Antimicrobial Properties of Ag Nanoparticle-Incorporated Irreversible Hydrocolloid Impression Material

Abstract

Irreversible hydrocolloid impressions are easily contaminated with saliva and blood that are potentially capable of cross-infection. Disinfection with addition of Silver (Ag) nanoparticles into the impression material has been explored recently. This research aims to evaluate the in-vitro efficacy of Ag nanoparticle-incorporated irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. Ag nanoparticles (AgZrPO4, National Direct Network Company, Thailand) at concentrations of 0.50%, 1.00% and 1.50% w/w were added to powder of impression material (Kromopan, Lascod, Italy). Impression material samples were prepared on sterile plate in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction. After setting, a 100 microliter of P. aeruginosa ATCC 6538 and C. albicans ATCC 13803 suspension (106 cells/mL) were inoculated on the surface of the impression sample and left for 10 minutes. The amount of the P. aeruginosa and C. albicans on the surface was quantified using imprint technique on the individual culture media respectively. Impression materials incorporated with AgZrPO4 showed antimicrobial property against microbes compared with control (impression material without AgZrPO4). This beneficial effect can be used to reduce cross contamination. However, further investigations are required to study the physical properties of the Ag nanoparticle-incorporated impression material.