Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles on Orthodontic Elastomeric Modules: Evaluation of Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

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.

Antiadherence and Antimicrobial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans on Brackets and Wires Used for Orthodontic Treatments

“…According to the characterization of AgNPs, it is very well known that particles with zeta potential values between +30 and −30 mV are considered a stable suspension limiting the agglomeration [25,26]. It has been reported that the concentration of AgNO 3 (0.01, 0.1, and 0.5 M) can affect the size of silver nanoparticles (20,25, and 11 nm) and the zeta potential values (−26.37, −37.95, and −28.23, resp. ); moreover, the pH values in the solution could also promote a high risk of agglomeration when pH values < 7 were used, while pH values > 7 could have better conditions for nonagglomerated particles [26].…”

“…7 Journal of Nanomaterials elastomeric modules could potentially combat the dental biofilm decreasing the incidence of dental enamel demineralization during the orthodontic treatments [20]. Other study evaluated, through an in vivo experimental design, the antimicrobial activity on S. mutans bacteria and the ion release capacity of nanosilver-coated orthodontic brackets; these authors concluded that AgNP-coated brackets could significantly help to decrease the presence of spot lesions during fixed orthodontic treatments, even may have a potential solution for systemic compromised patients such as immune deficiency, diabetics, and subacute bacterial endocarditis.…”

“…), associating these AgNP properties with the particle size (p < 0 05). These results suggest that the action mechanism of antimicrobial and antiadherence activities of AgNPs is due to the interaction of silver with thiol and amino groups located in enzymes and proteins of the bacterial cell playing an important role in the metabolic function and the possibility of the induction of a bacterial apoptosis-like response leading to the bacterial cell death [16,19,20,24,30]; however, the large surface area of smaller AgNP samples might also be involved [6,31].…”

“…Recently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been shown to be materials with excellent antimicrobial properties in a wide variety of microorganisms [6,[16][17][18][19]. In the orthodontic field, studies have incorporated AgNPs (17 nm) into orthodontic elastomeric modules, orthodontic brackets and wires, and others, against a wide variety of bacterial species concluding that these orthodontic appliances with AgNPs could potentially combat the dental biofilm decreasing the incidence of dental enamel demineralization during and after the orthodontic treatments [20][21][22][23]. However, there is no information that has evaluated the antimicrobial effect and antiadherence activity of AgNPs against S. mutans bacteria on orthodontic bracket surfaces and its relationship with the presence of the elastomeric modules as well as different types of metallic orthodontic wires and the involved factors in the adherence of these bacteria.…”

Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Platinum Nanoparticles on Bovine-Bone Powder: A Novel Support

“…The applications of these nanomaterials are diverse in the chemical industry, in electronics, and even in medicine [1,2]. One of the main applications of nanomaterials, however, is in catalysis.…”