Enhancing the durability and antibacterial activity of glass ionomer restorative material enriched L-arginine and Nano-titanium for pit and fissure sealing

Abstract

Abstract Background Powders of standard particle sizes do not enhance glass-ionomer cement (GIC); nonetheless, certain nanoparticles may provide noticeable strength improvements. Despite the bioavailability of fluoride release from GIC, The main reason GIC restorations still fail is secondary caries. This study aims to reinforce the mechanical properties and improve the antibacterial efficiency of conventional restorative GIC supplemented with 1% L-arginine (Arg) and 3% Titanium dioxide nanopowder (TiO2NPs) for pit and fissure sealing after enamel surface pre-treatment with acid etching and without mechanical preparation. Methods A study analyzed 100 extracted human third molars, divided into two groups based on fissure sealant application: Control group; conventional restorative Glass Ionomer Ionofil Plus (IP) (VOCO, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany) and Experiment group; Arg-TiO2 incorporating Glass Ionomer Ionofil Plus. Specimens were tested for enamel shear bond strength, microleakage, surface analysis, and fluoride ions release. Specimens were incubated with Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (NRRL B-442), and Actinomyces viscous (ATCC 19246) for antibacterial evaluation using adherent/planktonic bacterial count test. Results The experimental Arg-TiO2 (IP) GIC group obtained a lower microleakage %, higher shear bond strength, and more constant fluoride released compared to the control (IP) GIC group (statistically significant results (P = 0.01, 0.002, and < 0.001 respectively). The adherent L. rhamnosus bacterial count had the highest count from different adherent bacterial in Arg-TiO2 (IP) GIC group (P < 0.001) as well as had a higher count compared to other adherent L. rhamnosus bacterial count in the control group (without GIC)and (IP) GIC group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the lack of adherent S. mutans bacterial count in Arg-TiO2 (IP) GIC compared to planktonic/ adherent S. mutans bacterial count in the control group and (IP) GIC group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The incorporation of 3%TiO2 NPs and 1% l-arginine in (IP) GIC, enhanced the mechanical properties of (IP) GIC with a more fluoride release and promising antimicrobial efficiency.