Novel pulp capping material based on sodium trimetaphosphate: synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties

Abstract

Objectives:

To evaluate the mechanical, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties of four different formulations containing micro- or nanoparticles of sodium trimetaphosphate (mTMP and nTMP, respectively).

Methodology:

Four experimental groups were used in this investigation: two mTMP groups and two nTMP groups, each containing zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), and solution containing either chitosan or titanium oxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs). Setting time, compression resistance, and radiopacity were estimated. The agar diffusion test was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the formulations against five different microbial strains: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces israelii, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis. Parametric and nonparametric tests were performed after evaluating homoscedasticity data (p<0.05).

Results:

From the properties evaluated, nTMP cements required less setting time and showed greater resistance to compression. Cements containing TiO₂ showed greater radiopacity for both nTMP and mTMP. All four cement formulations showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and L. casei

Conclusion:

Formulations containing nTMP have shorter setting times and higher compressive strength, and those with TiO₂ nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activities. Clinical relevance: The cement containing nTMP, ZrO₂, and TiO₂ could be an alternative material for protecting the pulp complex.

Keywords:
Sodium trimetaphosphate; Nanoparticles; Compressive strength; Anti-bacterial agents; Chitosan; Titanium oxide