Chulalongkorn University’s Nano-Herbs Dental Spray for Dogs Wins Innovation Award in Switzerland 

The health of pets, especially “oral health,” despite its significance, is often overlooked. Periodontitis is most commonly found in small-breed dogs over 3 years old and has an 80-90% chance of occurring. Left untreated, it can lead to loss of teeth or infections in other organs. 

Prof. Dr. Nopadon Pirarat from the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Head of the Research Project, and his research team, including Dr. Kochakorn Sawaspakdee, Dr. Jakkawarn Yosthawornkul, and Dr. Sirinun Pisamai Tabtieang, developed the “Nano-herbs dental care spray” for dental care in dogs. The innovation garnered much attention and positive reception at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in Geneva, Switzerland, and won the Bronze Medal as well as the NRCT Honorable Mention Award for the Excellent Invention. The event was held on April 13, 2025, on its 50^th anniversary, and featured innovations from all over the world. 

Dr. Kochakorn Sawaspakdee, a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, one of the innovators of “Nano-herbs dental care spray,” explained that the starting point of the project came from treating dogs with severe periodontitis. Dogs with this illness often experience so much mouth pain they cannot eat and can even develop septicemia. With clinical experience and epidemiological data showing the severity of the disease, the research team aimed to develop a new product that not only uses antibiotics for treatment but also offers an alternative in reducing inflammation and inhibiting bacteria with the power of nature. 

“Nano-herbs dental care spray” for dogs contains alpha-mangostin (extracted from mangosteen peel) and clove oil, a traditional Thai herb with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as the main ingredients. These substances are delivered through nano-level technology or “Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC).” This technology allows these water-insoluble herbal compounds to better penetrate the gum mucous membrane, adhere longer in the oral cavity, and continuously release their effects. 

“We conducted tests not only in laboratory tubes but also in actual dog gum tissue for penetration. We found that the nanoparticles from the herbal nano-spray can penetrate deeper into the tissue layers than conventional methods, and more importantly, it’s safe for dogs,” said Dr. Kochakorn. 

Laboratory test results clearly show that the nanoparticles have an average size of about 200 nanometers, are highly stable, and can be stored for up to 60 days. They can effectively inhibit important bacteria related to periodontal diseases such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. This offers a new dimension in pet oral healthcare. 

On the benefits and value of this innovation, Dr. Kochakorn said that apart from treating periodontitis in dogs, using local herbs also has economic advantages. Using mangosteen peel, which is previously agricultural waste, creates added value while reducing the import of raw materials from abroad. Currently, the prototype product is being tested on dogs with actual illnesses, and there are plans for extension to other animals, as well as for treatment of bacterial diseases in other systems. The research team aims to develop the innovation commercially and has already filed for a patent. 

This invaluable innovation for the Thai and international veterinary industry received cooperation from research teams from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, and the Department of Oral Biology, Université Paris Cité. 

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