XYLITOL

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of a chlorhexidine (2%) and xylitol (5%) varnish (VCX) versus a silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution (30%) in controlling initial dental caries lesions in young children. A randomised clinical trial was conducted with children aged 5 and 6 from public schools in Jequié, Bahia. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: one treated with VCX, another with SDF, and a control group that received no intervention. Carious lesions were classified using ICDAS-II criteria, and interventions were applied following standardised clinical protocols. Blinding was applied to participants, though not to researchers due to physical differences in treatment materials. Both VCX and SDF were effective in reducing initial dental caries lesions, with SDF showing superior efficacy. However, VCX may serve as a viable alternative for patients concerned with aesthetics, though further studies are required to confirm its long-term effectiveness and optimise treatment protocols.

OBJECTIVES: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) frequently results in irreversible salivary gland damage and persistent xerostomia. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a topical mucoadhesive disc containing xylitol in comparison to water with respect to (i) subjective symptom burden of nocturnal dry mouth and (ii) objective salivary flow parameters in post-radiotherapy HNC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, single-blind, crossover-controlled clinical trial, 33 patients with radiotherapy-induced xerostomia received either adhesive discs (XyliMelts) or water across two treatment phases, separated by a washout period of 7 days. Subjective outcomes were assessed using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Shahdad symptom relief questionnaire. Objective measures included unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates. Within-group pre-post comparisons were analyzed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; between-group differences were assessed using independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Adhesive discs use was associated with significantly greater subjective symptom relief (76% vs. 24%; p < 0.001), improved sleep continuity (67% vs. 9%; p < 0.001), and higher willingness to continue product use (70% vs. 30%; p = 0.044). Perceived oral moisture, comfort, and flavor ratings were also higher with adhesive discs. No changes were observed in salivary flow parameters. Tolerability was high, with minimal adverse events reported. CONCLUSIONS: Topical, symptom-oriented interventions may provide meaningful relief for patients suffering from post-radiotherapy xerostomia, especially when regenerative treatment options are limited. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings in larger populations and to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mucoadhesive xylitol discs appear to be well tolerated and are perceived as beneficial by patients experiencing xerostomia following HNC therapy.

To investigate the combined effects of zinc compounds and xylitol on the enzymatic and anticandidal activities of salivary antimicrobials. Four zinc compounds and/or xylitol were incubated with hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL), bovine lactoperoxidase, the glucose oxidase-mediated peroxidase (GO-PO) system, and human whole saliva. Their enzymatic activities were then assessed. The effects of xylitol on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and fungicidal activities of zinc compounds were tested against Candida albicans strains. The combined effects of zinc compounds and xylitol on the candidacidal activities of HEWL, the peroxidase system, and the GO-PO system were also evaluated. Zinc compounds increased lysozyme activity but reduced peroxidase activity. Xylitol exerted opposite effects, although it did not reverse the effects of zinc compounds. While xylitol had no effect on the MIC results of zinc compounds against C albicans, it significantly increased their candidacidal activities. Furthermore, the fungicidal activities of HEWL and the peroxidase system were significantly increased when zinc compounds were combined with xylitol. Zinc compounds combined with xylitol increased lysozyme activity but reduced peroxidase activity. The combination synergistically increased the fungicidal activities of HEWL and the peroxidase system. The combination of zinc compounds and xylitol may represent a potential candidate for topical antifungal strategies for preventing or managing oral candidiasis, especially in geriatric populations.

