Abstract
The growing interest in the appearance and color of teeth has led to the emergence of a wide range of teeth whitening methods, both in dental offices and in patients’ homes. Concerns about the possible side effects or toxic effects of peroxide-based whitening gels leads to the identification of alternative whitening methods, based on natural compounds with mild action on tooth enamel and remineralizing effect. In this context, this study describes the preparation and in vitro analysis of whitening gels based on natural active agents—bromelain, quince and whey—using organic (polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol) and/or inorganic (silicate) excipients. Five natural products gels were prepared, containing bromelain extract, quince extract and whey, in various proportions. Two supplementary gels, one containing Lubrizol and another containing SiO2, were prepared. All gels were submitted for multiple in vitro analysis such as: SDS-PAGE analysis, UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, SEM microscopy, antibacterial activity on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The quince extract sample was the only one which completely discolored the blue dye on SDS-PAGE analysis. On the UV-vis spectra, the 303 nm band is assigned to an in situ modified form of bromelain. SEM images of gels containing SiO2 particles show evident marks of these particles, while the rest of the gels containing Lubrizol or whey are more uniform. Regarding antibacterial tests, the SiO2 gel samples did not show inhibition in any strains, but the other tested samples varied in the size of the inhibition diameter depending on the amicrobial strain tested; the protease activity of bromelain modulates the composition of the added whey proteins. Bromelain added as a nanoencapsulated assembly better preserves its integrity. The prepared gels showed antibacterial properties.
Highlights
The appearance and color of the teeth are a concern for a growing number of people seeking alternatives to chemical-based dental treatment
The present study reports the preparation and characterization of applications gels based on natural products—bromelain extract, quince extract, whey with potential in natural products—bromelain extract, quince extract, whey with potential applications in oral microbiome control for gingival or oral treatments and/or tooth whitening
Bromelain added as a nano encapsulated assembly better preserves its integrity, showing different antimicrobial activity depending on the type of extract and depending on the bacterial strain tested
Summary
The appearance and color of the teeth are a concern for a growing number of people seeking alternatives to chemical-based dental treatment. Dental staining can result from the accumulation of molecules with chromophore/chromogenic groups (generally conjugated or even aromatic unsaturated systems) on the surface of dental structures [2]. Factors related to eating habits, such as excessive coffee or tea consumption, smoking, and exposure to chemicals, are associated with dental staining. Teeth whitening products are traditionally based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels (hydrogen peroxide and urea) [3]. These peroxide-based products release free radicals that attack chromogens, being able to degrade larger molecules into smaller molecules that can be removed from dental tissues, promoting a certain degree of teeth whitening
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