Development, characterization and antimicrobial activity of multilayer silica nanoparticles with chlorhexidine incorporated into dental composites

In this study a dentistry nanocomposite with prolonged antibacterial activity using silica nanoparticles (SNPs) loaded with chlorhexidine (CHX) was developed. SNPs were coated with the Layer-by-Layer technique. Dental composites were prepared with organic matrix of BisGMA/TEGDMA and SNPs with or without CHX (0, 10, 20 or 30% w/w). The physicochemical properties of the developed material were evaluated and agar diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial. In addition, the biofilm inhibitory activity of the composites was evaluated against S. mutans. SNPs were rounded with diameters about 50 nm, the organic load increased with increasing deposited layers. Material samples with SNPs loaded with CHX (CHX-SNPs) showed the highest values of post-gel volumetric shrinkage, that ranged from 0.3% to 0.81%. Samples containing CHX-SNPs 30% w/w showed the highest values of flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. Only samples containing SNPs-CHX showed growth inhibition against S. mutans, S. mitis and S. gordonii in a concentration-dependent manner. The composites with CHX-SNPs reduced the biofilm formation of S. mutans biofilm at 24 h and 72 h. The nanoparticle studied acted as fillers and did not interfere with the evaluated physicochemical properties while providing antimicrobial activity against streptococci. Therefore, this initial study is a step forward to the synthesis of experimental composites with improved performance using CHX-SNPs. •Silica nanoparticles were coated with multiple layers of polyelectrolytes containing chlorohexidine.•Silica nanoparticles sustain the release of chlorhexidine from weeks.•The nanoparticles, when added to the experimental composite, provided superior material properties and antimicrobial activity.•The dental material containing the silica nanoparticles releasing chlorhexidine were effective against established biofilms.