Antibacterial, remineralizing zinc oxide-doped phosphate-based glasses

This study reports a novel melt quenched zinc oxide-doped phosphate-based glasses (Zn-PBGs) of varying CaO mol% designated as C11, C12, C13. The glass degradation rate, ions release, antibacterial activity against S. mutans and remineralization potential were investigated. Zn-PBGs showed one order of magnitude higher degradation rate than Zn-free PBG. The highest rate was observed for C11; Na+, Ca2+, Zn2+ and P5+ release followed the same trend. The higher the Zn2+ release, the greater the S. mutans growth inhibition. C11 showed significantly lower mineral loss from enamel than positive and negative controls. Zn-PBGs could be used to reverse enamel demineralization.