An in vitro comparative evaluation of silver and chitosan nanoparticles on shear bond strength of nanohybrid composite using different adhesion protocols.

Context: The utilization of different nanoparticles has captured more attention in dentistry because of their unique properties, high surface energy, and size of <100 nm.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of nanohybrid composite with different adhesion protocols.

Settings and design: The study was designed as an in vitro study.

Materials and methods: Occlusal surfaces of 50 maxillary premolars (n = 50) were ground to obtain flat dentin surfaces. The specimens were then randomly allocated into five groups, each comprising 10 specimens (n = 10). Group I (Control): No nanoparticles were applied; Group II: Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were applied prior to the etching; Group III: SNPs were applied following the etching; Group IV: Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were applied prior to the etching; Group V: CNPs were applied following the etching. Bonding agent application and composite buildup were performed on all specimens. SBS of the nanohybrid composite was evaluated using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance, followed by post hoc Tukey's test, with the significance level set at P < 0.05.

Results: Group IV exhibited the highest SBS, followed by Group II. A decline in SBS values was observed in Group III and Group V, respectively, while the lowest SBS was recorded in Group I (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The application of CNPs and SNPs before etching demonstrated significant enhancement in SBS when compared to other groups.