Efficacy of Supplementary Irrigation Methods Against Bacterial Biofilm-Infected Root Canals Prepared With Minimally Invasive and Conventional Techniques Giuliana Soimu, Abhishek Parolia, Anelise V. Masiero, Fang Qian, Thomas Moninger, Jeffrey A. Banas, Fabricio B. Teixeira Australian Endodontic Journal, 2026 This study evaluated the effectiveness of the GentleWave system (GWS), laser‐activated irrigation (LAI), ultrasonic‐activated irrigation (UAI) and sonic irrigation (SI) in removing a three‐species biofilm from infected root canals prepared using minimally invasive techniques (MIT) and conventional instrumentation techniques (CIT). One hundred and ten single‐canalled mandibular premolars were infected with the biofilm and assigned to five groups based on the supplementary irrigation method used. Biofilm removal was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In the CIT group, GWS resulted in a significantly higher proportion of dead cells compared to UAI and SI (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between GWS and LAI. In the MIT group, no significant differences were observed among the irrigation methods (p > 0.05). Although none of the approaches completely eliminated the biofilm, GWS and LAI were more effective than UAI and SI.
Photosensitized Methylene Blue Nanoparticles: A Promising Approach for the Control of Oral Infections Magali Parizzi, Aline Rosa Almeida, Gabriel Salvador, Diogo Dominguini, Mylena Fernandes, Daniela Becker, Michael Ramos Nunes, Anelise Viapiana Masiero, Cleonice Gonçalves da Rosa Biomedicines, 2025 Introduction: Oral infections pose significant public health challenges, often exacerbating other comorbidities and increasing systemic health risks. Traditional treatments often fail to eliminate persistent micro-organisms and contribute to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Nanoparticulate systems offer a promising solution by delivering active agents directly to targeted sites, providing more effective and localized treatment options. Objective: This study aimed to synthesize and characterize methylcellulose nanoparticles containing methylene blue at different concentrations using the nanoprecipitation method. We also evaluated their biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity against key micro-organisms commonly found in oral infections. Methods: The study involved physicochemical and morphological characterizations, including encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, controlled release profiles, antimicrobial efficacy against major oral pathogens, and biocompatibility in vitro assessments were performed. Results: The results revealed encapsulation efficiency between 99.1 and 98.8%, with particle sizes ranging from 186 to 274 nm and a zeta potential of 1.7 to 2.9 mV achieved at lower concentrations of methylene blue and methylcellulose. The nanoparticles demonstrated sustained drug release of 85% for the smaller particles and 45% for the larger particles for more than 10 h. The nanoparticles exhibited superior antimicrobial activity compared to pure methylene blue. Cell viability studies indicated that the nanoparticles were biocompatible with approximately 40% cell viability at lower concentrations of the nanoparticles. Conclusions: These findings suggest that methylene blue nanoparticles could serve as a promising adjunct in dental treatments. They offer targeted antimicrobial action while potentially reducing the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Curcumin-photosensitized nanocapsules: biocompatibility and antimicrobial evaluation in primary tooth dentin contaminated with Streptococcus mutans Michelle Cristina Erckmann, Aline Almeida, Diogo Dominguini, Daniela Becker, Josiane Khun Rutz, Dachamir Hotza, Abhishek Parolia, Vanessa Valgas Dos Santos, Michael Ramos Nunes, Cleonice Gonçalves Da Rosa, Anelise Viapiana Masiero Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2025 IntroductionDental caries is a multifactorial disease with high prevalence, particularly in vulnerable populations, where Streptococcus mutans contributes to lesion progression via acid production and biofilm formation. Minimally invasive strategies, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with advanced delivery systems, offer promising alternatives for caries management.MethodsZein-based nanocapsules loaded with curcumin (Nano-curcumin) were synthesized via nanoprecipitation and characterized for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, morphology, and curcumin release. Biocompatibility was assessed using rabbit oral mucosal cells via MTT and trypan blue assays. Antimicrobial efficacy was tested in vitro on primary dentin slices contaminated with S. mutans across four groups: Nano-curcumin, Nano-curcumin + PDT, diode laser, and untreated control. Colony-forming units (CFU) were quantified after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p &lt; 0.05).ResultsNano-curcumin demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (~100%), spherical morphology, low polydispersity (0.108), and favorable colloidal stability, with sustained curcumin release over 24 hours. Cytotoxicity assays showed &gt;50% cell viability at 100 μg·mL⁻¹ and ~80% at intermediate concentrations (50–75 µg·mL-¹). Both curcumin nanocapsules and their photosensitized versions significantly reduced S. mutans CFU compared to controls (p &lt; 0.05), with PDT-enhanced nanocapsules showing the greatest reduction, though not statistically different from non-photosensitized nanocapsules.DiscussionCurcumin-loaded zein nanocapsules are biocompatible and effective against S. mutans, with controlled release properties. Photodynamic activation further enhances antimicrobial activity, supporting their potential as a minimally invasive approach for managing carious lesions, particularly in pediatric dentistry. This strategy integrates a natural photosensitizer with a biodegradable polymeric matrix, providing a safe and innovative alternative for caries control.
