Gervasia Yulita Kedjo, Adhi Dwi Hatmanto, Dyah Irnawati, Fajar Inggit Pambudi, Mariyam Mariyam, Nuryono Nuryono
Bismuth (III) oxide (Bi2O3) in white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) acts as radiopacity but exhibits limited antibacterial properties. This study investigated the effect of replacing Bi2O3 with zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZnONFs) on the physicochemical properties and antibacterial properties of WMTA. The material was synthesized using rice husk ash-derived silica (SiO2) via a sol-gel process followed by calcination at 1000 °C. WMTA/ZnONF composites were prepared by incorporating (18-x)% (w/w) of Bi2O3 and x% of ZnONFs (where x = 0–18) into the silicate cement. The products were characterized, and their antibacterial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Results showed that increasing ZnONF substitution enhanced alkalinity and reduced solubility. Replacing 10 % Bi2O3 with ZnONFs (WMTA/ZnONF10) significantly improved the tensile strength (from 2.69 ± 0.31 MPa to 8.75 ± 0.05 MPa) and compressive strength (from 3.98 ± 0.22 MPa to 6.24 ± 0.78 MPa). Although radiopacity decreased (from 11.54 ± 1.06 to 9.02 ± 1.44 mmAl), it remained within clinically acceptable limits. Notably, WMTA/ZnONF10 exhibited strong antibacterial properties, with inhibition zones of 26.63 ± 0.2 mm (S. mutans) and 23.5 ± 0.05 mm (P. aeruginosa). These findings demonstrate that ZnONF-modified WMTA holds promise as an advanced dental material, offering enhanced mechanical properties and antibacterial efficacy for endodontic applications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia; Department of Dental Biomaterial, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia