Dual nanocarrier of chlorhexidine and fluconazole: Physicochemical characterization and effects on microcosm biofilms and oral keratinocytes.

OBJECTIVES: This study assembled and characterized a dual nanocarrier of chlorhexidine (CHX) and fluconazole (FLZ), and evaluated its antibiofilm and cytotoxic effects. METHODS: CHX and FLZ were added to iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) previously coated by chitosan (CS) and characterized by physical-chemical analyses. Biofilms from human saliva supplemented with Candida species were grown (72 h) on glass discs and treated (24 h) with IONPs-CS carrying CHX (at 39, 78, or 156 µg/mL) and FLZ (at 156, 312, or 624 µg/mL) in three growing associations. IONPs and CS alone, and 156 µg/mL CHX + 624 µg/mL FLZ (CHX156-FLZ624) were tested as controls. Next, microbiological analyses were performed. The viability of human oral keratinocytes (NOKsi lineage) was also determined (MTT reduction assay). Data were submitted to ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Fisher's LSD or Tukey's tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Nanocarriers with spherical-like shape and diameter around 6 nm were assembled, without compromising the crystalline property and stability of IONPs. Nanocarrier at the highest concentrations was the most effective in reducing colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp., Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata. The other carriers and CHX156-FLZ624 showed similar antibiofilm effects, and significantly reduced lactic acid production (p<0.001). Also, a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against oral keratinocytes was observed for the dual nanocarrier. IONPs-CS-CHX-FLZ and CHX-FLZ significantly reduced keratinocyte viability at CHX and FLZ concentrations ≥7.8 and 31.25 µg/mL, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The nanotherapy developed outperformed the effect of the combination CHX-FLZ on microcosm biofilms, without increasing the cytotoxic effect of the antimicrobials administered. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The dual nanocarrier is a promising topically-applied therapy for the management of oral candidiasis considering that its higher antibiofilm effects allow the use of lower concentrations of antimicrobials than those found in commercial products.

Effect of fluoride gels with nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate on the in vitro remineralization of caries lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of fluoride (F) gels supplemented with micrometric or nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPmicro and TMPnano, respectively) on the in vitro remineralization of caries-like lesions. METHODOLOGY: Bovine enamel subsurface lesions (n=168) were selected according to their surface hardness (SH) and randomly divided into seven groups (n=24/group): Placebo (without F/TMP), 4,500 ppm F (4500F), 4500F + 2.5% TMPnano (2.5% Nano), 4500F + 5% TMPnano (5% Nano), 4500F + 5% TMPmicro (5% Micro), 9,000 ppm F (9000F), and 12,300 ppm F (Acid gel). The gels were applied in a thin layer for one minute. Half of the blocks were subjected to pH cycling for six days, whereas the remaining specimens were used for loosely- (calcium fluoride; CaF2) and firmly-bound (fluorapatite; FA) fluoride analysis. The percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR), area of subsurface lesion (ΔKHN), CaF2, FA, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) on/in enamel were determined. Data (log10-transformed) were subjected to ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls' test (p<0.05). RESULTS: We observed a dose-response relation between F concentrations in the gels without TMP for %SHR and ΔKHN. The 2.5% Nano and 5% Micro reached similar %SHR when compared with 9000F and Acid gels. For ΔKHN, Placebo and 5% Nano gels had the highest values, and 5% Micro, 2.5% Nano, 9000F, and Acid gels, the lowest. All groups had similar retained CaF2 values, except for Placebo and Acid gel. We verified observed an increase in Ca concentrations in nano-sized TMP groups. Regarding P, TMP groups showed similar formation and retention to 9000F and Acid. CONCLUSION: Adding 2.5% nano-sized or 5% micrometric TMP to low-fluoride gels lead to enhanced in vitro remineralization of artificial caries lesions.

