The role of the oral microbiome and its effect on dental diseases is gaining interest. Therefore, it has been sought to decrease the bacterial load to fight oral cavity diseases. In this study, composite materials based on chitosan, chitosan crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, chitosan with zinc oxide particles, and chitosan with copper nanoparticles were prepared in the form of thin films, to evaluate a new alternative with a more significant impact on the oral cavity bacteria. The chemical structures and physical properties of the films were characterized using by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR,) Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements. Subsequently, the antimicrobial activity of each material was evaluated by agar diffusion tests. No differences were found in the hydrophilicity of the films with the incorporation of ZnO or copper particles. Antimicrobial activity was found against S. aureus in the chitosan film crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, but not in the other compositions. In contrast antimicrobial activity against S. typhimurium was found in all films. Based on the data of present investigation, chitosan composite films could be an option for the control of microorganisms with potential applications in various fields, such as medical and food industry.

Biomaterials and stem cells are essential components in the field of regenerative medicine. Various biomaterials have been designed that have appropriate biochemical and biophysical characteristics to mimic the microenvironment of an extracellular matrix. Dental stem cells (DT-MSCs) represent a novel source for the development of autologous therapies due to their easy availability. Although research on biomaterials and DT-MSCs has progressed, there are still challenges in the characteristics of biomaterials and the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the behavior of DT-MSCs. In this review, the characteristics of biomaterials are summarized, and their classification according to their source, bioactivity, and different biological effects on the expansion and differentiation of DT-MSCs is summarized. Finally, advances in research on the interaction of biomaterials and the molecular components involved (mechanosensors and mechanotransduction) in DT-MSCs during their proliferation and differentiation are analyzed. Understanding the molecular dynamics of DT-MSCs and biomaterials can contribute to research in regenerative medicine and the development of autologous stem cell therapies.

Background: We assessed the effect of propolis on the antibacterial, mechanical, and adhesive properties of a commercial poly(alkenoate) cement. Methods: The cement was modified with various concentrations of propolis, and antibacterial assays were performed against S. mutans by both MTT assays and agar diffusion tests. The compressive, flexural, and adhesive properties were also evaluated. Results: the modified cement showed activity against S. mutans in both assays, although reductions in compressive (from 211.21 to 59.3 MPa) and flexural strength (from 11.1 to 6.2 MPa) were noted with the addition of propolis, while adhesive strength (shear bond strength and a novel pull-out method) showed a statistical difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the antiseptic potential of modified material against S. mutans will allow this material to be used in cases in which low mechanical resistance is required (in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties) when using atraumatic restorative techniques, especially in deep cavities.

Early childhood caries frequently affects maxillary anterior primary teeth, and their rehabilitation remains a clinical challenge due to the lack of suitable resorbable intracanal posts. This study aimed to develop and characterize a biodegradable polymer-ceramic biomaterial for potential application in primary tooth rehabilitation. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) composite filaments (50:50), reinforced with 20 wt.% α-tricalcium phosphate and 5 wt.% zirconia, were produced using two different processing routes involving a Noztek Touch and a Brabender Plasti-Corder extruder. The developed biocomposites obtained by single extrusion with a Brabender Plasti-Corder exhibited good ceramic distribution in the polymeric matrix but exhibited lower mean compressive modulus values (155.98 MPa vs. 258.44 MPa), which were not statistically significant. The composite biomaterial showed degradation under alkaline conditions, whereas only limited mass loss was observed under acidic conditions and in hydrogen peroxide, with minimal mass loss in distilled water. These composites showed favorable biocompatibility with dental pulp stem cells, although no antimicrobial activity was observed. Furthermore, the incorporation of zirconia may contribute to radiopacity for radiographic monitoring. These findings support the potential of the developed composite biomaterial as a candidate biodegradable intracanal post for pediatric restorative dentistry applications.