title: The use of nanoparticles to control oral biofilm formation.
abstract: Nanoparticles are normally considered to be of a size no greater than 100 nm, and the exploitation of their unique attributes to combat infection has increased markedly over the past decade. The potential of nanoparticles to control the formation of biofilms within the oral cavity, as a function of their biocidal, anti-adhesive, and delivery capabilities, is now coming under close scrutiny. Possible uses as constituents of prosthetic device coatings, as topically applied agents, and within dental materials are being explored. The latest insights into the application of nanoparticles in the control of oral infections, including their use in photodynamic therapy, will be discussed in this review. In particular, the use of nanoparticulate silver, copper, zinc, silicon, and their oxides will be considered in relation to their effects on bacterial populations. The recent interest in the applications of nanoparticulate polymers and calcium phosphates will also be assessed. Particular attention will be paid to the toxicity issues surrounding the potential impact of nanoparticles on oral and other tissues.
authors.affiliation: Queen Mary University of London, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, 4, Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK. R.P.Allaker@qmul.ac.uk
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Allaker
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology*; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003764:Dental Materials