Application of silver nanoparticles in situ synthesized in dental adhesive resin

Abstract

The objective was to apply the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in situ synthesized in an adhesive resin. Silver 2-ethylhexanoate was added into Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray Inc.) to form 0.0% Ag, 0.1% Ag, 0.2% Ag groups. The size and distribution of AgNPs formed in light-cured adhesive resin disks were observed by TEM. The degree of conversion was evaluated by FTIR. The cytotoxicity against human periodontal ligament fibroblasts was examined by CCK-8 assay. After each water-storage time (1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, 12 months), biofilms of Streptococcus mutans on the resin disks were observed by SEM and tested for live/dead staining and colony-forming units. The average particle sizes of evenly dispersed AgNPs in the 0.1% Ag and 0.2% Ag groups were 10.9 ± 3.7 nm and 8.8 ± 4.2 nm, respectively. The incorporation of AgNPs did not compromise the degree of conversion and biocompatibility of the 0.1% Ag and 0.2% Ag groups. After 12 months of water storage, the antibacterial properties of 0.1% Ag and 0.2% Ag groups were much higher than that of 0.0% Ag group. The in situ synthesis of AgNPs might be a promising technique in the antibacterial modification of dental adhesive resin.