Synthesis and characterization of bioactive glass co-doped with silver and copper for prevention of white spot lesions

Abstract

The development of innovative materials that possess remineralization and antibacterial efficacy to reduce white spot lesions (WSLs) are becoming growing clinical demands. To overcome these WSLs, bioactive glass (BG) is widely acknowledged due to its bioactivity. To introduce subsidiary biological functions, BG was doped with therapeutic ions i.e., Ag and Cu, that significantly improve antibacterial properties. In this study, Ag/Cu was co-doped into BG (A/C@BG) by sol-gel method. Ion release studies done by ICP-OES verified sustained release of Ag/Cu, placed in SBF while in-vitro bioactivity supported formation of hydroxyapatite layer. Antibacterial studies of A/C@BG demonstrated significant increase in inhibition zones, measuring 14 and 10 mm against S. mutans and P. gingivalis. Moreover, mechanical studies demonstrate SBS of adhesive loaded with A/C@BG compared with control, does not decrease significantly. The results suggested A/C@BG possesses improved efficacy as bioactive filler that may facilitate antibacterial characteristics to prevent WSLs while maintaining optimal SBS.