University of Leeds Scientists Develop Novel Solution to Dry Mouth Conditions

UK: Scientists from the University of Leeds have developed a proprietary colloidal aqueous lubricant that could revolutionise the treatment of xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth. The study, recently published in Scientific Reports, highlights the promising in vitro lubrication performance of this microgel-based aqueous hydrogel formulation, comparing it to various commercially available saliva substitutes.

The Impact of Dry Mouth

Xerostomia, characterized by reduced saliva production, can lead to oral health issues such as dental caries, periodontal disease, candidiasis, oral ulcers, and dysphagia. The consequences extend beyond oral health, affecting overall nutrition and quality of life due to reduced food intake.

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While saliva substitutes are available, many lack the essential ‘border lubrication’ required in scenarios of reduced saliva production. The newly developed colloidal aqueous lubricant demonstrated in-vitro lubricity comparable to human saliva, presenting a potential game-changer in addressing dry mouth conditions.

Unveiling the Study Details

The study meticulously compared the in vitro oral lubrication performance of the microgel-reinforced hydrogel-based formulation with dairy or vegan proteins to commercially available products. Using rheological, tribological, and adsorption/desorption measurements on dry mouth surfaces, researchers sought to understand the potential clinical transition of this innovative lubricant.

Two aqueous lubricant formulations were created, utilizing lactoferrin and potato protein isolate, resulting in microgels of varying sizes. The study also introduced a vegan form of the lubricant, incorporating different pH, heat treatment, and homogenization settings. Rigorous experiments and measurements were conducted, including dynamic light scattering to estimate microgel hydrodynamic diameters and tribology experiments to assess friction-reducing effects.

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Promising Results

The microgel-based aqueous lubricant, more viscous than human saliva, showcased a remarkable ability to reduce oral friction in simulated dry mouth conditions. Compared to commercial salivary substitutes, the lubricant demonstrated levels of boundary friction reduction ranging from 41% to an impressive 99%. This superior performance was attributed to lower desorption rates and increased shear viscosity, offering advantages over existing commercial alternatives.

The study revealed that the aqueous lubricant’s enhanced oral lubricity and retention capabilities were the result of a synergistic relationship between the high-viscosity polysaccharide hydrogel and the protein-based microgel. This unique composition provided both hydrodynamic and boundary lubrication, marking a significant advancement in the development of effective saliva substitutes.

Implications and Future Directions

The findings suggest that microgel-based aqueous lubricant formulations could potentially serve as a therapeutic option for dry mouth, offering increased lubrication efficiency and higher retention compared to conventional solutions. However, the researchers emphasize the need for further sensory evaluations and clinical studies to validate the effectiveness of these formulations before widespread adoption. This pioneering research opens new avenues for addressing the challenges posed by xerostomia, enhancing the potential for improved oral health and overall well-being.