OBJECTIVETo evaluate the antimicrobial activities of silver inorganic materials, including silver zeolite (AgZ), silver zirconium phosphate silicate (AgZrPSi) and silver zirconium phosphate (AgZrP), against oral microorganisms. In line with this objective, the morphology and structure of each type of silver based powders were also investigated.

METHODSThe antimicrobial activities of AgZ, AgZrPSi and AgZrP were tested against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus using disk diffusion assay as a screening test. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) were determined using the modified membrane method. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction were used to investigate the morphology and structure of these silver materials.

RESULTSAll forms of silver inorganic materials could inhibit the growth of all test microorganisms. The MIC of AgZ, AgZrPSi and AgZrP was 10.0 g/L whereas MLC ranged between 10.0-60.0 g/L. In terms of morphology and structure, AgZrPSi and AgZrP had smaller sized particles (1.5-3.0 µm) and more uniformly shaped than AgZ.

CONCLUSIONSSilver inorganic materials in the form of AgZ, AgZrPSi and AgZrP had antimicrobial effects against all test oral microorganisms and those activities may be influenced by the crystal structure of carriers. These results suggest that these silver materials may be useful metals applied to oral hygiene products to provide antimicrobial activity against oral infection.

Anti-Infective Agents ; pharmacology ; Bacteria ; drug effects ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Powders ; pharmacology ; Silver Compounds ; pharmacology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are a promising clinical resource for various tissue defects, including lumbar spondylosis, neural compression, and cleft palate. Use of media containing animal-derived serum carries potential risk of infectious diseases and unwanted immunogenicity. To increase the potential utility of SHED for clinical application, SHED was adapted to xeno-free conditions. METHODS: Define xeno-free culture media were compared with the conventional serum containing media in the culture of SHED. Cultured SHED in different media were further characterized through proliferative capacities, cellular phenotype, and differentiation potential. RESULTS: Selected xeno-free media were capable of supporting the growth of SHED. MSCGM-CD Bulletkit medium greatly increased the number and proliferate capacity of colony-forming unit-fibroblast than SHED cultured in other media. In addition, the characteristic surface markers expression and multipotent differentiation potential of SHED in the MSCGM-CD Bulletkit medium were comparable to those observed with serum-containing medium. CONCLUSIONS: The xeno-free medium described herein has the potential to be further used for the safe expansion and to determine efficient way to produce clinical grade dental stem cells for therapeutic applications.
Cleft Palate ; Communicable Diseases ; Culture Media ; Humans ; Osteogenesis ; Phenotype ; Spondylosis ; Stem Cells ; Tooth, Deciduous