Enhancing gutta-percha with silver mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles for advanced endodontic applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology in Dentistry
• Endodontics

Background:

• Gutta-percha (GP) is a standard root canal filling material.
• Enhancing GP's bioactivity, biomineralization, and antibacterial properties is crucial for improved endodontic outcomes.
• Nanoparticle incorporation offers a promising strategy to modify GP's properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional endodontic material by incorporating mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles (MCSNs) or silver-incorporated MCSNs (Ag-MCSNs) into GP.
• To evaluate the effects of these nanoparticles on GP's bioactivity, biomineralization, radiopacity, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activity.

Main Methods:

• MCSNs and Ag-MCSNs were synthesized and incorporated into GP at 1%, 5%, and 10% concentrations.
• Characterization included FTIR, XRD, EDS, and FE-SEM.
• Bioactivity, biomineralization, biocompatibility (MTT assay), antibacterial properties, and radiopacity were assessed.

Main Results:

• Uniform nanoparticle distribution was observed in the modified GP materials.
• Hydroxyapatite (HA) layer precipitation indicated enhanced biomineralization over time.
• All modified GP formulations exhibited non-cytotoxicity and improved antibacterial activity, with 10% Ag-MCSNs showing the highest efficacy.
• Radiopacity was comparable to the control GP.

Conclusions:

• GP incorporated with 10% MCSNs or Ag-MCSNs demonstrated significantly enhanced bioactivity, biomineralization, and antibacterial properties.
• Ag-MCSN incorporation notably improved antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis and increased radiopacity.
• These modified GP materials show promise for advanced root canal therapy, meeting biocompatibility standards.