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Zeolite-Y-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles as Endodontic Antimicrobial Agent: An In vitro Study
Amir Isam Omer Ibrahim1,2, Desigar Moodley2,3, Ernest Maboza4
1Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
European Journal of Dentistry
|April 23, 2025
Summary
A novel chitosan nanoparticle (Ch-Np)-Zeolite-Y nanocomposite demonstrates potent antimicrobial activity against endodontic pathogens. This bioactive agent remains effective in the presence of tissue inhibitors and shows no cytotoxicity, indicating its potential for dental applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Developing effective antimicrobial agents for endodontic treatments is crucial for preventing and managing root canal infections.
- Chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-Np) have shown antimicrobial properties, but their application can be limited by stability and delivery challenges.
- Zeolite-Y offers a porous structure suitable for nanoparticle loading, potentially enhancing the efficacy and controlled release of active agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a bioactive nanocomposite by loading electrosprayed chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-Np) into Zeolite-Y for use as an endodontic antimicrobial agent.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the Ch-Np-Zeolite nanocomposite against key endodontic pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis.
- To assess the impact of tissue inhibitors and the cytotoxicity of the developed nanocomposite.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-Np) were electrosprayed and loaded into Zeolite-Y.
- Characterization was performed using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
- Antimicrobial activity was tested via agar diffusion and time-kill assays, with cytotoxicity assessed using the MTT assay on 3T3 fibroblast cells.
Main Results:
- HR-SEM and EDS confirmed successful loading of Ch-Np into Zeolite-Y, retaining the zeolite's structure and elemental composition.
- The Ch-Np-Zeolite nanocomposite exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and E. faecalis, with complete eradication in the presence of tissue inhibitors.
- The nanocomposite demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, significantly promoting 3T3 fibroblast cell growth, indicating a lack of cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- The Zeolite-Y-loaded Ch-Np nanocomposite is a promising bioactive agent for endodontic applications.
- The nanocomposite effectively combats major endodontic pathogens, even under challenging conditions with tissue inhibitors.
- The material's biocompatibility supports its potential use in clinical endodontic therapy.
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