Antibacterial Phytate Loaded Hydrogel Inhibits Enamel Demineralization In Orthodontics

In this study, we propose to develop an antibacterial hydrogel QCS/OD/SP to inhibit enamel demineralization, which has been one of the most common complications of orthodontic treatment. (1) QCS/OD/SP hydrogel was successfully synthesized and its physicochemical properties were characterized by SEM, FTIR and XPS. The rheological properties including injectable and self-healing properties were tested. The biocompatibility was tested by cell counting kit-8 and live and dead cell staining. (2) The antibacterial effect of free bacteria was observed by CFU colony count and SEM. The inhibition of biofilm formation and destruction of biofilm were verified by crystal violet staining and live and dead bacteria staining. (3) We collected isolated teeth and constructed the enamel demineralization model in vitro. The surface morphology of the enamel slices was observed by SEM, the composition of enamel elements was analyzed by EDS, and the differences in enamel demineralization were measured by surface microhardness. The composite hydrogel has excellent performance including PH-response, morphology adaptability, self-healing property, adhesiveness, injectivity, biocompatibility, which meets the application needs of oral therapy. The hydrogel has a good antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans, which is the most common cariogenic bacteria, and can effectively inhibits tooth enamel demineralization induced by bacteria. We developed a new hydrogel which simultaneously realizes antibacterial effect and inhibits tooth enamel demineralization, thus providing double protection for teeth during orthodontic treatment as well as a new way of thinking for the solution of early caries.