Nanoparticle-encapsulated chlorhexidine against oral bacterial biofilms.

Zezhang Wen,Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne,Elaine Wat,Siu-Fung Lee,Ken Cham-Fai Leung,Lijian Jin,Xuan Li,Ping Chung Leung,Clara Bik San Lau,Chi-Hin Wong

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103234

Abstract

BackgroundChlorhexidine (CHX) is a widely used antimicrobial agent in dentistry. Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel mesoporous silica nanoparticle-encapsulated pure CHX (Nano-CHX), and its mechanical profile and antimicrobial properties against oral biofilms.Methodology/Principal FindingsThe release of CHX from the Nano-CHX was characterized by UV/visible absorption spectroscopy. The antimicrobial properties of Nano-CHX were evaluated in both planktonic and biofilm modes of representative oral pathogenic bacteria. The Nano-CHX demonstrated potent antibacterial effects on planktonic bacteria and mono-species biofilms at the concentrations of 50–200 µg/mL against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Enterococccus faecalis. Moreover, Nano-CHX effectively suppressed multi-species biofilms such as S. mutans, F. nucleatum, A. actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis up to 72 h.Conclusions/SignificanceThis pioneering study demonstrates the potent antibacterial effects of the Nano-CHX on oral biofilms, and it may be developed as a novel and promising anti-biofilm agent for clinical use.

Highlights

Dental plaque biofilm is the aetiological agent for common oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease and emerging peri-implant infections [1,2]
The pathogenic microorganisms in the plaque biofilm critically contribute to the aforementioned oral diseases
Characterization of the Nano-CHX particles The transmission electron microscopic image showed that a single blank nanoparticle exhibited ordered and structured inner porous channels with around 2.5 nm diameter (Figure 1A)

Summary

Introduction

Dental plaque biofilm is the aetiological agent for common oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease and emerging peri-implant infections [1,2]. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a widely used antimicrobial agent in various formulations in dentistry [3,4]. Nano-encapsulation has emerged as a novel approach to delivering biologically potent compounds more effectively to specific-targets, while maintaining their original capacity in the development of new health products and drugs [5,6]. We report a novel synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticle encapsulated with pure (non-salt form) CHX, namely Nano-CHX; and present its morphological profile and mechanical properties. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a widely used antimicrobial agent in dentistry. We report the synthesis of a novel mesoporous silica nanoparticle-encapsulated pure CHX (Nano-CHX), and its mechanical profile and antimicrobial properties against oral biofilms

Methods

Results

Conclusion