Recent updates and feasibility of nanodrugs in the prevention and eradication of dental biofilm and its associated pathogens-A review

Objectives: Dental biofilm is one of the most prevalent diseases in humans, which is mediated by multiple microorganisms. Globally, half of the human population suffers from dental biofilm and its associated diseases. In recent trends, nano-formulated drugs are highly attractive in the treatment of dental biofilms. However, the impact of different types of nanodrugs on the dental biofilm and its associated pathogens have not been published till date. Thus, this review focuses on the recent updates, feasibility, mechanisms, limitations, and regulations of nanodrugs applications in the prevention and eradication of dental biofilm.

Study selection, data and sources: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/Google Scholar/Scopus over the past five years covering the major keywords "nanodrugs, metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, biomaterials, dental biofilm, antibiofilm mechanism, dental pathogens", are reviewed in this study. Nearly, 100 scientific articles are selected in this relevant topic published between 2019 and 2023. Data from the selected studies dealing with nanodrugs used for biofilm treatment was qualitatively analyzed.

Conclusions: The nanodrugs such as silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, selenium nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles, titanium oxide nanoparticles, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and these inorganic nanoparticles incorporated polymer-based nanocomposites, organic/inorganic nanoparticles mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy exhibits an excellent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity towards dental pathogens. Finally, this review highlights that bioinspired nanodrugs will be very useful to control the dental biofilm and its associated diseases.

Clinical significance: Microbial influence on the oral environment is unavoidable; therefore, curing such dental biofilms and pathogens is essential for the impactful reflection of applying biocompatible treatments. In this direction, the current review explains the demand for the nanodrug in inhibiting biofilms for the effective exploration of employing treatments.