Fabrication and characterization of mesoporous calcium silicate and silver-incorporated mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles with low cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties as a dental biomaterial

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to fabricate and characterize Mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles (MCSNs) and silver-incorporated Mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles (Ag-MCSNs) as bioactive nanoparticles either for hybridization with contemporary endodontic materials to improve their bioactivity by using (MCSNs) as a drug delivery system, and to achieve both low cytotoxicity and enhanced antibacterial activity by incorporating Ag which is avery potent antibacterial agent to form (Ag-MCSNs) as new multifunctional materials.

Methods

The MCSNs and Ag-MCSNs nanoparticles were made using the template method. Both nanoparticles' mesoporous structure, specific surface area, pore volume, pore size, and shape were examined and characterized by FTIR, XRD, EDS, DLS, and FE-SEM. The ion release, pH change, cytotoxicity by MTT assay, and antibacterial properties against planktonic Enterococcus faecalis were further investigated by colony forming units (CFUs) counting technique.

Result

MCSNs nanoparticles were prepared and successfully incorporated with silver as Ag-MCSNs. MCSNs and Ag-MCSN nanoparticles had the characteristic mesoporous material shape and over time showed sustained ion release (Ca²⁺,Si⁴⁺ and Ag⁺) ,with an alkaline pH value (8.2–9.0). Both materials showed no obvious cytotoxicity but more cell viability with MCSNs (vitality value is >70%). Both nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis (p < 0.05). With MCSNs containing Ag (Ag-MCSNs) showing higher antibacterial effect.

Conclusion

Both mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles (MCSNs) and mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles loaded with silver (Ag-MCSNs) displayed a characteristic mesoporous structure, ion release, alkaline pH, minimal cytotoxicity, and outstanding antibacterial performance with MCSNs containing Ag (Ag-MCSNs) showing higher antibacterial effect. This substance may be improved to provide a better root canal filler material, sealer, or novel intracanal medicament in dentistry.