Characterization of Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibition in Tin and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Doped Orthodontic Composites

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 06 | Page : 230 239
    By

    Shifo Savio,

  • Remmiya Mary Varghese,

  • Prem Vishva Natarajan,

  • Pugal Mani,

  1. Postgraduate Student, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Senior Lecturer, Department of orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Professor, Department of Biomaterials, Research Department Blue Lab, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the antibacterial effectiveness of orthodontic adhesive enhanced with stannous oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles against Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus mutans, in comparison to traditional adhesives without nanoparticle infusion. Methods: A modified orthodontic adhesive was prepared by incorporating 1% w/w of tin dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (SnO₂ + ZnO₂ NPs) into Transbond XT. This nanoparticle-enhanced composite was used to fabricate discs for assessing antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus mutans using a biofilm inhibition test. To evaluate the antibacterial effect and biofilm inhibition properties of the modified adhesive, a total of 50 composite discs were fabricated. The antibacterial properties of composite discs infused with SnO₂ and ZnO₂ nanoparticles were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 497) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (MTCC 10307) using disc agar diffusion and biofilm inhibition assays. Inhibition zones were measured on Mueller-Hinton agar, while biofilm formation was assessed on light-cured and polished composite discs over multiple three-day cycles. Bacterial suspensions were prepared under controlled conditions, and CFU counts were used to quantify biofilm inhibition. Additionally, direct contact tests and microscopic analyses, including SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy with DAPI staining, were conducted to examine bacterial attachment and early biofilm development on the composite surfaces. Results: The disc agar diffusion test showed significantly larger zones of inhibition around SnO₂+ZnO₂-infused composite discs compared to the control, indicating enhanced antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus mutans. SEM analysis revealed reduced Streptococcus mutans attachment and sparser biofilm formation on SnO₂+ZnO₂-infused composites compared to unmodified discs. CLSM imaging further confirmed lower biofilm density on nanofilled composites, demonstrating effective inhibition of early biofilm development. Conclusion: The antibacterial activity of orthodontic composites modified with SnO2 NPs was significant compared with conventional composites. The control group showed less SBS when compared to the NP-infused composite, with a statistically significant difference in mean SBS values between both groups.

Keywords: antibacterial property, shear bond strength, composites, orthodontic adhesive, nanoparticles.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Shifo Savio, Remmiya Mary Varghese, Prem Vishva Natarajan, Pugal Mani. Characterization of Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibition in Tin and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Doped Orthodontic Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):230-239.
How to cite this URL:
Shifo Savio, Remmiya Mary Varghese, Prem Vishva Natarajan, Pugal Mani. Characterization of Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibition in Tin and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Doped Orthodontic Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):230-239. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=232892


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 06
Received 06/09/2025
Accepted 29/09/2025
Published 08/11/2025
Publication Time 63 Days
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