Effect of fluoride gels with nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate on the in vitro remineralization of caries lesions

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of fluoride (F) gels supplemented with micrometric or nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPmicro and TMPnano, respectively) on the in vitro remineralization of caries-like lesions. Methodology Bovine enamel subsurface lesions (n=168) were selected according to their surface hardness (SH) and randomly divided into seven groups (n=24/group): Placebo (without F/TMP), 4,500 ppm F (4500F), 4500F + 2.5% TMPnano (2.5% Nano), 4500F + 5% TMPnano (5% Nano), 4500F + 5% TMPmicro (5% Micro), 9,000 ppm F (9000F), and 12,300 ppm F (Acid gel). The gels were applied in a thin layer for one minute. Half of the blocks were subjected to pH cycling for six days, whereas the remaining specimens were used for loosely- (calcium fluoride; CaF2) and firmly-bound (fluorapatite; FA) fluoride analysis. The percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR), area of subsurface lesion (ΔKHN), CaF2, FA, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) on/in enamel were determined. Data (log10-transformed) were subjected to ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls' test (p<0.05). Results We observed a dose-response relation between F concentrations in the gels without TMP for %SHR and ΔKHN. The 2.5% Nano and 5% Micro reached similar %SHR when compared with 9000F and Acid gels. For ΔKHN, Placebo and 5% Nano gels had the highest values, and 5% Micro, 2.5% Nano, 9000F, and Acid gels, the lowest. All groups had similar retained CaF2 values, except for Placebo and Acid gel. We verified observed an increase in Ca concentrations in nano-sized TMP groups. Regarding P, TMP groups showed similar formation and retention to 9000F and Acid. Conclusion Adding 2.5% nano-sized or 5% micrometric TMP to low-fluoride gels lead to enhanced in vitro remineralization of artificial caries lesions.

Effects of Sodium Hexametaphosphate and Fluoride on the pH and Inorganic Components of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Biofilm after Sucrose Exposure

In order to improve the anticaries effects of fluoridated products, the supplementation of these products has been considered a promising alternative for caries control. This study evaluated the effects of sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) and/or fluoride (F) on the inorganic components and pH of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans dual-species biofilms. The biofilms were treated 72, 78, and 96 h after the beginning of their formation with 0.25, 0.5, or 1% HMP-containing solutions with or without F (500 ppm, as sodium fluoride). F-containing solutions (500 ppm and 1100 ppm) and artificial saliva were used as controls. The biofilms were exposed to a 20% sucrose solution after the third treatment. Along with the biofilm pH, the concentrations of F, calcium, phosphorus (P), and HMP were determined. HMP, combined with F, increased F levels and decreased P levels in the biofilm fluid compared to that of the solution with 500 ppm F. Exposure to sucrose decreased the concentrations of all ions in the biomass, except for HMP; 1% HMP, combined with F, promoted the highest pH. It can be concluded that HMP affected the inorganic composition of the biofilm and exerted a buffering effect on the biofilm pH.

Effects of sodium hexametaphosphate microparticles or nanoparticles on the growth of saliva-derived microcosm biofilms.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects of sodium hexametaphosphate microparticles (HMPmicro) or nanoparticles (HMPnano) on the growth of saliva-derived microcosm biofilms MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva-derived biofilms were formed on glass coverslips for 24 h. Thereafter, Streptococcus mutans (C180-2) was incorporated or not into the biofilms. From that time point onwards, solutions containing 0.2% HMPmicro or HMPnano, combined or not with 220 ppm F, were constantly present in the culture medium. In addition, 220 ppm F alone (220F) and McBain medium without any compound were also tested as positive and negative controls (CTL), respectively. After 96 h, the biofilms were plated on anaerobic blood agar or sucrose agar bacitracin for total and S. mutans CFU-counting, respectively. Biofilms' lactic acid production was analysed spectrophotometrically. Data were submitted to ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis' tests, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls' test (p<0.05; n=12). RESULTS: HMPmicro or HMPnano led to significantly lower lactic acid production, and significant reductions in total CFU-counting in microcosm biofilms, supplemented or not with S. mutans, in comparison to both controls, with significant differences between 220F and CTL. No significant differences were observed among the groups treated with HMPmicro or HMPnano (with or without F). The same trend was seen for S. mutans CFU-counting, in biofilms supplemented with S. mutans. CONCLUSIONS: HMP significantly reduced total and S. mutans CFU counts, as well as lactic acid production by saliva-derived microcosm biofilms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings in saliva-derived microcosm biofilms suggest that HMP stands as a promising alternative for the control of cariogenic biofilms.

