Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Confocal Time Lapse Imaging as an Efficient Method for the Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Dental Composites
Published on: November 9, 2014
Polydopamine-infused toothpaste: An in vitro assessment of cytotoxicity and embryonic toxicology
Ayesh Das1, Jayashri Prabakar1, I Meignana Arumugham1
1Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences [SIMATS], Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
Background:
Oral health issues affect approximately 3.5 billion individuals globally, with untreated dental caries being the most prevalent condition, as reported by the WHO. While mechanical plaque removal has shown effectiveness in preventing oral diseases, the need for more advanced and bioactive toothpaste formulations persists. Among emerging ingredients, polydopamine (PDA) has shown promising antibacterial and biocompatible properties, making it a potential additive for therapeutic oral care products.
Aim:
This study aimed to formulate a polydopamine-infused therapeutic toothpaste and evaluate its in vitro cytotoxicity and embryonic toxicity.
Methods:
The toothpaste was developed using calcium carbonate as an abrasive, glycerin for moisture retention, and carboxymethyl cellulose as a thickening agent. Sodium lauryl sulfate functioned as a foaming agent, and sodium fluoride was included for enamel protection. Xylitol and peppermint oil were added to enhance taste and stability. Polydopamine was synthesized by polymerizing dopamine in an ethanol-water-ammonium hydroxide mixture and incorporated for antimicrobial enhancement. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay, exposing Artemia salina nauplii to PDA-formulated toothpaste at concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 μg/mL. Embryonic toxicity was evaluated using the Zebrafish Embryo Toxicity Test over a 78- hour period. Statistical analysis involved Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests.
Results:
PDA-formulated toothpaste showed significantly lower cytotoxicity than commercial alternatives at all tested concentrations (p < 0.05), with no significant differences in embryonic toxicity. Both formulations exhibited dose-dependent responses (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Polydopamine-infused toothpaste showed reduced cytotoxicity and no embryonic toxicity, indicating its potential as a safe, effective therapeutic oral care additive.
