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Chlorhexidine-Containing Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers for Dental Applications: An In Vitro Study
Luana Dutra de Carvalho1, Bernardo Urbanetto Peres2, Ya Shen3
1Department of Oral Health Sciences, Division of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 2199 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 28, 2023
Summary
This study developed novel cellulose acetate nanofibers to deliver chlorhexidine (CHX) for dental infections. These flexible, swelling nanofibers effectively kill oral bacteria, offering a new treatment for infected voids.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a key anti-infective agent in dentistry.
- Effective delivery systems are needed for treating infected voids in dental applications.
- Swelling, drug-releasing materials are ideal for filling voids and sustained drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the encapsulation and controlled release of chlorhexidine from cellulose acetate nanofibers.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these nanofiber mats as an antibacterial treatment against oral bacteria.
- To assess the potential of these materials for filling infected dental voids.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a commercial electrospinning machine to fabricate chlorhexidine-loaded cellulose acetate nanofiber mats.
- Characterized nanofiber diameter using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Measured water absorption gravimetrically, drug release via UV-Vis spectroscopy (254 nm), and antibacterial activity using agar diffusion assays.
Main Results:
- Manufactured thin, flexible nanofiber mats with uniform, low-diameter fibers (640 nm) under controlled electrospinning conditions.
- Achieved efficient chlorhexidine encapsulation and controlled drug release.
- Demonstrated effective killing of *Streptococcus mutans* and *Enterococcus faecalis* by all formulations.
- Nanofiber mats exhibited significant water absorption (>600%) and swelling capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Cellulose acetate nanofibers provide an effective platform for the controlled delivery of chlorhexidine.
- The swelling and drug-eluting properties make these nanofibers suitable for filling infected dental voids.
- These materials show promise for enhanced antibacterial treatment in dental settings.
