Posted by 
As one of the prevalent infectious oral diseases, dental caries, also known as tooth decay or dental cavities, is instigated by cariogenic bacteria, marked by the demineralization and deterioration of tooth structures. This infectious disease poses a significant threat to individuals of all age groups, with a substantial impact on both oral health and overall well-being. A critical contributor to caries development lies in the biofilm microbiota imbalance, stemming from a high-sugar diet and inadequate oral hygiene, triggering the fermentation of sugars in food and acids production. Because of the resultant pH changes, dental hard tissue becomes demineralized and lesions appear, which causes occlusal or interproximal tooth caries. Saliva, as the initial fluid encountering exogenous substances in the oral cavity, plays a pivotal role in the development of caries, serving as a critical host factor in disease progression and bacterial colonization.Several antimicrobial salivary enzymes and proteins contribute significantly to overall oral health. Among the myriad components found in saliva, salivary α-amylase (α-ALS) has emerged as a potential biomarker for dental caries.
Herein, combining the synergistic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and starch, an electrochemical sensor is constructed employing ferrocene (FCN) as an electrochemical indicator to oversee the progression of the enzymatic catalysis of α-ALS. this nanostructured disposable electrochemical sensor presents a novel and efficient strategy for α-ALS detection, offering a promising avenue for early and reliable diagnosis of dental caries and plaque formation. The nanostructured sensor’s design is rooted in its ability to exploit the catalytic activity of α-ALS, leading to the breakdown of starch within the modified electrode. The incorporation of MWCNTs enhances conductivity and surface area, while β-CD and starch contribute to the immobilization and catalytic enhancement of α-ALS.
Hira Asghar, Aqsa Tariq, Ghulam Rasool, Akhtar Hayat (2024) Fabrication of a salivary amylase electrochemical sensor based on surface confined MWCNTs/β-cyclodextrin/starch architect for dental caries in clinical samples. Bioelectrochemistry 60, 108774.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108774