Dual-sensitive antibacterial peptide nanoparticles prevent dental caries

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microbiology
• Nanotechnology
• Dental Research

Background:

• Dental caries, a prevalent biofilm-induced disease, poses challenges due to current treatment limitations.
• Existing agents often disrupt oral microbiota and harm healthy tissues due to poor biofilm targeting.
• Need for targeted therapies that specifically address cariogenic biofilms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate dual-sensitive antibacterial peptide nanoparticles (pHly-1 NPs) for dental caries treatment.
• To investigate the pH and lipid-binding sensitivity of pHly-1 NPs.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of pHly-1 NPs in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• Design and characterization of pHly-1 peptide and its nanoparticles.
• Assessment of peptide conformational changes, membrane integrity, and antimicrobial mechanisms via RNA-seq.
• In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies using dental caries models, including animal studies and microbiome analysis.

Main Results:

• pHly-1 peptide exhibits dual sensitivity, transitioning to an active conformation in acidic, lipid-rich biofilm environments.
• pHly-1 NPs demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and suppressed biofilm formation.
• In vivo studies showed superior anti-caries effects compared to chlorhexidine, with no adverse effects on oral microbiota or tissues.

Conclusions:

• Dual-sensitive antimicrobial peptides offer a targeted strategy for selective bacterial biofilm damage.
• pHly-1 NPs represent a promising, safe, and effective therapeutic approach for dental caries prevention and treatment.
• This highlights an efficient strategy for managing dental caries by specifically targeting pathogenic biofilms.