Fabrication of Dexamethasone-Silver Nanoparticles Entrapped Dendrimer Collagen Matrix Nanoparticles for Dental Applications

A bioengineered tooth is a well-studied subject. However, it is a challenge when seamless integration of various functionalities is required. In the case of teeth, integrating stem cell differentiating agents, regenerating the dentin tissue, and arresting the biofilm formation are three aspects that call for attention. Dental pulp stem cell differentiation to odontoblasts can be facilitated by dexamethasone (Dex). The ideal scaffold for regeneration applications - collagen (Col), has several advantages but also has no inherent rigidity. Silver nanoparticles (AgNps) are found to be an ideal material for preventing biofilm formation, with challenges arising from their stability and cytotoxicity. The route was chosen based on the successful demonstration of various platforms is the PAMAM (Den) dendrimers. The platform encompassing all the ingredients - AgNp@Den@Dex@Col had a lambda(max) at 622 nm. FTIR studies revealed the presence of all components, and scaffold degradation temperature improved. A linked morphology was observed under TEM, and the zone of inhibition (MIC) was 3.5 mm, indicating good antibacterial activity. There was also a 60% reduction in biofilm formation against Staphylococcus aureus and 40% against Klebsiella pneumoniae by the fabricated nanocomposite AgNp@Den@Dex@Col. In essence, this work reports a platform where three functions of stem cell differentiation, regeneration, and biofilm formation are integrated.