Remineralization is the process of replacing calcium and phosphate (minerals) that have been eroded from tooth enamel. This process is crucial for maintaining strong enamel when exposed to bacteria, acids, and sugars from food. Remineralization also helps prevent tooth decay.
Recently, a group of UGM students from the Exact Research Student Creativity Program (PKM-RE) conducted research on this topic. The team consists of Natalia Gabriella Suryawibowo, Tiara Ayu Fitrah Haida, Hesya Nurulum Yunitasari, and Moh. Burhannudin (Dentistry) and Deta Stephanie Purba (Pharmacy).
They successfully developed a nanospray using a combination of snail shell (Achatina fulica) and red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum Essential Oil.) as agents for dental remineralization and antibacterial activity against bacteria that cause tooth demineralization. This research was supervised by Dr. drg. Archadian Nuryanti, M.Kes, a lecturer at the FKG UGM Department of Biomedia.
Tooth demineralization is the loss of essential minerals from teeth, such as calcium and phosphate ions. This can occur due to acids from cariogenic bacteria, acids from food or drinks, and brushing teeth too hard.
Natalia, the team leader, stated that such dental conditions are common in society. Teeth that lose mineral content can become sensitive, requiring therapy for remineralization. This therapy typically uses toothpaste containing CPP/ACP, which can cause allergies in those with lactose intolerance.
Snail shell contains high levels of calcium, which is used to produce ACP (Amorphous Calcium Phosphate), combined with CMC (Carboxymethyl Chitosan) as a binder to restore calcium and phosphate ions in teeth.
Meanwhile, the essential oil in red ginger acts as a freshener and has potential in preventing the growth of bacteria that cause demineralization, making both components beneficial for remineralization.
Tiara, a team member, explained that the nanospray production began with processing the snail shells into ACP and combining it with CMC to create CMC/ACP powder. Red ginger was processed to produce essential oil, which was then combined with the CMC/ACP powder to form The nanospray, CMC/ACP from Achatina fulica Shell and Zingiber officinale var. rubrum Essential Oil..
The team conducted several tests on the nanospray, including organoleptic, pH, PSA, and UV-Vis tests. The nanospray, characterized by a milky white color, distinct ginger aroma, and non-clear appearance, has a pH value suitable for the oral cavity, which is 7.17. Additionally, the nanospray has a particle size within the nanoemulsion range, specifically 383.4 nm.
“Our team introduces innovation by incorporating red ginger to provide a warm and fresh sensation in the mouth. Red ginger also helps eliminate bad breath and leaves the breath feeling fresher,” said Deta.
In the research, the antibacterial activity test of the snail shell and red ginger combination nanospray nanospray showed a larger inhibition zone compared to CPP/ACP.
After applying the spray to teeth, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) images revealed that the nanospray effectively closed the dentin pore diameters. Additionally, the small particle size and wide distribution allowed the nanospray to penetrate the dentin channels. “The combination of snail shell and red ginger is effective for dental remineralization and combating bacteria,” said Hesya.
The team hopes this research will further support the development of snail shell and red ginger as a safe dental remineralization therapy product. “We hope this research can advance to become a product that can be used by both the public and medical practitioners,” Burhan concluded.
Author: Fajar Budi H. | Visual: Fajar Budi H.
