The antibacterial effect is a desirable property in dental materials. Development of simple methods for the preparation of nanosized metal particles has attracted significant attention because of their future applications due to unusual size-dependent antibacterial properties. Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni) and bimetallic Cu–Ni nanoparticles were prepared by a simple chemical method and their antibacterial activity was tested against the widely used standard human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus (gram-negative) and Escherichia coli (gram-positive). Additionally, these nanoparticles were tested against the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans. Our results are promising for potential use in dental materials science

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) has become a significant area of research in Dentistry.

The purpose of this study was to examine the antibacterial activity of composite resin with glass-ionomer filler particles versus that of contemporary commercial composite resins. Three composite resins were used: Beautifil II (containing S-PRG filler), Clearfil AP-X, and Filtek Z250. Resin blocks were bonded to maxillary first molars, and plaque accumulation on the resin block surface was examined after 8 hours. For the antibacterial test, the number of Streptococcus mutans in contact with the composite resin blocks after incubation for 12 hours was determined, and adherence of radiolabeled bacteria was evaluated. Less dental plaque was formed on Beautifil II resin block as compared to the other two materials. Antibacterial test revealed that there were no significant differences in the number of Streptococcus mutans among the three composite resins. However, the adherence of radiolabeled bacteria to the saliva-treated resin surface was significantly (p<0.01) lower in Beautifil II than in the other two materials. These results suggested that Beautifil II could reduce dental plaque formation and bacterial adherence, leading to prevention of secondary caries.

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in situ on orthodontic elastomeric modules (OEM) using silver nitrate salts as metal-ion precursors and extract of the plant Hetheroteca inuloides (H. inuloides) as bioreductant via a simple and eco-friendly method. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy; scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface plasmon resonance peak found at 472 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. SEM and TEM images reveal that the particles are quasi-spherical. The EDS analysis of the AgNPs confirmed the presence of elemental silver. The antibacterial properties of OEM with AgNPs were evaluated against the clinical isolates Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using agar diffusion tests. The physical properties were evaluated by a universal testing machine. OEM with AgNPs had shown inhibition halos for all microorganisms in comparison with OEM control. Physical properties increased with respect to the control group. The results suggest the potential of the material to combat dental biofilm and in turn decrease the incidence of demineralization in dental enamel, ensuring their performance in patients with orthodontic treatment.