Rodrigues, Danieli C.2017-06-262017-06-262017-052017-05May 2017http://hdl.handle.net/10735.1/5419Disinfection during a root canal treatment is limited due to anatomical complexities. Better carrier systems of antimicrobial agents are needed to ensure efficient bacteria eradication. Block copolymer nanoparticles have great potential as drug delivery vehicles because of their small size that allows accumulation of drug at target sites and ease of synthesis. This study sought to use block copolymer nanoparticles to improve drug bioavailability, direct drug distribution to a precise site, and sustain release after endodontic procedures. To accomplish this chlorhexidine-containing nanoparticles were designed to steadily release the drug. The drug chlorhexidine was encapsulated in poly(ethylene glycol)–block–poly(L-lactide) (PEG–b–PLA) to synthesize bilayer and trilayered nanoparticles. These polymeric nanoparticles were characterized for size, morphology, and drug loading proficiency. In conclusion, these nanoparticles were found to be small enough to penetrate dentin tubules, dispersed well in a hydrogel matrix carrier system, and enhanced bacterial inhibition over longer periods of time.application/pdfenCopyright ©2017 is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Eugene McDermott Library. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.NanoparticlesChlorhexidinePolymeric drug delivery systemsColloids in medicineDentinEndodonticsRoot canal therapyPolyvinyl alcoholDisinfection and disinfectantsAnti-infective agentsBlock copolymersThesis2017-06-26