Application of novel nanomaterials with dual functions of antimicrobial and remineralization in mouthwashes

Abstract Objective The study aims to improve the antimicrobial and remineralization-promoting properties of mouthwash by synthesizing novel Ag/ZnO/Oyster Shells nanocomposites and evaluating their anti-caries properties and biosafety in vitro and in vivo. Methods The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized Ag/ZnO/Oyster Shells nanocomposites were examined by bacterial inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, fluorescence staining and scanning electron microscopy. The potential of the materials to promote remineralization of demineralized enamel was detected by scanning electron microscopy, surface microhardness and depth of hard tissue defects, and laser confocal electron microscopy analysis. The synthesized materials were then incorporated into mouthwash to prepare novel mouthwash and their effects on antimicrobial properties, remineralization-promoting properties were evaluated. Furthermore, an oral mucosal contact model was established to assess local irritation and systemic effects. Results The results showed that the novel Ag/ZnO/Oyster Shells nanocomposites possessed strong antimicrobial activity, remineralization-promoting ability and good biosafety, and the mouthwash containing Ag/ZnO/Oyster Shells possessed strong antimicrobial performance and remineralization-promoting ability, and showed no obvious abnormalities in local mucosal tissues, blood indices, and histopathology of the liver and kidneys in the oral exposure model of the SD rats. Conclusions These findings indicate that Ag/ZnO/Oyster shell incorporated into mouthwash has strong antimicrobial activity, good remineralization-promoting properties, and good biosafety in vivo experiments, and is therefore expected to be used in clinical applications.