Chitothym pulp shield: protect, heal, regenerate

The primary goal of pulp capping material is to protect and maintain a viable pulp. Maintenance of vital pulp encourage its ability to lay down reparative dentin as a protective barrier to the pulp. One of the important elements in regeneration of pulp-dentin structure is pulp capping material. Calcium hydroxide has been widely used as a pulp capping material. However, it is poorly adhered to tooth structure, soluble to oral fluids and brittle. This may cause microleakage which later might lead to secondary caries and pulpal inflammation. Therefore, this project aims to fabricate a chitosan-thyme oil electrospun nanofibers as a potential element for pulp capping material. Studies found that chitosan exhibit a great potential as a pulp capping material due to its ability to stimulate reparative dentin, maintain pulpal vitality, good antimicrobial activity, adherence properties to restorative material and dentin, and can resist forces during placement of restoration. It can also mimic the mineralization process of natural tooth structure. While, thyme oil has been known as a powerful remedy for antibacterial activity and tissue healing. Nanotechnology in tissue engineering such as electrospinning may further enhance the fabrication and application of chitosan in biomedical field. Hence, incorporation of chitosan and thyme oil create a potent natural-based therapy for pulpal protection and healing.