Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Coated Gutta Percha in Zebrafish: Optimal Concentrations for Enhanced Antibacterial Effect and Reduced Toxicity

Abstract

Background: Microorganisms have frequently been the cause of infections in the periapical tissue and dental pulp. The infected pulp tissue is removed and the root canal space is then prepared, cleaned and filled with a core root filling material. A persistent or secondary root canal system infection may be the cause of endodontic treatment failure. Concerning the issue, it is the need of the hour to look for alternative coating materials for Gutta Percha (GP) cones to increase their antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy for a successful outcome of the root canal therapies.
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of commercial GP cones modified with thin deposition of zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Materials and Methods: Zinc oxide nanoparticles are extracted from zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide. Zinc oxide nanoparticles incorporated in PVA polymer. 1%, 3%, 5% zinc oxide nanoparticles are incorporated in PVA polymer separately. The surface of GP cones were modified by dip coating in PVA polymer. Group A- uncoated GP, Group B - coated GP. Cytotoxicity tests on zebrafish models were performed and 1%, 3%, 5% were compared.
Result: 1% Nanostructured zinc oxide coated GP shows less toxicity than 3%, 5% zinc oxide coated GP.