Figure 8.

CHX release from nanoparticle-functionalized glass covers slips, expressed in μmol CHX released per unit surface area of specimen, as a function of time.

Notes: The CHX-HMP-5 nanoparticles showed a sustained release of soluble CHX over the 60-day measurement period, which did not appear to be approaching a plateau at the completion of the experiment. The CHX-HMP-0.5 nanoparticles showed a release that was sustained for around 20–25 days, and then, the concentration stabilized, indicating that the specimen was releasing little or no further CHX. The control specimens exposed to the aqueous solution of CHX did not show any release of CHX.

Abbreviations: CHX, chlorhexidine; CHX-HMP-0.5, chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate (0.5 mmol L⁻¹); CHX-HMP-5, chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate (5 mmol L⁻¹).