Substantivity of Ag–Ca–Si mesoporous nanoparticles on dentin and its ability to inhibit Enterococcus faecalis

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the substantivity of Ag–Ca–Si mesoporous nanoparticles (Ag-MCSNs) on dentin and its residual antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis . Ag-MCSNs were fabricated and characterized, ion release profile and pH were tested, and the ability to inhibit planktonic E. faecalis as well as the cytotoxicity was evaluated. Dentin slices were medicated with Ca(OH) 2 paste, 2 % chlorhexidine gel and Ag-MCSNs paste for 7 days and then irrigated. Dentin slices were then immersed in E. faecalis suspension for 6 days and then transferred to fresh brain heart infusion solution. The optical density value within 10 h after immersing and transferring were measured and compared among groups. Results indicated that Ag-MCSNs showed high pH, sustained Ag + –Ca 2+ –SiO 3 2− ion release, and high substantivity on dentin. The Ag-MCSNs exhibited strong antibacterial effects against planktonic E. faecalis and much better residual inhibition effects against E. faecalis growth on dentin than Ca(OH) 2 paste ( P  < 0.05). The Ag-MCSNs showed excellent antibacterial ability against E. faecalis and high substantivity on dentin, which might be developed to a new effective intra-canal medicament for human teeth.