Applications of seaweed biopolymers and its composites in dental applications

Abstract

Biopolymers are natural polymers derived from renewable sources such as plants, algae, and microbes. As a supportive material for regeneration in dental research, biopolymers are of prime importance. Biopolymers have been widely developed for periodontal, prosthodontics, orthodontic, and endodontic applications in dentistry, including scaffolds, biomembranes such as guided tissue regeneration (GTR), guided bone regeneration (GBR), nanocomposites, hydrogels, barrier membranes, nanofibers, and bioink for 3D printing. Different biopolymers have been traditionally used since time immemorial, such as chitosan, collagen, and hyaluronic acid which are non-versatile, difficult for availability, and not cost-effective in the present scenario. Agar, carrageenan, alginate, fucoidan, and ulvan are biopolymers effectively utilized for dental applications. Seaweed biopolymers are easily available and meet other biopolymers’ characteristics for material fabrication. Blending of nanoparticles and antibiotics for slow release with seaweed polymers is possible, like that of other biopolymers. Seaweed biopolymers also support osteogenic processes and cytocompatibility and biocompatibility in nature. Its good resorbable nature and solubility in water with good gel strength favor physical and mechanical properties support for dental applications. Biopolymers derived from seaweeds also exhibit good biocompatibility, biodegradable nature, good structural strength, and induce cell proliferation and differentiation. Seaweed biopolymers exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.