MSA Post Graduate Studies

This study aims at comparing the intracanal medication
efficacy of poly(NIPAM) when used alone or in combination
with silver nanoparticles against Enterococcus faecalis. The
secondary aim is to observe the structural integrity of the
biofilm on the dentin surface. Methods: The MIC and MBC of
p(NIPAM) (X), p(NIPAM) with AgNP (Y), and AgNP (Z) were
determined by two-fold serial dilution (0.312 mg/mL - 10
mg/mL). Thirty-nine extracted permanent maxillary teeth were
gathered, prepared, and contaminated with E. faecalis. Teeth
were split into 4 main groups for exposure; 12 in each X, Y,
and Z groups, and 3 teeth as a positive control. Groups X, Y,
and Z were split into subgroups based on material exposure
time; 1 day and 7 days. Two samples from each subgroup was
sectioned longitudinally and prepared for observance under
scanning electron microscope. Microbial samples were taken
for the rest of the samples. The CFU was counted and
compared to the control. The Kruskal-Wallis test compared the
study parameters among the groups at 1 day and 7 days
(p<0.05). Results: The MBC of the AgNPs was 10 mg/mL. For
the teeth, samples showed that the AgNP group had the most
significant results after 7 days, with a p-value of 0.03. In the
presence of p(NIPAM) constriction of the dentinal tubules was
found. Significance: AgNPs have shown to be effective against
E. faecalis and further studies is needed on the antibacterial
potential of p(NIPAM) on E. faecalis.