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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Short-term antimicrobial properties of mineral trioxide aggregate with incorporated silver-zeolite
Mesut E Odabaş1, Cağdaş Cinar, Gülçin Akça
1Departments of Pediatric Dentistry Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Gazi Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Middle East Technical, Ankara, Turkey. mesut@gazi.edu.tr
Abstract:
The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine whether adding silver-zeolite (SZ) to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) would enhance the antimicrobial activity of MTA against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC #25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC #29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC#25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC #27853), Candida albicans (ATCC #90028), Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC #33277), Actinomyces israelii (ATCC #12102), and Prevotella intermedia (ATCC# 15032). SZ was added at 0.2% and 2% mass fraction concentration to MTA powder. The control group was MTA powder with no SZ. The antimicrobial effect test was accomplished by placing freshly mixed MTA specimens on agar plates inoculated with microorganisms and comparing the zones of inhibition at 24, 48, and 72 h. The amounts of silver ion release from MTA specimens were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometry at 10-min, 24-, 48-, and 72-h periods. The pH of MTA specimens was measured with a pH meter at 10-min, 24-, 48-, and 72-h periods. MTA with 2% and 0.2% SZ specimens showed inhibitory effects on some microorganisms at all time periods, whereas no antimicrobial activity showed for P. intermedia and A. israelii. MTA without SZ inhibited C. albicans, E. Coli, and P. intermedia. The highest silver release was detected in 2% SZ MTA at 24 h. The incorporation of SZ may enhance the antimicrobial activity of MTA.
Insights
Adding silver-zeolite (SZ) to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) enhanced its antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungi. While MTA alone showed some antimicrobial effects, SZ incorporation boosted efficacy, with higher silver ion release observed.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Antimicrobial Research
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a widely used dental material.
- Concerns exist regarding MTA's inherent antimicrobial efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
- Enhancing MTA's antimicrobial properties is crucial for improving clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of incorporating silver-zeolite (SZ) into MTA.
- To evaluate the enhanced antimicrobial activity of SZ-modified MTA against specific oral microorganisms.
- To assess silver ion release and pH changes associated with SZ-MTA.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using MTA mixed with 0.2% and 2% SZ.
- Antimicrobial activity assessed via zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinomyces israelii, and Prevotella intermedia.
- Silver ion release measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- pH levels monitored using a pH meter.
Main Results:
- MTA with 0.2% and 2% SZ demonstrated inhibitory effects against some tested microorganisms.
- No significant antimicrobial activity was observed against Prevotella intermedia and Actinomyces israelii with SZ-MTA.
- MTA without SZ inhibited Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Prevotella intermedia.
- Highest silver ion release occurred with 2% SZ-MTA at 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Silver-zeolite incorporation potentially enhances the antimicrobial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate.
- Further research is warranted to optimize SZ concentration for broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy.
- SZ-MTA shows promise as an improved dental material with enhanced antibacterial properties.
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