Modification of glass-ionomer cement properties by quaternized chitosan-coated nanoparticles

Organic antibacterial modifications of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement for atraumatic restorative treatment: A review

High viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC) has been employed as a restorative material for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). As residual caries persist after caries removal in ART, the antibacterial activity of HVGIC gains importance. Organic and inorganic substances with antibacterial properties have been incorporated into HVGIC over the years, and their effects on the antibacterial and physical properties have been studied. The objective of this paper is to review the various alterations made to HVGIC using organic compounds, their effect on the antibacterial activity, and the physical properties of the cement. Various in vitro investigations have been conducted by adding antiseptics, antibiotics, and naturally occurring antibacterial substances. Most of these compounds render superior antibacterial properties to HVGIC, but higher concentrations affect physical properties in a dose-dependent manner. However, some naturally occurring antibacterial substances, such as chitosan, improve the physical properties of HVGIC, as they enhance cross-linking and polysalt bridging. There is potential for clinical benefits to be gained from the addition of organic antibacterial compounds to HVGIC. In-depth research is required to determine the optimum concentration at which the antibacterial effect is maximum without affecting the physical properties of the cement.

Herbalism and glass-based materials in dentistry: review of the current state of the art

Half a million different plant species are occurring worldwide, of which only 1% has been phytochemically considered. Thus, there is great potential for discovering novel bioactive compounds. In dentistry, herbal extracts have been used as antimicrobial agents, analgesics, and intracanal medicaments. Glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and bioactive glass (BAG) are attractive materials in dentistry due to their bioactivity, adhesion, and remineralisation capabilities. Thus, this review summarizes the evidence around the use of phytotherapeutics in dental glass-based materials. This review article covers the structure, properties, and clinical uses of GIC and BAG materials within dentistry, with an emphasis on all the attempts that have been made in the last 20 years to enhance their properties naturally using the wisdom of traditional medicines. An extensive electronic search was performed across four databases to include published articles in the last 20 years and the search was concerned only with the English language publications. Publications that involved the use of plant extracts, and their active compounds for the green synthesis of nanoparticles and the modification of GIC and BAG were included up to May 2023. Plant extracts are a potential and effective candidate for modification of different properties of GIC and BAG, particularly their antimicrobial activities. Moreover, natural plant extracts have shown to be very effective in the green synthesis of metal ion nanoparticles in an ecological, and easy way with the additional advantage of a synergistic effect between metal ions and the phytotherapeutic agents. Medicinal plants are considered an abundant, cheap source of biologically active compounds and many of these phytotherapeutics have been the base for the development of new lead pharmaceuticals. Further research is required to assess the safety and the importance of regulation of phytotherapeutics to expand their use in medicine.

Chitosan Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement Containing Epidermal Growth Factor Promotes Pulp Cell Proliferation with a Minimum Effect on Fluoride and Aluminum Release

The development of biomaterials that are able to control the release of bioactive molecules is a challenging task for regenerative dentistry. This study aimed to enhance resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) for the release of epidermal growth factor (EGF). This RMGIC was formulated from RMGIC powder supplemented with 15% (w/w) chitosan at a molecular weight of either 62 or 545 kDa with 5% bovine serum albumin mixed with the same liquid component as the Vitrebond. EGF was added while mixing. ELISA was used to determine EGF release from the specimen immersed in phosphate-buffered saline at 1 h, 3 h, 24 h, 3 d, 1 wk, 2 wks, and 3 wks. Fluoride and aluminum release at 1, 3, 5, and 7 d was measured by electrode and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Pulp cell viability was examined through MTT assays and the counting of cell numbers using a Coulter counter. The RMGIC with 65 kDa chitosan is able to prolong the release of EGF for significantly longer than RMGIC for at least 3 wks due to its retained bioactivity in promoting pulp cell proliferation. This modified RMGIC can prolong the release of fluoride, with a small amount of aluminum also released for a limited time. This biomaterial could be useful in regenerating pulp-dentin complexes.