Nanoparticles for Oral Biofilm Treatments

Abstract

Pathogenic oral biofilms are universal, chronic, and costly. Despite advances in understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation and persistence, novel and effective treatment options remain scarce. Nanoparticle-mediated eradication of the biofilm matrix and resident bacteria holds great potential. In particular, nanoparticles that target specific microbial and biofilm features utilizing nontoxic materials are well-suited for clinical translation. However, much work remains to characterize the local and systemic effects of therapeutic agents that are topically applied to chronic biofilms, such as those that cause dental caries. In this Perspective, we summarize the pathogenesis of oral biofilms, describe current and future nanoparticle-mediated treatment approaches, and highlight outstanding questions that are paramount to answer for effectively targeting and treating oral biofilms.

Figure 1.

Bacterial biofilm developmental stages highlighting various opportunities for therapeutic interventions (reproduced with permission from). EPS-exopolysaccharide.

Figure 2.

Nanoparticle properties are important for their use in anti-biofilm strategies (reproduced with permission from)

Figure 3.

Catalytic nanoparticles (CAT-NP), comprised of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with dextran, known in this issue as Dex-NZM, result in biofilm disruption via local pH-dependent free radical production, resulting in degraded EPS and bacteria cell killing (reproduced with permission from).