Although various additions are made to fluoride varnishes, there is limited research on their effects on the root caries. This study compared the effects of different fluoride varnishes on artificial root caries lesions and biofilm formation. Bovine root dentin specimens were prepared and demineralized. Specimens were randomly allocated to six groups (n=23/group): (1) Untreated control; (2) Sodium Fluoride (NaF); (3) NaF+ Casein Phosphopeptide-stabilized Amorphous Calcium Phosphate complexes (CPP-ACP); (4) NaF+ Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP); (5) NaF+ Xylitol-coated Calcium and Phosphate (CXP); and (6) Silver Diamine Fluoride/Potassium Iodide (SDF/KI). Specimens (n=15) for spectral analysis were subjected to pH cycling. Before and after pH cycling, FTIR-ATR and laser fluorescence (LF) were used to detect changes in organic/inorganic content. S. mutans and L. casei dual-species biofilm were performed on artificial caries lesions treated with remineralization agents (n=8). Bacterial biofilm formation was evaluated with CLSM and SEM. According to the laser fluorescence results, SDF/KI showed maximum remineralization values. All treatments reduced LF values compared with control group. FTIR-ATR showed SDF/KI-specific post-cycling bands (weak C = O at ~ 1735-1740 cm⁻ 1 and a subtle ~ 1090-1095 cm⁻ 1 shoulder), while phosphate/amide I ratios in NaF, CPP-ACP, TCP, and CXP varnish groups decreased after cycling but tended to remain higher than control, with no differences among varnishes (p > 0.05); ratios were not calculated for SDF/KI. CLSM analysis showed that all varnishes are effective on total and viable biomass. However, NaF was the most effective material preventing biofilm formation. The application of varnishes reduced biofilm formation and demineralization of root caries. Within the limits of this study, fluoride varnishes were found to be beneficial in preventing further demineralization of root tissues.

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 7 saccharides/saccharide derivatives as used in cosmetic products; all of these ingredients are reported to function as skin-conditioning agents-humectant in cosmetics. The Panel reviewed data relevant to the safety of these ingredients in cosmetic formulations and concluded that Anhydrogalactose, Anhydroglucitol, Anhydroxylitol, Arabinose, Psicose, Saccharide Hydrolysate, and Saccharide Isomerate are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

This meta-analysis was carried out in order to assess the effects of xylitol-laced sweets on the accumulation of dental plaque biofilm. Using predetermined keywords, a systematic search was conducted using the original databases published until July 2024 on randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of xylitol-laced sweets on the accumulation of dental plaque. The random-effects model was used to obtain the 95% confidence intervals and the pooled weighted mean difference. A quantitative meta-analysis of 13 treatment arms of the included studies showed that xylitol-laced sweetssignificantly decreased the plaque index (PI) (WMD: -0.41, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.20, P < .001) and the quantity of plaque accumulation (WMD: -7.46 mg, 95% CI: -13.38, -1.53, P = .014) compared with thecontrol groups. The subgroup analysis showed that xylitol causes a greater decrease in plaque accumulation (PI and amount of plaque) in the dose of interventions ≤20 g compared to >20 g and also during the intervention <4 weeks compared to ≥4 weeks . In addition, the subgroup analysis shows a greater effect on PI reduction in those ≤ 18 years of age. Our findings show the potentially beneficial and significant effects of xylitol-laced sweets either in gummy or candy forms, on reducing plaque accumulation.

In recent years, noninvasive caries treatments have drawn increased attention from the scientific community. Fluoride varnishes are topical agents that protect the teeth from caries, as they have a prolonged effect on the duration of fluoride and tooth enamel contact. To utilize DIAGNOdent® and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and compare the effectiveness of sodium fluoride, nanosilver fluoride, and xylitol-coated calcium phosphate fluoride varnishes on remineralization. To create artificial carious lesions, 30 samples of prepared enamel were placed for 96 hours at 37°C in a demineralizing solution with a pH of 4.4. The samples were then evaluated. Following this, remineralization was performed over the course of 14 days using sodium fluoride, nanosilver fluoride, and xylitol-coated calcium phosphate fluoride. All specimens were examined using DIAGNOdent® (KaVo, Germany) and AFM at baseline, postdemineralization, and remineralization. Utilizing a scanning electron microscope, qualitative examination was conducted. The Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to statistically examine the data. At baseline, median surface changes using DIAGNOdent readings were comparable between groups. Significant variations were seen across the three groups when the parameter postremineralization was compared. Sodium fluoride had the greatest median values of 8, followed by xylitol-coated calcium phosphate fluoride and nanosilver fluoride, showing 6 and 4, respectively. Nanosilver fluoride and xylitol-coated calcium phosphate fluoride showed higher remineralization of artificial carious lesions than sodium fluoride varnish. Mathews SR, Thimmaiah C, Sachdeva K, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Remineralization Efficacy of Nanosilver Fluoride and Xylitol-coated Calcium Phosphate Fluoride Varnishes Using Atomic Force Microscopy and DIAGNOdent®: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(5):635-640.