Efeitos de nanopartículas de hexametafosfato de sódio, associadas ou não ao fluoreto, em biofilmes mistos de Streptococcus mutans e Candida albicans e em biofilmes microcosmos / Effects of sodium hexametaphosphate nanoparticles, combined or not with fluoride, on dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and on microcosm biofilms

O presente estudo avaliou os efeitos de nanopartículas de hexametafosfato de sódio (HMPnano), associadas ou não ao fluoreto (F), na composição orgânica (Subprojeto 1- S1) e inorgânica (Subprojeto 2-S2) de biofilmes mistos de Streptococcus mutans e Candida albicans formados in vitro; e na viabilidade celular e atividade metabólica de biofilmes microcosmos derivados de saliva (Subprojeto 3-S3). Em S1 e S2, soluções de HMPnano ou HMP microparticulado (HMPmicro) foram preparadas a 0,5% ou 1%, com ou sem F (1100 ppm F, NaF), além de 1100 ppm F (controle positivo) e saliva artificial (controle negativo). S. mutans e C. albicans foram cultivados em saliva artificial. Os biofilmes foram formados no fundo de poços de placas de microtitulação e tratados 72, 78 e 96 horas após o início da formação, por 1 minuto. Em S1, após o último tratamento, realizou-se análises de quantificação das unidades formadoras de colônias (UFCs), produção de biomassa total, atividade metabólica, além da composição da matriz extracelular dos biofilmes e avaliação estrutural. Observou-se que 1% de HMPnano combinado ao F levou aos menores UFCs de S. mutans, bem como às menores concentrações de carboidratos da matriz extracelular dos biofilmes, além de afetar substancialmente a sua estrutura. Em S2, após o último tratamento, avaliou-se o pH e a composição inorgânica dos biofilmes (análise das concentrações de F, cálcio (Ca) e fósforo (P)), antes e após exposição a sacarose. Soluções contendo 1% HMPnano combinado ao F promoveram os maiores valores de pH dos biofilmes, mesmo após exposição à sacarose. Além disso, 1% HMPnano promoveu maiores concentrações de P, enquanto que o HMP (micro/nano, com/sem F) levou a concentrações inexpressivas de Ca no fluido do biofilme. Em S3, os efeitos do HMPmicro ou HMPnano, sozinhos ou associados ao F, foram avaliados em biofilmes microcosmos derivados de saliva. Os biofilmes foram formados sobre discos de vidro por 24 h e, em seguida, S. mutans (C180- 2) foi incorporado ou não aos biofilmes. A partir deste momento, os mesmos ativos avaliados em S1/S2 foram adicionados ao meio de cultura, a 20% das concentrações utilizadas nesses subprojetos. Após 96 h de formação, foram determinadas as UFCs totais e de S. mutans, e avaliada a produção de ácido láctico pelos biofilmes. Todos os meios de cultura contendo contendo HMP levaram às menores concentrações de ácido láctico e às maiores reduções de UFCs totais e de S. mutans dos biofilmes, sem influência do tamanho da partícula de HMP, associação com F ou adição de S. mutans. Conclui-se que o HMPnano a 1%, associado a 1100 ppm F, promoveu uma diminuição substancial no metabolismo de biofilmes mistos de S. mutans e C. albicans, e da viabilidade de S. mutans. Esta combinação também levou a valores de pH mais próximos do neutro, além de afetar a composição inorgânica destes biofilmes. Para biofilmes microcosmos, o HMP promoveu a diminuição da viabilidade microbiana e acidogenicidade, sem influência, entretanto, do tamanho da partícula de HMP e da presença de F(AU)

