Antifungal, physical, and mechanical properties of tissue conditioner incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

This study evaluated the antifungal, physical, and mechanical properties of tissue conditioner incorporated with different amounts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOnps) at different storage times (0, 7, and 14 days). Specimens of 0, 5, 10, 15 wt% ZnOnps, or 15 wt% nystatin incorporated into tissue conditioner were fabricated. The direct contact test (n=6) was performed to evaluate the antifungal effect against C. albicans suspension. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (n=6) were used to observe the amount and distribution of superficial zinc element. The penetration depth (n=6) and tensile bond strength (n=8) were evaluated following ISO 13139. The 15Zn group demonstrated a significantly reduced C. albicans cell number compared with the control group at all storage times (p<0.001). The Nys group had the greatest reduction in C. albicans cell number only at day 0. Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the amount of superficial zinc element and the number of C. albicans cells showed a significant negative linear correlation (r=-0.78, p<0.001). The penetration depths and tensile bond strengths of the 5Zn, 10Zn, 15Zn, and Nys were not significantly different compared with control at all storage times (p>0.05). In conclusion, the 15Zn provides antifungal effect up to 14 days without adverse effects on penetration depth and tensile bond strength.