a pyrophosphate (PPi) tooth-binding anchor using "click" chemistry. The polymer was then evaluated for hydroxyapatite (HA) binding kinetics and capability of reducing bacteria adhesion to artificial tooth surface. RESULTS: The PPi-PEG copolymer can effectively inhibit salivary protein adsorption after rapid binding to an artificial tooth surface. As a result, the in vitro S. mutans adhesion study showed that the PPi-PEG copolymer can inhibit saliva protein-promoted S. mutans adhesion through the creation of a neutral, hydrophilic layer on the artificial tooth surface. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested the potential application of a PPi-PEG copolymer as a drug-free alternative to current antimicrobial therapy for caries prevention.
Authors: Siamak P Yazdankhah; Anne A Scheie; E Arne Høiby; Bjørn-Tore Lunestad; Even Heir; Tor Øystein Fotland; Kristine Naterstad; Hilde Kruse Journal: Microb Drug Resist Date: 2006 Impact factor: 3.431