The In-Vitro Effect of Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Fluoride Release and Microhardness of a Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement

Reinforcement of nanoparticles into existing restorative biomaterials in dentistry is an area of interest. The aim of the current investigation was to incorporate silver nanoparticles (SNP) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) into a commercially available resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). Their effects on the fluoride (F-) release from RMGIC were also investigated over a period of 14-days. Nanoparticles were incorporated at a loading concentration of 5 wt%, either individually or in a combination of both. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nanocomputerized tomography (NanoCT), and the Vickers microhardness tester were used to examine the specimens. The fluoride release was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey's test. RMGIC containing 5% ZnONP and 5% SNP + 5% ZnONP showed significant alterations in the surface ultrastructure with pores being evident in the surface. Fluoride release in parts per million (ppm) was highest in the 5% SNP and 5% ZnO-NP incorporated RMGIC compared to the control group and 5% SNP-incorporated RMGIC. RMGIC, as well as change in color observed in the 5% SNP incorporated RMGIC.