Abstract
Biofilms are formed on surfaces inside the oral cavity covered by the acquired pellicle and develop into a complex, dynamic, microbial environment. Oral biofilm is a causative factor of dental and periodontal diseases. Accordingly, novel materials that can resist biofilm formation have attracted significant attention. Zwitterionic polymers (ZPs) have unique features that resist protein adhesion and prevent biofilm formation while maintaining biocompatibility. Recent literature has reflected a rapid increase in the application of ZPs as coatings and additives with promising outcomes. In this review, we briefly introduce ZPs and their mechanism of antifouling action, properties of human oral biofilms, and present trends in anti-biofouling, zwitterionic, dental materials. Furthermore, we highlight the existing challenges in the standardization of biofilm research and the future of antifouling, zwitterated, dental materials.
Highlights
Dental biomaterials form the backbone, which helps prevent, restore, and rehabilitate oral form and function
The improved scientific evidence indicates an active interaction at the dental materials and oral biofilm interface
It is essential to note that the interfacial interaction between the dental material and biofilm is multifactorial
Summary
Dental biomaterials form the backbone, which helps prevent, restore, and rehabilitate oral form and function. While physical methods involve mechanical removal of the biofilm by actions such as tooth brushing, conventional chemical methods include dentifrices [17] and dental mouth rinses [18] These approaches have focused on substituting or adding chemicals and have displayed good efficacy in an in vitro environment. The challenges mentioned above have laid the foundation for the development of novel approaches to counter biofilms Many of these new methodologies, currently under research, involve modification of the dental materials by using antibiotics, incorporation of metal oxides [22], nanoparticles [23], and anti-adhesion coatings using hydrophilic polymers [24]. Amidst a large number of methods, the approach utilizing the resistance to biofilm formation due to anti-adhesion properties has attracted attention This property is characteristically reported for zwitterionic polymers (ZPs). We hope that this review will stimulate more innovative ideas to advance research and point toward the persistent question of “what next?”
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