Alginate Micro Bead Production Using An Ultrasonic Dental Scaler

Method: Different effects on bead quality had been determined in pre-testing and were now evaluated. I) Influence of viscosity: alginate solutions of 0,5; 1; 2; 3; 4 % were used with a 2 % CaCl₂-Solution. II) Influence of different CaCl₂-Solution: 1; 2; 3; 4 % solutions were used with a 2 % alginate solution. III) Various power settings of the ultrasonic dental scaler (10; 50; 100%). IV) Different steering speeds of CaCl₂-solution (100; 400; 800 rpm). Microscopy pictures of the samples were taken and analysed in particle size and shape. With the resulting method particles including chlorhexidine and lactobacillus rhamnosus were produced and analysed for inhibition and growth

Result: The most homogeny particles with a size of 10-210 μm and nearly round shape (87 %) result with 2 % alginate and 2 % CaCl₂-solution. More drop-shaped particles are produced with rising concentrations of CaCl₂-solutions. Low viscosities (0,5 % and 1 %) result in irregular shapes. The viscosity of 4 % alginate solution is over concentrated to produce beads. There is no detectable difference in size and shape by using different steering speeds or power settings.

Conclusion: Using a ultrasonic dental scaler is a very effective and simple way to produce micro sized alginate beads. The size and shape is predictable and constant in chosen concentrations.