271 - Biofilm-inhibition and Microleakage Properties of Experimental Antibacterial Sealants

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the biofilm-inhibitory effects and microleakage properties of the experimental sealants containing Ga-doped bioactive glass (Ga-BAG) and an antimicrobial monomer.

Methods: Three experimental antibacterial sealants were formulated by adding antibacterial components to 3M ESPE ClinproTM sealant (control): (1) 20 wt% Ga-BAG , (2) 2 wt% synthesized antibacterial monomer (AMII), and (3) 20 wt% Ga-BAG and 2 wt% AMII. The antibacterial activity of light-cured sealant discs against S. mutans biofilm was tested using a modified direct-contact biofilm assay. For microleakage, a 1.00-mm fissure was created in the central groove of each tooth. Each tooth then underwent sealant placement following product recommendations. The unsealed surface was coated with nail polish and subjected to thermocycling for 2,000 cycles at 5˚C to 55˚C. Specimens were stained with 2% basic fuchsine for 24 hours, rinsed, air-dried, and embedded in epoxy resin. Specimens were sectioned mesio-distally into 1-mm thick slabs (n=5), observed, and photographed under a microscope.

Results: The results were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA to determine if there was significance. Once significance was determined, Tukey’s HSD test was used to perform pairwise comparisons. Results of the biofilm assay showed that 2% AMII had the best anti-bacterial efficacy with very little growth. The pairwise comparisons showed that 2 wt% AMII had a significant difference with a P-value < .05 when compared to control. Twenty percent Ga-BAG and 20 wt% Ga-BAG + 2 wt% AMII did not show a significant difference in microleakage when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Among all groups, 2% AMII demonstrated the highest antibacterial efficacy and the lowest microleakage, indicating its potential as a superior sealant component.