New Approach to Treating Periodontitis
Periodontitis is more than just a dental issue; it can impact overall health. Researchers at Fraunhofer have found a compound that targets the harmful bacteria behind this condition while sparing the rest of the oral microbiome. This breakthrough has been turned into various oral care products by a spin-off company named PerioTrap.
The mouth hosts over 700 kinds of bacteria, but only a few are associated with periodontitis. These detrimental microbes accumulate in dental plaque, particularly at the gum line, leading to inflammation known as gingivitis. If neglected, this inflammation can evolve into chronic periodontitis, resulting in gum recession and tooth loss.
The consequences stretch beyond oral health. When these harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream, they may be linked to serious health issues, including diabetes, rheumatic diseases, arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
Why Conventional Treatments Fall Short
Standard oral hygiene products, such as alcohol-based mouthwashes and chlorhexidine solutions, eliminate harmful bacteria but often destroy beneficial ones too. This means that after treatment, the oral microbiome must rebuild from ground up. Unfortunately, harmful bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis can quickly regain control, especially in inflamed tissues, while beneficial bacteria take their time. This imbalance can lead to dysbiosis, allowing the disease to re-emerge.
A New Way to Block Harmful Bacteria
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI in Halle have pinpointed a substance that selectively targets harmful bacteria without disrupting the entire microbial community. This compound, guanidinoethylbenzylamino imidazopyridine acetate, hinders the growth of pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis instead of killing them outright.
Stephan Schilling, who leads the Molecular Drug Biochemistry and Therapy Development branch at Fraunhofer IZI, explains that rather than just eliminating gingivitis bacteria, this compound inhibits their growth. This means they can’t release toxins, allowing space for beneficial bacteria to thrive in areas they couldn’t access before. Essentially, the substance works alongside healthy bacteria to rebuild and stabilize the mouth’s microbial balance.
From Research to Toothpaste
The technology originated from an EU-funded research initiative that involved international collaboration. In 2018, Periotrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH launched in Halle to transform this discovery into usable oral care products. Partnering closely with Fraunhofer IZI and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, the team developed a toothpaste that supports the oral microbiome.
“The product aims to prevent periodontitis. However, like traditional toothpaste, it also contains abrasives and fluoride to combat tooth decay,” notes Mirko Buchholz, one of the founders of the company.
Overcoming Development Challenges
Creating a market-ready ingredient from the compound took extensive testing. The goal was to effectively block harmful bacteria while ensuring it was safe for daily use. It had to be non-toxic, not enter the bloodstream, and avoid causing tooth discoloration.
To accomplish this, researchers at Fraunhofer IZI conducted biochemical and structural studies to better understand the compound’s operation and refine the formulation. “This process helps us grasp how these substances function and establish the optimal make-up of the toothpaste’s active ingredients,” Schilling adds.
Testing Toothpaste Safety and Effectiveness
Fraunhofer IMWS played a key role in assessing how various formulations affected teeth and gums. Utilizing advanced methods like scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis, they meticulously examined compatibility and performance.
As Andreas Kiesow, Group Manager for Characterization of Medical and Cosmetic Care Products, explains, “Using scanning electron microscopy and chemical characterization, we can reach detailed conclusions about how compatible and effective a substance is. In simpler terms, we determine whether the toothpaste truly works.”
Quality Standards and Future Products
All evaluations adhered to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, ensuring that findings met stringent national and international criteria. “Following GLP guidelines was crucial for the project. It wasn’t merely about creating a new toothpaste; it was about developing a high-quality, medical-grade oral care product,” Schilling explains.
Development is ongoing. Aside from toothpaste, the researchers and PerioTrap team have also created a gel designed for use after professional dental cleanings to block harmful bacteria and maintain gum health. Future products, including a mouthwash and other oral care solutions, are in the pipeline. There’s even potential for applications in veterinary care, as gum disease in pets shares similar underlying causes.
