Technology

Nobio developed a non-releasing antimicrobial technology, specifically for long-term use in dental materials. Existing antimicrobial agents, that act by release of molecules that kill bacteria (like silver ions or antibiotics), have significant limitations, making them unfit for long-term dental treatment: First, they fade out over time. Second, long-term exposure may have undesired side-effects, such as changing the normal flora or toxicity. And third, bacteria may develop resistance by adapting to the chemicals released.

Nobio’s breakthrough technology utilizes proprietary, non-soluble quaternary-ammonium silica (QASi™) particles. The QASi particles consist of a high concentration of quaternary ammonium residues, a known antimicrobial, which are covalently bound to a silica core, similar to standard composite filler. The QASi particles are incorporated into the dental material and become part of the polymerized composite like the existing filler particles. Their antimicrobial effect is not dependent on release but exerted only by contact with bacteria, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of all release-based approaches.

Studies show that composite restorations promote cariogenic biofilm growth as opposed to amalgam (Beyth et al., 2007). This increases the risk of recurrent caries, and potentially reduces the longevity of a composite restoration.

Nobio’s Technology targets the source of the problem.

Bacteria create an acidic environment, which leads to demineralization, loss of tooth surface, and resultant carious lesions. Nobio’s Technology kills bacteria at the tooth-restoration interface thereby reducing demineralization, which is part of the caries process.

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Nobio Technology provides extraordinary antibacterial properties.

An in vitro study showed that the Nobio technology when incorporated into a composite resin prevented an increase in surface roughness from prolonged exposure to cariogenic bacteria (Beyth et al., 2010). This shows that the Nobio technology provides a protective benefit, which may prolong the functionality and integrity of the restoration.

Nobio Technology is long lasting.

Restoratives with the Nobio technology may also provide improved durability over composite materials with release-dependent antimicrobial agents. Resin-based materials with water-soluble antimicrobial agents deteriorate as the agent leaches out, whereas the Nobio technology is non-soluble and imbedded into the material, thereby displaying additional stability in a aqueous environment.

A long-term in vitro study showed that the Nobio technology maintains a lasting antimicrobial effect. A composite with Nobio technology maintained its antimicrobial effect after six-month of accelerated aging (Beyth et al., 2010).

The long-acting nature of the Nobio technology may provide some key benefits:

1.     Nobio’s technology has been proven to not leach or dissolve like other antimicrobial technologies, which should allow it to provide continuous protection in the reduction of demineralization and secondary caries.

2.     The Nobio technology provides protection at the cavity-restoration micro-gaps, which is a gateway for cariogenic pathogens. This may lessen the recurrent caries risk and minimize technique-sensitive posterior restoration procedures.

3.     The Nobio technology acts only by direct contact between the microorganism and the restoration material, thus not affecting the microbiota (normal flora) of the oral cavity.

Nobio Technology provides a broad-spectrum antimicrobial barrier.

The Nobio technology has been proven in vitro to be effective against multiple strains from bacteriology collections (ATCC) and clinical isolates, of both gram - and gram + bacteria, as well as fungi pathogens.

Data published or on file. References available upon request.