Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
09:57
A Facile and Efficient Approach for the Production of Reversible Disulfide Cross-linked Micelles
Published on: December 23, 2016
The development of dentotropic micelles with biodegradable tooth-binding moieties
Fu Chen1, Zhenshan Jia, Kelly C Rice
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198-6025, USA.
Pharmaceutical Research
|June 15, 2013
Summary
New tooth-binding micelles deliver antimicrobials effectively for dental plaque prevention and treatment. These formulations show excellent stability and efficacy in vitro, offering a promising approach for improved oral hygiene.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Dental Therapeutics
Background:
- Dental plaque is a major cause of oral diseases.
- Current antimicrobial therapies face challenges in targeted delivery and retention.
- Development of novel drug delivery systems is crucial for enhanced oral health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop dentotropic (tooth-binding) micelle formulations for improved antimicrobial efficacy and safety.
- To enhance the delivery of antimicrobial agents for dental plaque prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Diphosphoserine peptide and pyrophosphate were used as biodegradable tooth-binding moieties conjugated to Pluronic P123.
- Tooth-binding micelles (TBMs) were formed by self-assembly with the antimicrobial agent triclosan.
- In vitro studies evaluated saliva's influence on TBMs and their efficacy against Streptococcus mutans biofilms on hydroxyapatite discs.
Main Results:
- Saliva did not significantly affect triclosan release from TBMs.
- Over 60% of TBMs' tooth-binding capacity was retained in saliva, with minimal release over 24 hours.
- TBM treatment resulted in a significant 2-log reduction in bacterial colony-forming units, demonstrating effective biofilm prevention and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Novel dentotropic micelle formulations with biodegradable moieties are effective and safe antimicrobial delivery tools.
- These TBMs show promise for improving dental plaque prevention and treatment strategies.
- The developed formulations offer a targeted and stable approach for oral antimicrobial therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Micelles
Micelle formation is an intricate process that hinges on the properties of amphiphilic or amphipathic molecules and the conditions of the system in which they are found. Amphiphilic molecules, which have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts, play a critical role in this process.In aqueous environments, these molecules arrange themselves such that their hydrophilic heads are turned towards the water phase, while their hydrophobic tails are oriented away...
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt secretion,...
01:27Surface Active Agents
Surfactants, named for their behavior at interfaces, positively adsorb at the interfaces of two phases, reducing interfacial tension. Their versatility as emulsifiers, detergents, and foaming agents stems from this ability. Surfactants, often termed amphiphiles, share the property of amphipathy, with molecules having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions. The hydrophilic part is called the head, and the hydrophobic part, including an elongated alkyl substituent, forms the tail.Surfactants...
01:05Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...