Antibacterial orthodontic cement containing polyethyleneimine nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans

Objectives: Enamel de-mineralization is a common problem found in patients using orthodontic devices, such as orthodontic braces. It was found that Streptoccocus mutans growth increases adjacent to orthodontic devices that may result in caries development. Incorporated antibacterial Quaternary Ammonium Polyethylenimine (QPEI) nanoparticles were previously shown to be highly efficacious against S. mutans. Combining antibacterial materials in orthodontic cement may be advantageous to prevent S. mutans outgrowth.
To evaluate the in vitro efficiency of orthodontic cement containing QPEI nanoparticles in reducing S. mutans growth around orthodontic brackets.
the aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro efficiency of orthodontic cement containing QPEI nanoparticles in reducing S. mutans growth around orthodontic brackets.
Methods: Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the buccal surfaces of extracted lower incisors. In the experimental group (n=5) brackets were bonded using "Neobond- Bracket Adhesive" orthodontic cement containing 1% QPEI nanoparticles. In the control group (n=5) brackets were bonded using "Neobond- Bracket Adhesive" with no nanoparticles. Teeth were exposed to S. mutans bacteria for 48 hours. The antibacterial effect was evaluated by using crystal violet staining and bacterial count (CFU/mL) . Statistical differences were evaluated using T-Test. Statistically, a significant difference was considered at P < 0.05.
Results: The teeth in the experimental group, with the QPEI nanoparticles cement, showed significantly lower OD values and CFU counts of S. mutans than the teeth in the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that orthodontic cement containing QPEI nanoparticles significantly inhibits S. mutans growth around orthodontic brackets.