Abstract
Glass ionomer cements (GIC) also known as polyalkenoate cements have been used as dental luting material for decades. However, there are certain limitations with respect to its biomechanical properties. Therefore, the aim of current investigation was to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles (SNP) using a green approach and incorporating the synthesized SNP in commercially available GIC formulation. Methodology. SNP were synthesized using a green approach of chemical reduction and analysed by spectroscopy and Transmission Electron microscopy. SNP reinforced GIC in 10, 30 and 50% formulations were assessed for microhardness, compressive strength, color stability and Nano-computerized tomography was used for pore analysis. Results. Results from UV-vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta potential, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy revealed that the particles were spherical and polydisperse in nature with an average diameter of 122 nm. The synthesized particles had a positive surface charge of 74 mV. Their incorporation into the Glass ionomer cement (GIC) revealed non-significant results on microhardness and compressive strength. Significant color change was observed and Nano-CT revealed pores within the set cements. Conclusion. Nevertheless, the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles have much broader clinical application and can be used to reinforce properties of existing dental biomaterials. They can be conveniently synthesized by the biogenic route adapted in the current investigation. However, their addition to the luting cement still warrants further in-depth investigation.