Development of silver nanoparticle-based bioadhesive films for the treatment of soft tissue infections in the oral cavity

The application of transparent bioadhesive films is an aesthetic and patient-friendly solution for promoting the recovery of infections affecting the oral mucosa (e.g., on the lips, gums, and cheeks). Targeting the causative agent(s) of such infections is an even better alternative, offering not only protection, pain relief, and reduction of spreading but also actual healing. This study aimed to investigate the antiherpetic, antifungal, and antibacterial potential of a recently obtained and highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) derived from the complexation of nanosilver with chlorhexidine when formulated into a bioadhesive polymeric film. The primary targets of investigation were selected in accordance with the prevailing aetiology of oromucosal infections (OMIs), and they included Herpes simplex virus 1, Candida albicans , Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus mutans , and Streptococcus oralis . Furthermore, the activity of the formulation was assessed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli as potential causative agents of complicated and hard-healing secondary OMIs. The results indicated weak antiviral and virucidal activity against HSV-1, pronounced antifungal activity against C. albicans , and a strong and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of the test films, thus suggesting their potential applicability in the local therapy of various oral cavity infections.