Effect of Incorporating Various Nanoparticles on the Flexural Strength, Compressive Strength, and Antimicrobial Activity of Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement: An in Vitro Study

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of Graphene nanoparticles (GNP), Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NP), and Chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) on the flexural strength, compressive strength, and antimicrobial properties of conventional glass ionomer cement(CGIC) [GC Gold Label 9 high strength posterior restorative, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan] Methods: CGIC was mixed with different nanoparticles to obtain forty-eight samples in the form of blocks (25x2x2 mm) for flexural(n=6) and compressive tests(n=6) and twenty four samples in the form of discs (3x1 mm) for antimicrobial property(n=6) according to the following groups: CGIC (group -1), CGIC + GNP(group-2), CGIC + TiO2NP(group-3), and CGIC + CNP(group-4). The samples were subjected to a universal testing machine individually for flexural strength and compressive strength analysis. Antibacterial activity was tested against Streptococcus mutans using the Kirby-Bauer agar disc diffusion assay. Data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test (p<0.001). Results: There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the groups for compressive strength, flexural strength, and antimicrobial properties. Both compressive and flexural strength were highest for CGIC + TiO2NP, followed by CGIC + GNP > CGIC + CNP > CGIC. The zone of inhibition was highest for CGIC + TiO2NP, followed by CGIC + CNP > CGIC + GNP > CGIC. The CGIC + TiO2NP group demonstrated better compressive strength, flexural strength, and antibacterial properties in comparison to the other tested groups. Conclusion: The incorporation of nanoparticles into CGIC enhanced the mechanical properties while also providing improved antibacterial properties.