The Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles incorporated into Alginate Impression Material: An In vitro Study

The incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles into alginate impression materials conferred both antibacterial and antifungal properties, with effective antimicrobial activity observed at concentrations as low as 5%. However, the addition of ZnO NPs led to a decrease in the material's flow, which may affect the handling characteristics of the alginate. Clinically, the antimicrobial properties of ZnO NP-enhanced alginate could reduce the risk of cross-contamination in dental settings, but the alteration in flow must be considered when selecting or modifying impression materials for clinical use. Future studies should focus on optimizing the concentration of ZnO NPs to balance antimicrobial efficacy with material performance.