This study evaluated the effects of sodium hexametaphosphate nanoparticles (HMPnano), combined or not with fluoride (F), on the organic (Subproject 1-S1) and inorganic (Subproject 2-S2) compositions of dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans formed in vitro; and on the cell viability and metabolic activity of saliva-derived microcosms biofilms (Subproject 3-S3). In S1 and S2, solutions containing HMPnano or conventional/micrometric HMP (HMPmicro) were prepared at 0.5 or 1%, combined or not with F (1,100 ppm F, as NaF). Also, a solution containing 1,100 ppm F and pure artificial saliva were tested as positive and negative controls, respectively. S. mutans and C. albicans strains were cultivated in artificial saliva. The biofilms were formed in well plates, and treated with the test solutions at 72, 78 and 96 from the beginning of the biofilm formation, for 1 minute. In S1, after the last treatment, the number of the colony-forming units (CFUs), production of total biomass, metabolic activity, composition of the extracellular matrix, and the structure of the biofilms were determined. HMP at 1% combined with F led to the lowest S. mutans CFUs and lowest concentration of carbohydrates from the extracellular matrix of the biofilms, besides substantially affecting biofilm's structure. In S2, after the last treatment, the pH and the inorganic composition of the biofilms (analysis of F, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) concentrations), prior to and after sucrose exposure, were evaluated. Solutions containing 1% HMPnano combined with F led to the highest biofilm pH, even after exposure to sucrose. In addition, 1% HMPnano promoted the highest P concentrations, while HMP (micro/nano, with/without F) led to inexpressive Ca levels in the biofilm fluid. In S3, the effects of HMPmicro or HMPnano, alone or associated with F, were evaluated in salivaderived microcosm biofilms, which were formed during 24 h attached to glass coverslips. Thereafter, S. mutans (C180-2) was incorporated to the biofilms. From that timepoint onwards, the same actives analyzed in S1/S2 were added to the culture medium at 20% of the concentrations used in those subprojects. After 96 h of formation, total and S. mutans CFU-counting were determined, and the production of lactic acid was assessed. All HMP-containing culture media led to the lowest lactic acid concentrations, and to the highest reductions in total and S. mutans CFU counts, with no significant influence of HMP's particle size, association with F or the addition of S. mutans. In summary, it was concluded from S1 and S2 that 1% HMPnano combined with 1,100 ppm F substantially reduced the metabolism of S. mutans and C. albicans dual-species biofilms, besides reducing the viability of S. mutans. Also, this combination led to biofilm pH values closer to neutral ones, besides affecting their inorganic composition. From S3, HMP promoted reductions in the microbial viability and acidogenicity, without the influence, however, of HMP's particle size or the presence of F(AU)

Effects of Antifungal Carriers Based on Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Microcosm Biofilms.

Resistance of Candida species to conventional therapies has motivated the development of antifungal nanocarriers based on iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) coated with chitosan (CS). This study evaluates the effects of IONPs-CS as carriers of miconazole (MCZ) or fluconazole (FLZ) on microcosm biofilms. Pooled saliva from two healthy volunteers supplemented with C. albicans and C. glabrata was the inoculum for biofilm formation. Biofilms were formed for 96 h on coverslips using the Amsterdam Active Attachment model, followed by 24 h treatment with nanocarriers containing different concentrations of each antifungal (78 and 156 µg/mL). MCZ or FLZ (156 µg/mL), and untreated biofilms were considered as controls. Anti-biofilm effects were evaluated by enumeration of colony-forming units (CFUs), composition of the extracellular matrix, lactic acid production, and structure and live/dead biofilm cells (confocal laser scanning microscopy-CLSM). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Fisher LSD's test (α = 0.05). IONPs-CS carrying MCZ or FLZ were the most effective treatments in reducing CFUs compared to either an antifungal agent alone for C. albicans and MCZ for C. glabrata. Significant reductions in mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp. were shown, though mainly for the MCZ nanocarrier. Antifungals and their nanocarriers also showed significantly higher proportions of dead cells compared to untreated biofilm by CLSM (p < 0.001), and promoted significant reductions in lactic acid, while simultaneously showing increases in some components of the extracellular matrix. These findings reinforce the use of nanocarriers as effective alternatives to fight oral fungal infections.