1 research outputs found
Poly(ethylene oxide)‑<i>b</i>‑poly(3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) Block Copolymers for Calcium Phosphate Mineralization and Biofilm Inhibition
PolyÂ(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has long
been used as an additive in
toothpaste, partly because it reduces biofilm formation on teeth.
It does not, however, reduce the formation of dental calculus or support
the remineralization of dental enamel or dentine. The present article
describes the synthesis of new block copolymers on the basis of PEO
and polyÂ(3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) blocks using atom transfer radical
polymerization. The polymers have very large molecular weights (over
10<sup>6</sup> g/mol) and are highly water-soluble. They delay the
precipitation of calcium phosphate from aqueous solution but, upon
precipitation, lead to relatively monodisperse hydroxyapatite (HAP)
spheres. Moreover, the polymers inhibit the bacterial colonization
of human enamel by <i>Streptococcus gordonii</i>, a pioneer
bacterium in oral biofilm formation, in vitro. The formation of well-defined
HAP spheres suggests that a polymer-induced liquid precursor phase
could be involved in the precipitation process. Moreover, the inhibition
of bacterial adhesion suggests that the polymers could be utilized
in caries prevention