Burn injuries are commonly treated using wound dressings; however, conventional materials often suffer from inadequate adhesion control, poor adaptability to irregular wounds, and secondary tissue damage during removal. Thus, this study reports a multifunctional hydrogel burn wound dressing composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), borax, tannic acid (TA), trolamine (TrA), and xylitol (Xyl), designed to address these clinical challenges through interfacial and physicochemical modulation. Dynamic borate-diol crosslinks between PVA and borax confer the hydrogel with rapid self-healing behavior and ionic conductivity comparable to that of human skin (113.8 mS/m), enabling potential bioelectrical signal transmission. TA provides antioxidant and antibacterial activity, while TrA serves as a functional modulator that counteracts TA-induced over-adhesion and restores handling-level morphological stability, yielding a balanced adhesive strength of 126.2 kPa. Meanwhile, the incorporation of Xyl further enhances cooling, reducing skin temperature by up to 7 °C to alleviate burn-associated discomfort. The hydrogel exhibited sustained TrA release, reaching approximately 80 % cumulative release within 24 h. In a rat burn wound model, the optimized hydrogel achieved a wound closure rate of ∼94.7 % at day 14 and could be easily removed from the wound site under running water, leaving no residue and without damaging newly formed tissue. These results demonstrate that the proposed hydrogel integrates dynamic biointerfaces, controlled adhesion, and therapeutic functionality, highlighting the potential of this hydrogel as a clinically practical burn wound dressing.

Multiple drug resistance (MDR) among antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a major challenge in modern medicine, prompting interest in alternative antimicrobials like mouthwashes and toothpastes. Plasma-activated liquids (PALs), produced by exposing liquids to cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), are enriched with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) that may have antimicrobial properties. However, their biocompatibility with mammalian cells remains underexplored. In this study, three formulations were subjected to CAP: (L1) zinc sulfate and calcium chloride, (L2) xylitol and sodium fluoride, and (L3) deionized water. Using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) system, we assessed the physicochemical, cytotoxic, and whitening effects of the resulting PALs. In vitro assays showed that PALs were non-cytotoxic to L929 fibroblast cells at concentrations up to 1.5% for PAL1, 10% for PAL2, and 15% for PAL3. PAL2 and PAL3 preserved over 90% cell viability. Scratch assays indicated that while nontreated (NT) NT1 and NT3 reduced fibroblast migration, CAP treatment enhanced cell movement over time. PAL1 did not significantly affect proliferation but increased metabolic activity by 25%, suggesting a selective pro-survival effect. Hydrogen peroxide was the predominant RONS: 6.9 mg·L -1 in PAL3, 5.8 mg·L -1 in PAL1, and 2.7 mg·L -1 in PAL2. All PALs demonstrated measurable whitening of human enamel, with PAL3 showing the most significant colour change (ΔE). These results support the potential of PALs as safe, multifunctional agents for use as modern mouthwashes.

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder influenced by sebaceous gland activity, hormonal regulation, and microbial proliferation. Dietary factors, including sweetening agents, may modulate acne pathophysiology, affecting sebum production, inflammatory responses, and the skin microbiome. This systematic review summarizes the effects of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on acne-related markers, with a focus on Cutibacterium acnes activity and associated inflammatory pathways. Non-nutritive sweeteners such as mannitol and xylitol show potential in regulating acne pathogenesis and exhibiting antibacterial activity against C. acnes. Strategic combinations of sweeteners with bioactive compounds, such as mannitol with bakuchiol or Ginkgo biloba extract, and xylitol with propanediol and caprylic acid, further enhance anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, offering a multifaceted approach to acne management. For nutritive sweeteners, experimental evidence suggests that glucose may enhance C. acnes biofilm susceptibility when combined with certain antibiotics. These findings emphasize the importance of careful selection and formulation of sweetening agents in dermatological interventions. Incorporating sweeteners, alone or in combination with bioactive compounds, could complement conventional acne therapies, reduce microbial proliferation, modulate inflammatory pathways, and support overall skin health. This review provides a scientific basis for dietary recommendations and the development of adjunctive acne treatments, highlighting sweetening agents as emerging functional modulators of acne pathogenesis.

