Bioheterojunctions Prevent Tooth Caries via Cascade Antibacterial Strategy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Dental Research

Background:

• Tooth caries is a prevalent oral disease driven by microorganisms and carbohydrates.
• Current antibiotic therapies risk bacterial resistance.
• Existing phototherapies lack sustained effects and fail to address cariogenic microenvironments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel bioheterojunctions (bio-HJs) targeting both chemical and biological aspects of dental plaque biofilm.
• To create a sustained anticaries effect by addressing the cariogenic microenvironment and bacterial load.
• To combine multiple therapeutic modalities for enhanced efficacy against tooth decay.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized MXene/Ag3PO4 (MX/AgP) and glucose oxidase (GOx) bioheterojunctions (MX/AgP-GOx).
• Investigated glucose decomposition and H2O2 generation via GOx.
• Evaluated antibacterial effects under near-infrared (NIR) light (phototherapy) and in the dark.
• Assessed enamel mineral loss and biocompatibility using a rat caries model.

Main Results:

• MX/AgP-GOx demonstrated significant phototherapy effects under NIR light (1.45 log reduction).
• Sustained antibacterial activity was observed in the dark through Ag+ and GOx mechanisms (0.39 log reduction).
• The material effectively reduced enamel mineral loss in vivo with good biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Developed efficacy-cascade bio-HJs targeting sugar-rich cariogenic environments for sustained anticaries therapy.
• Combined photodynamic therapy, photothermal effects, and metal ion synergy for continuous biofilm elimination.
• Demonstrated a promising strategy for preventing and treating tooth caries by addressing multiple contributing factors.