In vitro assessments of antimicrobial potential and cytotoxicity activity of an orthodontic adhesive doped with nano-graphene oxide

Introduction: Formation of white spots and initial carious lesions are the most important complications of fixed orthodontic treatment. Preparation of orthodontic adhesives containing antimicrobial agents might be a practical solution for the prevention of the mentioned defects. Aim: The current study aims to assess the antimicrobial and cytotoxicity effects of a conventional orthodontic adhesive containing different concentrations of nano-graphene oxide (N-GO). Materials and methods: 50 Transbond XT orthodontic adhesive discs containing 0, 1, 2, 5, and 10% N-GO were prepared and sterilized by 25 kGy Gamma irradiation. After determination of cytotoxicity potential of modified orthodontic adhesive on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells, antimicrobial effects of the modified orthodontic adhesive against Streptococcus mutans in the preformed cariogenic biofilms was investigated using eluted components from composite discs by comparing the viable counts of bacteria after 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days of the aging process in artificial saliva. Results: Based on the results, there was no cytotoxic effects of modified orthodontic adhesive on HGF cells (p>0.05). Transbond XT orthodontic adhesive containing 5 and 10 wt% N-GO reduced considerably the mean total viable counts of S. mutans up to 30 days (p