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Development of Amelogenin-chitosan Hydrogel for In Vitro Enamel Regrowth with a Dense Interface
Published on: July 10, 2014
A non-discoloring bioactive hydrogel for caries management: an in vitro study
Iris Xiaoxue Yin1, Veronica Ruiyu Ma1, Chun Hung Chu1
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions of China.
Journal of Dentistry
|May 14, 2026
Summary
A novel functionalised chitosan/nanostrontium phosphosilicate (fCS/nSPS) hydrogel effectively combats caries. This non-discolouring, antibacterial material promotes dentine remineralisation and is cytocompatible, showing promise for non-restorative caries management.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant global health issue, necessitating innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies.
- Current treatments often involve invasive procedures, highlighting the need for non-restorative management options.
- Developing materials with antibacterial and remineralising properties is crucial for effective caries control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel anti-caries hydrogel with functionalised chitosan (fCS) and nanostrontium phosphosilicate (nSPS).
- To evaluate the hydrogel's antibacterial, mineralising, non-discolouring, and cytocompatible properties.
- To assess its potential for non-restorative caries management.
Main Methods:
- The fCS/nSPS hydrogel was synthesized and characterized using techniques including XRD, FTIR, and SEM.
- Antibacterial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).
- Mineralisation, cytocompatibility, and tooth discolouration (ΔE) were assessed using treated dentine blocks and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1), with silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as a control.
Main Results:
- Characterisation confirmed the successful synthesis of the fCS/nSPS hydrogel.
- The hydrogel demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against key cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus acidophilus).
- SEM and XRD confirmed mineral deposition on treated dentine, while cytocompatibility assays showed high HGF-1 viability, and minimal tooth discolouration (ΔE) compared to SDF.
Conclusions:
- The developed fCS/nSPS hydrogel exhibits promising anti-caries properties, including antibacterial effects and dentine remineralisation.
- The material is non-discolouring and cytocompatible, offering an advantage over existing treatments like SDF.
- Further research into this hydrogel is warranted for its application in non-restorative caries management.
