Emerging technologies and potential applications of algae in dentistry - A critical review

Antibacterial properties of marine algae incorporated polylactide acid membranes as an alternative to clinically applied different collagen membranes

The reconstruction of bony defects in the alveolar crest poses challenges in dental practice. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures utilize barriers to promote bone regeneration and prevent epithelial growth. This study focuses on evaluating the antibacterial properties of marine algae-polylactic acid (PLA) composite membranes compared to commercially available collagen membranes. Marine algae (Corallina elongata, Galaxaura oblongata, Cystoseira compressa, Saragassum vulgare, and Stypopodium schimperi) were processed into powders and blended with PLA to fabricate composite membranes. Cytocompatibility assays using human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (n = 3) were performed to evaluate biocompatibility. Antibacterial effects were assessed through colony-forming units (CFU) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of bacterial colonization on the membranes. The cytocompatibility assays demonstrated suitable biocompatibility of all marine algae-PLA composite membranes with human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Antibacterial assessment revealed that Sargassum vulgare-PLA membranes exhibited the highest resistance to bacterial colonization, followed by Galaxaura oblongata-PLA and Cystoseira compressa-PLA membranes. SEM analysis confirmed these findings and revealed smooth surface textures for the marine algae-PLA membranes compared to the fibrous and porous structures of collagen membranes. Marine algae-PLA composite membranes show promising antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility for guided bone and tissue regeneration applications. Sargassum vulgare-PLA membranes demonstrated the highest resistance against bacterial colonization. These findings suggest that marine algae-PLA composite membranes could serve as effective biomaterials for infection control and tissue regeneration. Further in vivo validation and investigation of biodegradation properties are necessary to explore their clinical potential.

Sargassum polycystum and Turbinaria conoides Seaweed-based Novel Denture Cleanser: An In Vitro Study

AIM

The study ventures into evaluating the antifungal and antibacterial efficacy of commercially available denture cleanser with Sargassum polycystum, Turbinaria conoides seaweeds, and the combination of seaweeds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Poly(methyl methacrylate) disks measuring 10 × 2 mm were fabricated. The samples are divided into four groups of 21 samples each. The denture base was coated with Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans individually. Group I was treated with Fittydent, group II (S. polycystum and T. conoides seaweeds combination), group III (S. polycystum), and group IV (T. conoides). The colony-formation units present on the surface of the denture were evaluated before and after treatment with different denture cleansers using the serial dilution method. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and post hoc Bonferroni analysis.

RESULTS

At 10-5 dilution, T. conoides (group IV) was statistically significant in reducing both C. albicans and S. mutans. At 10-10 dilution, T. conoides (group IV) and S. polycystum and T. conoides combination (group II) had high antibacterial efficacy and were statistically significant. Fittydent (group I) had higher antifungal efficacy and was statistically significant in comparison to S. polycystum (group III) alone. At 10-10 dilution, the T. conoides (group IV), S. polycystum, and T. conoides combination (group II) showed no evidence of a significant difference in comparison to Fittydent (group I). Fittydent had higher antibacterial efficacy and was statistically significant in comparison to S. polycystum (group III) alone.

CONCLUSION

Sargassum polycystum and T. conoides combination and T. conoides were found to have higher antibacterial efficacy in comparison to commercially available denture cleanser and also were found to have equal antifungal efficacy in comparison to commercially available denture cleanser.