Silver nanoparticles incorporated dental restorative resin and its antibiofilm effect

Dental restoration materials are susceptible to bacterial biofilm formation, which damages the restorations and causes oral health problems. Therefore, to overcome this, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are studied widely due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy for incorporating AgNPs onto the surface of bisacrylic resin (Bis) to evaluate its antibiofilm effects using <i>Streptococcus sanguinis</i> and <i>Actinomyces naeslundii</i>. AgNPs with an average size of 25 nm at two different concentrations were dispersed on the Bis surface (Bis-AgNPs) by mechanical deposition. Ag release was quantified until 7 days of incubation. Bacterial growth was assessed using a viability assay kit and observed using confocal microscopy. The biofilm biomass was quantified using arbitrary fluorescence units. Cell viability was evaluated using an MTT assay. The results showed that Bis-AgNPs significantly inhibited biofilm formation along with a significant difference in the viability of human gingival fibroblasts. The quantification confirmed a decrease in Ag release over time, and elemental mapping showed AgNP penetration up to 10 µm from the surface. Therefore, it was concluded that Bis-AgNPs presented enhanced antibiofilm properties, even at a concentration with no adverse effects. Therefore, this nanocomposite may be a promising alternative for biofilm control in temporary restorative materials.