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Potential of Eucalyptus Essential Oil-Based Nanoemulsions for Mouthwashes Application Dione Glauco Batista, William Gustavo Sganzerla, Lysa Ribeiro da Silva, Yasmin Gabriele Schmitt Vieira, Aline R. Almeida, Diogo Dominguini, Luciane Ceretta, Adriana Castro Pinheiro, Fabiano Cleber Bertoldi, Daniela Becker, Dachamir Hotza, Michael Ramos Nunes, Cleonice Gonçalves da Rosa, Anelise Viapiana Masiero Antibiotics, 2024 Objective: An eucalyptus essential oil-based nanoemulsion was produced and evaluated for its antimicrobial properties against Streptococcus mutans and its cytotoxicity in the surface mucous cells of rabbits. Methods: The essential oil-based nanoemulsion was synthesized with two species of eucalyptus—Eucalyptus citriodora and Eucalyptus globulus—followed by physicochemical characterization and the determination of antimicrobial activity and cell viability. Subsequently, the mouthwash formulations (fluoride and fluoride-free) were functionalized with the nanoemulsion, and their in vitro antimicrobial actions were evaluated against S. mutans. Results: The nanoemulsion presented an average particle size of around 100 nm, a polydispersity index close to 0.3, a zeta potential between −19 and −30 mV, a pH close to 7, a spherical shape, and a cell viability above 50%. The antimicrobial activity analysis showed that the nanoemulsion was effective in the control of S. mutans. The mouthwashes functionalized with the nanoemulsion also presented bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Conclusions: The bio-based material produced with eucalyptus essential oil presented adequate physicochemical characteristics, with the potential to be used as an innovative material in preventive dentistry, contributing to the maintenance of oral and systemic health.
Artificial intelligence in health and bioethical implications: a systematic review Mirella Rebello Bezerra, Laiane Moraes Dias, Jurema Telles de Oliveira Lima, Maria Júlia Gonçalves de Mello, Rui Nunes Revista Bioetica, 2023 Resumen El incremento del número de enfermos graves durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 planteó la necesidad de considerar los aspectos que deben guiar el acceso a los respiradores mecánicos. Para ello, se determinaron criterios de priorización para las unidades de cuidados intensivos y se evaluaron las bases bioéticas que componen la creación de modelos de triaje. Ante dudas y angustias provocadas por la pandemia, la bioética jugó un papel de brújula orientadora de las acciones de los médicos y de las políticas públicas para lograr el bien social. Así, se entiende que la bioética debe ser un instrumento concreto para resolver problemas complejos que involucran la vida en todas sus dimensiones.
Antimicrobial green silver nanoparticles in bone grafts functionalization for biomedical applications André Martins Narciso, Cleonice Gonçalves da Rosa, Michael Ramos Nunes, William Gustavo Sganzerla, Caroline Martins Hansen, Ana Paula Zapelini de Melo, Jefferson Viapiana Paes, Fabiano Cleber Bertoldi, Pedro Luiz Manique Barreto, Anelise Viapiana Masiero Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 2021
Effect of low-level laser therapy on incorporation of block allografts Renato Valiati, Jefferson Viapiana Paes, Aury Nunes de Moraes, Aldo Gava, Michelle Agostini, Anelise Viapiana Masiero, Marilia Gerhardt de Oliveira, Rogério Miranda Pagnoncelli International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2012
Self-rated health among adults in Southern Brazil Marco Aurélio Peres, Anelise Viapiana Masiero, Giana Zabarto Longo, Gino Chaves da Rocha, Izabella Barison Matos, Kathie Najnie, Maria Conceição de Oliveira, Marina Patrício de Arruda, Karen Glazer Peres Revista De Saude Publica, 2010