Antimicrobial properties, cytotoxicity, colour and mechanical behavior of light-cured resin composites containing modified Novaron

Abstract

Background The NOVARON, a silver-based antimicrobial agent derived from inorganic ion exchangers developed by Toagosei and registered by FDA, has effectively indicated the antimicrobial power of silver against a variety of microbes. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a silver-supported material (Novaron (N)) on the mechanical behaviour, antimicrobial properties, cytotoxicity and colour of light-cured resin composites. Methods Silanized aluminum borate whisker (ABWs) (4 wt%) and nano-zirconia (nano-ZrO2) (2 wt%) were mixed with the resin matrix to obtain the control groups; 4 wt% surface-modified Novaron particles were incorporated into the above matrices as the experimental groups. The surface hardness was tested. Furthermore, the antimicrobial abilities evaluated in vitro with Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) using the live/dead, MTT and colony-forming units (CFUs) assay. Furthermore, the effects on fibroblast growth and colour were test in this study. Results The data of the Novaron and control groups were analyzed by Student’s t-test. The results showed that the activities of S. mutans, F. nucleatum and C. albicans biofilms on the composites surface were greatly reduced (p < 0.05) and no significant difference was found in the culture medium (p > 0.05). Extracts taken from the cell culture medium of the specimens were used to evaluate cell viability. The composites did not have an adverse effect on fibroblast growth and colour in this study. The results showed that 4 wt% Novaron incorporated into the resin composites could increase the surface hardness (p < 0.05). Therefore, Novaron is a potential antimicrobial agent applying in light-cured and inorganic nanoparticles reinforced dental resin materials.