Unraveling applications of gold nanoparticles in dentistry: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims is to map the available evidence regarding the applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNps) in dentistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This scoping review protocol followed the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA-ScR. Two authors independently performed all steps in the study selection and data extraction phases.

DATA AND SOURCES

Through a search across Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and a manual search, this review identified studies that analyzed the use of gold nanoparticles in dentistry.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Original research full-text articles (experimental and observational studies), in all languages, on the application of gold nanoparticles in chemical and biological aspects of Dentistry.

STUDY SELECTION

From 1268 records identified, 34 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. China and India had the largest number of publications in AuNPs (11.76 %, both). 88.23 % of studies were conducted in vitro, and operative dentistry was the most prevalent specialty (47.05 %). Concerning the outcomes, studies focused on evaluating the antimicrobial properties of AuNPs, (38.23 %), material development and characterization (35.29 %), clinical or technological applications (20,58 %), and physical and mechanical properties (14.7 %).

CONCLUSION

Gold nanoparticles have vast potential for various applications in dentistry and biomedicine, with particular emphasis on their antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, which are the most studied. However, despite the large number of preclinical studies conducted, there is still a lack of established standards for the use of these nanoparticles, highlighting the need to develop protocols to guide new in vivo and in vitro studies before advancing to clinical trials.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Gold nanoparticles show potential in dentistry due to their antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, as well as their ability to enhance the physical and mechanical characteristics of dental materials.