A Novel Coating of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Orthodontic Elastomeric Ligatures

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances especially with orthodontic elastomeric ligatures can increase the risk for development of white spot lesions, which are often irreversible. Due to their huge surface area, silver nanoparticles are effective antimicrobials. Green synthesis employs the use of plant extracts such as Clove and Cardamom which possesses antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Aim: This study aims to discover a novel approach to coat orthodontic elastomeric modules or ligatures with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using clove and cardamom as plant extract. Materials and methods: Aqueous extract of cardamom and clove was prepared. Biosynthetic silver nanoparticles were synthesised by reacting silver nitrate ions with clove and cardamom extract (as bioreductant). Using a magnetic stirrer and a hot plate, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised directly on orthodontic elastomeric ligatures. Characterization of silver nanocoated elastomeric ligatures was done using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Results: At the end of third day formation of AgNPs were reported by color shifting from orange-red to dark brown. Reducing silver ions to AgNPs, as shown by UV-vis spectroscopy, generated a peak at 462 nm. SEM and EDX confirms the presence of elemental silver on silver nanocoated elastomeric ligatures. Conclusion: An innovative coating technique incorporating magnetic stirrer along with a hot plate allows for the efficient coating of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles on orthodontic elastic ligatures. The SEM and EDX results indicate the structural integrity of the Ag nanoparticles on the biosynthetically produced orthodontic elastic ligatures is enhanced.