Endodontic Sealers Modified with Silver Vanadate: Antibacterial, Compositional, and Setting Time Evaluation

The incorporation of nanoparticles into endodontic sealers aims at increasing antimicrobial activity of the original material. Aim. The aim of this study is to incorporate the nanostructured silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgVO(3), at 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) into three endodontic sealers and evaluate the antibacterial activity of freshly sealers, surface topography and chemical composition, and setting time. Material and Methods. The AgVO(3) was incorporated into AH Plus, Sealer 26, and Endomethasone N at concentrations 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% (in mass). The antibacterial activity of freshly sealers was assessed by direct contact with Enterococcus faecalis and CFU/mL count (n=10), surface topography, and chemical composition were measured by SEM/EDS, and the setting time was measured by Gillmore needle (n=10). The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn statistical tests were applied (α=0.05). Results. All groups of sealers evaluated inhibited E. faecalis (p>0.05). The incorporation of AgVO(3) altered the atomic proportions between components of the endodontic sealers, and the percentage of silver (Ag) and vanadium (V) increased proportionally to the concentrations of AgVO(3). Topography analysis showed differences in components distribution on the surface of the specimens. The sealers incorporated with AgVO(3) of AH Plus presented a lower setting time than the control group (p<0.05). For Sealer 26 and Endomethasone N, the incorporation of AgVO(3) increased the setting time in relation to control group (p<0.05). Conclusions. The modification of endodontic sealers by AgVO(3) increased the atomic percentage of Ag and V proportionally to the concentration of the nanomaterial and changed the atomic percentage of the sealer components and setting times. It cannot be affirmed that the AgVO(3) promote differences in the antimicrobial activity of freshly sealers, and further investigations of the antimicrobial activity of the set sealers should be carried out.