A graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite film protects dental implant surfaces against cariogenic Streptococcus mutans |
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| Authors: | Shatavari Kulshrestha Shakir Khan Ramovatar Meena Braj R Singh |
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| Institution: | 1. Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India;2. School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 10067, India;3. Center of Excellence in Material Sciences (Nanomaterials), Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India |
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| Abstract: | Oral biofilms play a crucial role in the development of dental caries and other periodontal diseases. Streptococcus mutans is one of the primary etiological agents in dental caries. Implant systems are regularly employed to replace missing teeth. Oral biofilms accumulate on these implants and are the chief cause of dental implant failure. In the present study, the potential of graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite (GZNC) against the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans was explored and the anti-biofilm behaviour of artificial acrylic teeth surfaces coated with GZNC was examined. Acrylic teeth are a good choice for implants as they are low cost, have low density and can resist fracture. Microscopic studies and anti-biofilm assays showed a significant reduction in biofilm in the presence GZNC. GZNC was also found to be nontoxic against HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney cell line). The results indicate the potential of GZNC as an effective coating agent for dental implants by efficiently inhibiting S. mutans biofilms. |
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| Keywords: | graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite dental caries acrylic teeth dental implants cytotoxicity anti-biofilm |
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