Bacterial Nanocellulose in Dentistry: Perspectives and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Research
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer with excellent biocompatibility, low cost, and processing ease.
• BC's moldability and combination potential enable the creation of BC-based compounds with enhanced properties for biomedical uses.
• While widely applied in biomedicine, BC's dental applications remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the properties and advantages of bacterial cellulose in dental and oral applications.
• To highlight BC's potential in designing implants, scaffolds, and wound-dressing materials for dentistry.
• To discuss BC as a carrier for drug delivery in dental treatments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on bacterial cellulose in dental and oral applications.
• Analysis of BC-based compounds and their performance in various dental contexts.
• Exploration of emerging trends and future prospects of BC in oral and bone tissue repair.

Main Results:

• Bacterial cellulose has demonstrated utility in periodontal tissue regeneration, surgical dressings, intraoral wound management, and pulp tissue regeneration.
• BC-based materials are suitable for designing dental implants, scaffolds, and wound dressings.
• BC shows potential as a drug delivery system for dental therapies.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial cellulose is a highly promising biomaterial for diverse dental and oral applications.
• BC-based nanocomposites represent a significant area for future research and development in dentistry.
• Further investigation into BC holds potential for novel advancements in oral and bone tissue regeneration.