Applications of quaternary ammonium compounds in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases: State-of-the-art and future directions

Yiling Li; Bolei Li; Xiao Guo; Haohao Wang; Lei Cheng

doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104678

Applications of quaternary ammonium compounds in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases: State-of-the-art and future directions

J Dent. 2023 Oct:137:104678. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104678. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Authors

Yiling Li¹, Bolei Li¹, Xiao Guo¹, Haohao Wang¹, Lei Cheng²

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. Electronic address: chenglei@scu.edu.cn.

PMID: 37634613
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104678

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art developments of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. By discussing the structural diversity and the potential killing mechanism, we try to offer some insights for the future research of QACs.

Data, sources & study selection: A literature search was conducted in electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, and Scopus). Publications that involved the applications of QACs, especially those related to the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, are included.

Results: We have reviewed the relevant research on QACs over the past two decades. The research results indicate that the current applications are mainly focused on dental material modification and direct pharmacological interventions. Concurrently, challenges such as potential risks to normal tissues and impediments in drug resistance and microbial persistence present certain application constraints. The latest studies have encompassed the exploration of smart materials and nanoparticle formulations.

Conclusions: The killing mechanism may possess a threshold related to charge density. However, the exact process remains enigmatic. The structural diversity and the exploration of intelligent materials and nanoparticle formulations provide directions in development of novel QACs.

Clinical significance: The intricate oral anatomy, combined with the multifaceted oral microbiome, necessitates specialized materials for the targeted prevention and treatment of oral pathologies. QACs represent a cohort of compounds distinguished by potent anti-infective and anti-tumor attributes. Innovations in intelligent materials and nanoparticle formulations amplify their potential in significantly advancing the prevention and therapeutic interventions for oral diseases.

Keywords: Nanoparticles; Oral diseases; Quaternary ammonium compounds; Smart materials.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Databases, Factual
Humans
Microbiota*
Nanoparticles* / therapeutic use
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / therapeutic use
Smart Materials*

Substances

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Smart Materials