Nanofibers as drug-delivery systems for infection control in dentistry
Maurício Gonçalves C. Sousa, Mariana Rocha Maximiano, Rosiane Andrade da Costa, Taia Maria Berto Rezende, Octávio Luiz Franco
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Due to the complexity of different oral infections, new anti-infective nanotechnological approaches have been emerging for dentistry in recent years. These strategies may contribute to antimicrobial molecules delivery, tissue regeneration, and oral health maintenance by acting in a more specific site and not being cytotoxic. In this context, nanofibers appear as versatile structures and might act both in the release of antimicrobial molecules and as a scaffold for new tissue formation. AREAS COVERED: This review addresses the application of different nanofibers as new strategies for the delivery of antimicrobial molecules for dentistry. Here, we present the main polymers used to construct nanofibers, methods of production and mainly their antimicrobial activity against microorganisms commonly responsible for the usual dental infections. These biomaterials may be associated to restorative materials, prostheses, and mucoadhesive structures. Besides, nanofibers can be used for endodontic or periodontal therapy, or even on implant surfaces. EXPERT OPINION: studies, these new formulations appear as promising new therapies for dentistry.