Structural and morphological characterization of silver nanoparticles intruded mineral trioxide aggregate admixture as a chair-side restorative medicament: an in vitro experimental study.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to create a rapid admixture of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for chairside use in clinical settings to remediate the challenges associated with root canal treatment and pulp capping.

Methods: Synthesized AgNPs at ratios of 10 and 25% were added to commercially available MTA to create an admixture. The admixture was subjected to structural and morphological assessment using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Antioxidant activity was measured using the hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. A significance level of 0.05 was applied to determine statistical differences.

Results: The addition of AgNPs decreased the carbonate peak intensity in XRD and FT-IR. The rod-like morphology of MTA was changed to a flake-like morphology with the addition of AgNPs. Antibacterial efficacy enhanced proportionally with the augmentation of AgNPs concentration.

Conclusions: The creation of rapid admixture of MTA and AgNPs during chairside use in clinical settings can deliver beneficial characteristics of enhanced morphological features favoring mineralization and profound antibacterial effects to overcome the challenges associated with root canal treatment and pulp capping.