The development of drug-free therapy for prevention of dental caries.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop a novel, drug-free therapy that can reduce the over-accumulation of cariogenic bacteria on dental surfaces.


METHODS
We designed and synthesized a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrophilic copolymer functionalized with a pyrophosphate (PPi) tooth-binding anchor using "click" chemistry. The polymer was then evaluated for hydroxyapatite (HA) binding kinetics and capability of reducing bacteria adhesion to artificial tooth surface.


RESULTS
The PPi-PEG copolymer can effectively inhibit salivary protein adsorption after rapid binding to an artificial tooth surface. As a result, the in vitro S. mutans adhesion study showed that the PPi-PEG copolymer can inhibit saliva protein-promoted S. mutans adhesion through the creation of a neutral, hydrophilic layer on the artificial tooth surface.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggested the potential application of a PPi-PEG copolymer as a drug-free alternative to current antimicrobial therapy for caries prevention.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6025, USA.
Fu
F
Chen
Zhenshan
Z
Jia
Kelly C
KC
Rice
Richard A
RA
Reinhardt
Kenneth W
KW
Bayles
Dong
D
Wang
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011756:Diphosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects; D014070:Tooth / Q000382:microbiology
D011756:Diphosphates; D011108:Polymers; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C107241:diphosphoric acid