Comparative Assessment of Microleakage in Nanoformulated and Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement under Simulated Aging:...

The aim of the study is to assess the microleakage of nanoformulated and conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) under simulated aging.

Nanoformulated GIC was synthesized by incorporating chitosan-titanium-zirconia-hydroxyapatite (Ch-Ti-Zr-HA) nanoparticles into GIC powder at concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 10%. The materials were characterized using UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A total of forty freshly extracted, sound permanent molar teeth were selected for the study and divided into four groups: Group I (3% nanoformulated GIC), group II (5% nanoformulated GIC), group III (10% nanoformulated GIC), and group IV (conventional GIC). Standardized class I cavities were prepared on the occlusal surfaces, restored, and subjected to thermocycling between 5°C and 55°C with a dwell time of 30 seconds in a water bath. To prevent dye penetration, root apices were sealed, and all tooth surfaces-except the restoration and a 1 mm margin around it-were coated with two layers of nail varnish. The specimens were then immersed in a 0.5% methylene blue solution for 24 hours. Following immersion, the teeth were sectioned mesiodistally, and the extent of microleakage was assessed under a stereomicroscope using a predefined scoring system. The collected data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni test.

The least microleakage was observed in the 5% and 10% nanoformulated GIC groups, with no statistically significant difference between them (p = 0.699). The 3% nanoformulated GIC and the conventional GIC (control group) exhibited similar performance, with no significant difference. However, compared to the control group, both 5% and 10% nanoformulated GICs showed superior results, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05).

The findings of this study indicate that incorporating nanotechnology is a valuable approach to enhancing the clinical performance of GIC. 5% and 10% nanoformulated GIC containing Ch-Ti-Zr-HA demonstrates significant potential as a restorative material, offering microleakage resistance superior to conventional GIC.

Alex A, Paulraj J, Ngoubinah Pretty TM, et al. Comparative Assessment of Microleakage in Nanoformulated and Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement under Simulated Aging: A Stereomicroscopic Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(12):1471-1477.