Fluoride loaded polymeric nanoparticles for dental delivery.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Dental Research

Background:

• Dental caries remains a significant public health issue.
• Effective fluoride delivery systems are crucial for caries prevention.
• Biopolymers offer potential for developing safe and biocompatible drug delivery vehicles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop fluoride-loaded nanoparticles using biopolymers (chitosan, pectin, alginate) for dental applications.
• To evaluate the drug entrapment and release properties of these nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Ionic gelation method was employed for nanoparticle preparation using sodium fluoride (NaF) as the active ingredient.
• Chitosan, pectin, and alginate were investigated as base biopolymers.
• Nanoparticle characterization included evaluation of stability, morphology, size, fluoride loading capacity, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro fluoride release profiles at different pH levels.

Main Results:

• Chitosan successfully formed stable, spherical, and monodisperse nanoparticles loaded with sodium fluoride.
• Alginate and pectin did not form definite nanostructures under similar conditions.
• Chitosan nanoparticles exhibited fluoride loading capacities of 33-113 ppm and entrapment efficiencies of 3.6-6.2%.
• Continuous fluoride release was observed over 24 hours, with higher release rates at acidic pH (pH 5) compared to neutral pH (pH 7).

Conclusions:

• Chitosan nanoparticles are effective carriers for fluoride delivery in dental applications.
• The controlled and sustained release profile, particularly the enhanced release in acidic environments, makes these nanoparticles promising for caries prevention.
• These findings support the potential of chitosan-based nanoparticles as advanced dental delivery systems.