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Synthesis of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activities and Cytotoxic Properties

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An antimicrobial effect from silver-coated toothbrush heads.

Ali Al-Ahmad¹, Margit Wiedmann-Al-Ahmad, Daniela Deimling

¹Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany.

American Journal of Dentistry

|January 7, 2011

Summary

Silver-coated toothbrush heads showed no antimicrobial effect against common oral bacteria in vitro. In fact, higher counts of Streptococcus sanguis and Candida albicans were found on silver-coated brushes, indicating potential harm.

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Synthesis of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activities and Cytotoxic Properties

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Published on: May 10, 2018

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro

Published on: April 21, 2023

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Biomaterials Science
Dental Hygiene

Background:

Toothbrush contamination with microorganisms is a concern for oral hygiene.
Silver coatings are explored for potential antimicrobial properties in various applications.
The efficacy of silver-coated toothbrush heads against oral microbial colonization requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effectiveness of silver-coated toothbrush heads.

Main Methods:

Sixty-two silver-coated and 62 non-coated toothbrush heads were contaminated with standardized microbial suspensions.
Microorganisms tested included Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Actinomyces viscosus, Lactobacillus casei, and Candida albicans.
Colony-forming units (CFUs) were determined after simulated daily toothbrushing and overnight drying.

Main Results:

No significant reduction in CFUs was observed for any tested microorganisms on silver-coated toothbrushes.
Significantly higher colony counts for Streptococcus sanguis and Candida albicans were found on silver-coated heads.
The current silver-coating method did not demonstrate antimicrobial benefits against residual bacteria.

Conclusions:

Silver-coated toothbrush heads, in their current form, do not provide antimicrobial benefits.
The silver coating may potentially promote the growth of certain microorganisms like S. sanguis and C. albicans.
Further research is needed to explore alternative silver-coating strategies or materials for antimicrobial efficacy.