Chitosan is a natural biopolymer derived from the deacetylation of chitin, which is widely found in the exoskeletons of shrimp, crabs, and insects. In recent decades, chitosan has gained increasing attention in dentistry due to its unique combination of physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. This material is not only used in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields but also holds great potential in dental material engineering.
Physicochemical Properties of Chitosan
Chitosan has a unique molecular structure rich in free amino groups, making it easily modifiable chemically for various applications. The main physicochemical properties of chitosan include:
- Biodegradability: chitosan can naturally degrade, making it environmentally friendly and safe for the body.
- Solubility: although naturally insoluble in neutral water, chitosan dissolves in acidic environments, allowing easy formulation into gels or solutions.
- Antimicrobial activity: positively charged amino groups allow chitosan to interact with bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that cause caries.
- Film-forming ability: chitosan can form thin layers, making it suitable as a coating or supporting material in dental applications.
Biocompatibility of Chitosan
The key to biomaterial applications lies in biocompatibility. Chitosan has been proven to have good compatibility with dental and oral tissues. This material can support dentin regeneration and aid pulp healing.
According to research conducted by a Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Gadjah Mada student, Erica Mandy, under the supervision of Prof. drg. Diatri Nari Ratih, M.Kes., Ph.D., Sp.KG(K) and Dr. drg. Wignyo Hadriyanto, M.S., Sp.KG(K) titled “The Potential of Chitosan as a Pulp Capping Material”, chitosan demonstrates the ability to protect pulp tissue from further damage while also stimulating the healing process. Chitosan is considered to have great potential as an alternative pulp capping material due to its combination of antimicrobial properties, biodegradability, and positive interaction with pulp cells.
Applications of Chitosan in Dental Materials
In addition to pulp capping, chitosan also holds potential in various dental applications, including:
- Additive in composite resins to improve mechanical properties.
- Antimicrobial agent in dental filling materials.
- Protective coating on dental implants to prevent biofilm colonization.
- Scaffold for periodontal tissue engineering.
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Chitosan is a nature-based material with unique physicochemical properties and high biocompatibility, making it an ideal candidate as a secondary material in dentistry. With research findings showing its potential for pulp capping, in the future chitosan has strong prospects of becoming an important part of restorative and regenerative dental material innovations.
References
Erica Mandy, Prof. drg. Diatri Nari Ratih, M.Kes, Ph.D., Sp.KG(K); Dr. drg. Wignyo Hadriyanto, MS., Sp.KG(K), The Potential of Chitosan as a Pulp Capping Material, https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/206521
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
