Enhancement of physical and antimicrobial properties of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) reinforced with gold nanoparticles: An in vitro preliminary study.

BACKGROUND

Clinical use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is often associated with several challenges, including a prolonged setting time, poor handling characteristics and compromised physical properties in the presence of tissue fluids. Mineral trioxide aggregate, when used as a perforation repair or root-end filling material, needs adequate strength to withstand the forces acting on it. Recently, several researchers have attempted to overcome these challenges through the use of various additives.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the physical and antimicrobial properties of MTA reinforced with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Sixteen customized putty molds (6 mm in height x 4 mm in diameter) were filled with the materials assigned to 2 groups: control group, MTA (n = 8); and experimental group, MTA + AuNPs (n = 8). Compressive strength (CS) was evaluated using a universal testing machine, while setting time was assessed using a flat-ended indenter. The antimicrobial properties of MTA and MTA + AuNPs were evaluated using the agar diffusion method against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The data was statistically analyzed using an unpaired t-test.

RESULTS

Compressive strength was significantly higher in the MTA + AuNPs group (115.75 ±2.22 MPa) than in the MTA group (55.00 ±5.35 MPa) (p < 0.001). The MTA + AuNPs group also demonstrated a significantly shorter setting time than the MTA group (48.05 min vs. 165.00 min, respectively). The unpaired t-test revealed a significantly greater antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms in the MTA + AuNPs group than in the MTA group (P. aeruginosa > E. coli > S. aureus > E. faecalis > C. albicans).

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporation of AuNPs into MTA enhanced CS, shortened setting time and increased antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms.