A novel universal adhesive for improved dentin remineralization with antibiofilm potential against Streptococcus mutans and other cariogenic-pathogens

Dental demineralization is a widespread problem and the main responsible for dental caries and dentin hypersensitivity. Dental caries is a biofilm-driven bacterial infection that causes mineral depletion in enamel and is associated with an increased prevalence of medical rehabilitative polymeric implants. Since existing tissue-engineering methods are incapable of manufacturing synthetic dentin adhesive, modern therapeutic interventions address the remineralization of caries-infected dentin to prevent its inevitable removal. In recent years, magnetic nanoparticle-coated adhesives were known to deliver drugs to the pulp and get better adhesive penetration into dentin. In the present study, we prepared and assessed the effectiveness of antimicrobial peptide (cecropin A) coated Fe3O4-nanoparticle on dentin remineralization, bond strength, and its antibiofilm potential against Streptococcus mutans, is associated with dental caries in humans. Prior to the experiment, the synthesized [email protected]3O4 nanoparticle was characterized and assessed its antibiofilm potential against S. mutans. The transcriptomic approach with qPCR analysis stated that [email protected]3O4 nanoparticle significantly downregulated the expression of biofilm-regulated genes such as GtfB, GtfC, GtfD, VicR, ComDE, and Smu0630 in S. mutans, which validates the outcome of in vitro results. Interestingly, the prepared [email protected]3O4-nanoparticle coated adhesive effectively increased the dentin remineralization and bond strength. Fascinatingly, [email protected]3O4 adhesive significantly hindered the biofilm formation of S. mutans on the dentin surface. Notably, the [email protected]3O4 adhesive accomplished reduced biofilm CFU count, lactic acid production, and biofilm metabolic activity. In addition, the [email protected]3O4 adhesive also reduced the biofilm formation of other caries-associated bacterial pathogens, including S. sobrinus, S. sanguinis, and S. mitis. Overall, the current research found that the [email protected]3O4 adhesive was more effective in remineralizing dentin lesions with antibiofilm potential in order to avoid Streptococcus-derived dental caries.