The synergy of prebiotics and probiotics in the form of emulgels offers a promising solution and may be an essential strategy for delivering bioactive substances to protect the skin. In this study, a series of emulgels were created by incorporating Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) with lactobionic acid, xylitol, and inulin. Additionally, the surfactant coco-glucoside (CG) was used to formulate the emulgel, which served as a crucial emulsifier. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the emulgels, several analyses were conducted. These included examinations of their microscopic structure, physicochemical properties (such as pH, density, and acidity), spreadability, stability under various conditions (including temperature and centrifugation), and rheological characteristics. Furthermore, sensory evaluations and surface texture analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM) were conducted to determine their suitability for cosmetic products. Experimental data confirmed that all emulgels maintained stability, which was linked to the absence of phase separation. Key metrics showed spreadability ranged from 38.7 to 48.3 mm, pH from 3.55 to 5.64 and density from 0.87 to 0.99 g/mL. The unique formulation of the developed emulgels offers adequate support for the skin's natural barrier, creating a stable environment that preserves the viability of probiotics for up to 11 days. This represents an innovative approach to designing advanced active substance delivery systems for the skin. Our results provide a strong foundation for the creation and enhancement of emulgels made with nonionic surfactant, presenting promising and reliable methods for developing sophisticated skincare products.

One of the world's most sustainable solutions is to replace fossil-based polymers with biopolymers. The production of xanthan gum can be optimized using various renewable and cost-effective raw materials, which is a key focus in industrial biotechnology. Xanthan gum is a bioengineered thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent. It has unique properties for use in many industries (food, biotechnology, petrochemicals, agricultural, cosmetics, wastewater treatment) and medical applications. It is tasteless, environmentally safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable. The biotechnological production of xanthan gum depends on several factors: bacterial strain development, culture medium preparation, carbon sources, fermentation parameters and modes, pH, temperature, recovery, purification, and quality control regulations. Bio-innovative strategies have been developed to optimize the production of xanthan gum. A variety of carbon and nitrogen sources, as well as alternative renewable sources, have been used in the production of xanthan gum. The aim of the present study was to optimize the xanthan gum yield using Xanthomonas campestris bacteria and different carbon (D-glucose, D-sorbitol, lactose, sucrose, D-mannitol, D-fructose, erythritol, coconut palm sugar, L-arabinose, unrefined cane sugar), various nitrogen (bacterial peptone, casein peptone, L-glutamic acid, L-arginine, L-methionine, L-tryptophan, malt extract, meat extract, L-phenylalanine, soy peptone) and alternative carbon (orange peels, tangerine peels, lemon peels, avocado peels, melon peels, apple peels, cellulose, xylose, xylitol) sources. The xanthan gum samples were analyzed using antioxidant methods. Our study showed that using L-glutamic acid as the carbon source for 72 h of bacterial fermentation of Xanthomonas campestris resulted in the highest xanthan gum yield: 32.34 g/L. However, using renewable resources, we achieved a very high concentration of xanthan gum in just 24 h of fermentation. According to the reducing power and DPPH methods, the highest antioxidant activities were measured for xanthan gum whose biosynthesis was based on renewable resources. Xanthan gum structures have been verified by FT-IR and 1 H NMR analysis. The sustainable biotechnology study has the advantage of increasing the sustainable production of xanthan gum by using renewable alternative resources compared to other production processes. Xanthan gum continues to be a valuable biopolymer with a wide range of industrial applications while promoting environmentally friendly production practices.