Thixotropic xylitol system (THXX) for fissure caries

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Caries remains a major problem most lesions occur in fissures of permanent molars Xylitol is an effective tooth decay preventive Xylitol exerts selective antibacterial like actions against mutans streptococci MS because of its disruption of their energy metabolism and growth and reduces accumulation of MS in tooth biofilms Both ADA and AAPD recommend xylitol Yet while the greatest need is in the fissures current vehicles are only partially effective We think that for youngsters a thixotropic xylitol delivery system THXX designed to be mechanically a self deliverable to and b retentive in tooth fissures of the molar and bicuspid teeth will have great utility Properly formulated THXX systems as a consequence of the shearing effects of mechanical stress can be made to flow into tooth fissures aided by occlusion and be retained in mechanically sheltered tooth fissures as a consequence of thixotropic re solidification We posit xylitol will be slowly eluted from THXX and bioavailable as a result of its concentration in fissures Adequate time will exist for xylitolto exert its anti mutans growth influence because salivary laminar flow over fissures is so slow The Specific Aims are to Develop a thixotropic xylitol containing delivery system THXX that targets caries prevention in fissures We shall demonstrate THXX is mechanically forced by chewing into posterior tooth fissures and retained in those sheltered locations due to thixotropic re solidification after the mechanical shear forces of chewing have been discontinued We shall use posterior tooth fissures of articulated extracted teeth for this demonstration To formulate THXX with optimal retention we shall use a food dye containing THXX using quantitative analyses of dye recovery from THXX lodged in fissures as a surrogate for delivery and retention of the THXX Quantitatively characterize release and bioavailability of xylitol from best behaving THXX matrices in vitro Work shall be based on our belief that a THXX of proper solid fluid solid transformation properties will under pressure and shear forces generated by occlusion of articulated posterior teeth be delivered to and retained in the relatively sheltered confines of bicuspid and molar tooth fissures and prove efficacious for xylitol delivery to the fissure confined plaque biofilm rich in MS for prolonged periods during the course of a day To quantify xylitol we shall use HPLC However to establish xylitolandapos s bioavailability without disrupting the fissure we shall use a novel capillary analog to test whether THXXs have demonstrable anti MS efficacy in capillary confined space Quantitatively and qualitatively assess youngster acceptance of the THXX delivery system using established measures of organoleptic acceptability that are likely to maximize cooperation with professional recommendations for use of THXX Focus groups with and year olds and their parents will include assessments of acceptability of different flavors and formulations Participants will use THXX at home then return for follow up focus groups to provide feedback on the acceptability of taste and formulation of THXX This will provide important information on how preteens teens and their parents perceive the acceptability of THXX PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE This Phase I SBIR application to develop a thixotropic xylitol gel delivery system is responsive to NIDCR announcement of small business research topics on Infectious Diseases and Immunity In particular it addresses andquot agents to eradicate oral biofilms on teeth without adversely affecting the normal oral floraandquot and to andquot develop ways to interfere with microbial colonization and growth through the use of antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy andquot