Tungsten Oxide Sub-Nanowires as Inorganic Dental Collagen Crosslinker With Antibacterial Capacity

The structural stability of dental collagen plays a critical role in preserving the integrity and function of tooth. However, conventional organic cross-linking agents are often compromised in moist environments and vulnerable to bacterial degradation. Here, we propose an inorganic synergistic "cross-linking-antibacterial" strategy utilizing tungsten oxide sub-nanowires (TO-SNWs). This strategy effectively overcomes the limitations of organic cross-linking imposed by humid environments and significantly enhance the thermostability, mechanical strength, and structural stability of dental collagen. Furthermore, TO-SNWs exert targeted antibacterial activity against the Firmicutes phylum, which harbors a majority of oral pathogens, while maintaining the overall diversity of the oral microbiota. Mechanism analysis reveals that antimicrobial effects stem from multilevel TO-SNWs-bacteria interactions, which compromise the permeability and metabolism. In conclusion, this inorganic "cross-linking-antibacterial" approach not only reinforces dental collagen stability, but also suppresses pathogenic microorganisms' activity, representing a promising and innovative strategy for dentin biomodification.