Bioactive and Antibacterial Fluoride Nanoformulation of Zn‐MOFs Loaded With AgNPs: A Potential Substitute for SDF in Caries Management

ABSTRACT Although silver diamine fluoride (SDF) effectively prevents dental caries, it can cause undesirable tooth discoloration and may be cytotoxic. To address these limitations, we developed a fluoride‐based composite that incorporates AgNP‐doped metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with a 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) solution (Ag@MOF‐5/F). The AgNPs were anchored onto the nanosheets of synthesized MOF‐5 and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Different concentrations of Ag@MOF‐5/F (1 to 25,000 ppm) were prepared and assessed for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ) and cytocompatibility with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF‐1). The most effective concentrations (400 and 1400 ppm) were evaluated for potential staining of the prepared dentin specimen and compared against 5% NaF and 38% SDF. Ag@MOF‐5/F demonstrated potent antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. mutans at 25 ppm. HGF‐1 cell viability remained above 49% at 400 ppm and 37% at 1400 ppm, which indicated enhanced biocompatibility compared with the SDF (23%) and NaF (31%). There was no perceptible tooth discoloration with Ag@MOF‐5/F, in contrast to the pronounced black staining caused by SDF. This study introduces a novel Ag@MOF‐5/F formulation that combines broad‐spectrum antibacterial efficacy with favorable cytocompatibility and superior aesthetic outcomes for caries management.