Polymer-Based Hydroxyapatite-Silver Composite Resin with Enhanced Antibacterial Activity for Dental Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Dental restorations require enhanced biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties to prevent bacterial colonization.
• Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-Nps) offer biocompatibility, while silver nanoparticles (Ag-Nps) provide antimicrobial effects.
• Combining HA-Nps and Ag-Nps in dental resins can lead to improved material performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel resin incorporating hydroxyapatite and silver nanoparticles (HA-NpsAg).
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized HA-NpsAg resin for dental applications.
• To assess the potential of HA-NpsAg resin in reducing bacterial colonization and improving dental restoration durability.

Main Methods:

• Hydroxyapatite powders were prepared using the sol-gel method and doped with silver nanoparticles via chemical reduction.
• Resin spheres containing HA-NpsAg were synthesized at 0.5% and 1% concentrations.
• Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar diffusion and turbidimetry against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Main Results:

• The synthesized HA-NpsAg resin demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial strains.
• P. aeruginosa showed maximum susceptibility to 0.5% HA-NpsAg resin.
• 1% HA-NpsAg resin exhibited maximal inhibition against S. aureus and S. mutans.

Conclusions:

• Successful synthesis of a dental resin incorporating hydroxyapatite and silver nanoparticles (HA-NpsAg) was achieved.
• The developed resin exhibits potent bactericidal properties, even at low silver concentrations.
• This novel HA-NpsAg dental resin holds promise for enhancing the clinical performance and longevity of dental restorations.