Gelatin, a natural polymer, provides excellent tissue compatibility for use in tissue rehabilitation. Bioactive glasses (BAG) offer superior capacity in stimulating a bioactive response but show high variability in uptake and solubility. To tackle these drawbacks, a combination of gelatin with BAG is proposed to form composites, which then offer a synergistic response. The cross-linked gelatin structure’s mechanical properties are enhanced by the incorporation of the inorganic BAG, and the rate of BAG ionic supplementation responsible for bioactivity and regenerative potential is better controlled by a protective gelatin layer. Several studies have demonstrated the cellular benefits of these composites in different forms of functional modification such as doping with zinc or incorporation of zinc such as ions directly into the BAG matrix. This review presents a comprehensive perspective on the individual characteristics of BAG and gelatin, including the synthesis and mechanism of action. Further, adaptation of the composite into various applications for bone tissue engineering is discussed and future challenges are highlighted.

Propolis is a natural substance which is produced from honey bees through collecting and transforming resins and exudates from plants. The propolis can use the medicine field for antibacterial effect. The purpose of our study was to investigate the antibacterial activity for the oral prevention of dental caries. The propolis was from Australia honeybees, diluted 5w% and 10w% in ethanol. The antibacterial activity of the treated propolis against Streptococcus gordonii(S. gordonii), Streptococcus intermedius(S. intermedius) and Streptococcus sanguinis(S. sanguinis) were determined using optical density and colony forming units. All experimental groups were effective against bacteria. Streptococcus intermedius and Streptococcus sanguinis were more effective compared to Streptococcus gordonii. All groups inhibition bacterial growth, but there were no significant differences of different wt% groups. There were significantly low activities treated with propolis. The antibacterial activity indicated propolis against Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus intermedius and Streptococcus sanguinis. Propolis possesses several medicinal properties. In this study, the 5 wt% and 10 wt% group of propolis was indicated antibacterial effects, which succeeded in inhibiting the bacteria growth. Our study showed a significant effect related to oral bacteria species. In conclusion, the antibacterial action observed in this study suggests that this propolis substance could be used as an alternative medicine for infectious conditions of the oral disease without causing any major local or systemic adverse effects.

Yun J, et al. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2018 Oct;18(5):277-285. https://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2018.18.5.277

Herein, we investigated the surface characterization and biocompatibility of a denture-lining material containing Cnidium officinale extracts and its antifungal efficacy against Candida albicans. To achieve this, a denture-lining material containing various concentrations of C. officinale extract and a control group without C. officinale extract were prepared. The surface characterization and biocompatibility of the samples were investigated. In addition, the antifungal efficacy of the samples on C. albicans was investigated using spectrophotometric growth and a LIVE/DEAD assay. The results revealed that there was no significant difference between the biocompatibility of the experimental and control groups (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the antifungal efficiency of the denture material on C. albicans and that of the control group (p < 0.05), which was confirmed by the LIVE/DEAD assay. These results indicate the promising potential of the C. officinale extract-containing denture-lining material as an antifungal dental material.

So-Youn An, Myung-Jin Lee, and Youn-Soo Shim. J Dent Hyg Sci 2022;22:191-8. https://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2022.22.3.191