Background:The specific aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on calcium ion activity within the plaque fluid of oral biofilms. Materials and Methods:An in ex-vivo prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study model was used. Two case study tests-one on a plaque from nine caries-free subjects (averaged samples) and another on a plaque from eight caries-free subjects (pooled samples) were done. All subjects abstained from brushing for 48 hours prior to the collection of plaque. All subjects were randomly assigned to a rinse which either contained calcium chloride (0.2% control), or calcium chloride (0.2%) and AgNPs (10 ppm). Plaque samples were taken prior to and 60 minutes after rinsing and spun down using a centrifuge and analyzed using calcium selective electrodes to determine calcium activity in plaque extra orally. The effects were analyzed using a two-sided T-test to implore significance.Results: Test and control mouthwashes produced differing levels of free calcium in the plaque. The test rinse significantly increased the calcium ion activity in plaque by a significant degree (p<0.05). The results were more significant for the pooled testing. Conclusion:AgNPs show promise for being used in hygiene products for increasing calcium delivery into biofilms, offering the opportunity to increase remineralization and reduce acidity from oral biofilms via calcium entry.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of novel plant-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on mammalian fibroblast cells. Materials and methods: An in vitro prospective, double blind study model was used. A range of 5-17.5 ppm of the novel AgNPs were used in a neutral red uptake cytotoxicity assay. All test samples were compared to a negative and positive control to assess validity. Results: The novel AgNPs showed non-cytotoxicity at all concentrations tested. All tested values were significant compared to the positive controls which showed cytotoxicity (<70% cell viability) via one way anova (p<0.05). Conclusion: The novel AgNPs show promise for use in preventative applications for Dentistry and Medicine. The novel AgNPs could be used as a non-toxic alternative to Chlorhexidine and Cetylpyridinium Chloride.