Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Applications

The formation of microbial colonies and biofilms are common on dental restorations. This can lead to secondary caries. Another common complication is the post-operative inflammation noted in patients. The traditionally used dental composites are designed without the inherent components having antimi...

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Main Authors: Fatima Zahra Kamal, Alin Ciobica, Gabriel Dascalescu, Said Rammali, Mohamed El Aalaoui, Radu Lefter, Ioana Vata, Vasile Burlui, Bogdan Novac
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Microorganisms
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1148
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author Fatima Zahra Kamal
Alin Ciobica
Gabriel Dascalescu
Said Rammali
Mohamed El Aalaoui
Radu Lefter
Ioana Vata
Vasile Burlui
Bogdan Novac
author_facet Fatima Zahra Kamal
Alin Ciobica
Gabriel Dascalescu
Said Rammali
Mohamed El Aalaoui
Radu Lefter
Ioana Vata
Vasile Burlui
Bogdan Novac
author_sort Fatima Zahra Kamal
collection DOAJ
description The formation of microbial colonies and biofilms are common on dental restorations. This can lead to secondary caries. Another common complication is the post-operative inflammation noted in patients. The traditionally used dental composites are designed without the inherent components having antimicrobial and inflammatory properties. This has become a major challenge in current restorative dentistry applications. In order to address these challenges, a possible approach is to incorporate eugenol nanoparticles (NPs) into dental composites. This approach can offer dual therapeutic benefits since eugenol possess both antimicrobial and inflammatory properties. In fact, compared to synthetic antimicrobial agents, eugenol exhibits antibacterial activity not only against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> but also against a range of oral pathogens. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that can promote healing by reducing post-operative sensitivity. In spite of the above benefits, eugenol cannot be incorporated directly into dental materials. This is because eugenol is highly volatile and has poor water solubility. The encapsulation of eugenol in suitable nano-materials can overcome these limitations. In addition, it can enable the controlled and sustained release of desirable agents for long-term therapeutic action. In this review, we explore the mechanisms, advantages and potential clinical applications of dental composites containing NP integrated with eugenol. We highlight the advantages of having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory functions in a single restorative material. At the same time, we acknowledge the need for more in-depth research to optimize NP formulations with eugenol that does not compromise the mechanical properties of dental materials. Based on a thorough literature review, we believe that this approach has much potential in restorative dentistry procedures that will aid therapeutic outcomes in the future.
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spelling doaj-art-7fc5193bf75a4bbc91d7ae9985e7ec9b2025-08-20T01:56:41ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072025-05-01135114810.3390/microorganisms13051148Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical ApplicationsFatima Zahra Kamal0Alin Ciobica1Gabriel Dascalescu2Said Rammali3Mohamed El Aalaoui4Radu Lefter5Ioana Vata6Vasile Burlui7Bogdan Novac8Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Technical (ISPITS), Marrakech 40000, MoroccoDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 20th Carol I Avenue, 700506 Iasi, RomaniaDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 20th Carol I Avenue, 700506 Iasi, RomaniaLaboratory of Agro-Alimentary and Health, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Hassan First University of Settat, BP 539, Settat 26000, MoroccoNational Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat Principal, Rabat 10090, MoroccoCenter of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, 700506 Iasi, RomaniaClinical Department, Apollonia University, Păcurari Street 11, 700511 Iasi, RomaniaClinical Department, Apollonia University, Păcurari Street 11, 700511 Iasi, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16th Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, RomaniaThe formation of microbial colonies and biofilms are common on dental restorations. This can lead to secondary caries. Another common complication is the post-operative inflammation noted in patients. The traditionally used dental composites are designed without the inherent components having antimicrobial and inflammatory properties. This has become a major challenge in current restorative dentistry applications. In order to address these challenges, a possible approach is to incorporate eugenol nanoparticles (NPs) into dental composites. This approach can offer dual therapeutic benefits since eugenol possess both antimicrobial and inflammatory properties. In fact, compared to synthetic antimicrobial agents, eugenol exhibits antibacterial activity not only against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> but also against a range of oral pathogens. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that can promote healing by reducing post-operative sensitivity. In spite of the above benefits, eugenol cannot be incorporated directly into dental materials. This is because eugenol is highly volatile and has poor water solubility. The encapsulation of eugenol in suitable nano-materials can overcome these limitations. In addition, it can enable the controlled and sustained release of desirable agents for long-term therapeutic action. In this review, we explore the mechanisms, advantages and potential clinical applications of dental composites containing NP integrated with eugenol. We highlight the advantages of having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory functions in a single restorative material. At the same time, we acknowledge the need for more in-depth research to optimize NP formulations with eugenol that does not compromise the mechanical properties of dental materials. Based on a thorough literature review, we believe that this approach has much potential in restorative dentistry procedures that will aid therapeutic outcomes in the future.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1148antibacterialanti-inflammatorybiofilmcontrol releaseeugenolrestorative dentistry
spellingShingle Fatima Zahra Kamal
Alin Ciobica
Gabriel Dascalescu
Said Rammali
Mohamed El Aalaoui
Radu Lefter
Ioana Vata
Vasile Burlui
Bogdan Novac
Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Applications
Microorganisms
antibacterial
anti-inflammatory
biofilm
control release
eugenol
restorative dentistry
title Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Applications
title_full Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Applications
title_fullStr Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Applications
title_full_unstemmed Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Applications
title_short Eugenol Nanoparticles in Dental Composites: Literature Review of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Applications
title_sort eugenol nanoparticles in dental composites literature review of antimicrobial anti inflammatory and clinical applications
topic antibacterial
anti-inflammatory
biofilm
control release
eugenol
restorative dentistry
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1148
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