Developing biocompatible silver nanoparticles using epigallocatechin gallate for dental use.

OBJECTIVE: To develop silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and evaluate its biocompatibility and inhibition effect on Streptococcus mutans biofilm growth. DESIGN: AgNPs were synthesized using EGCG as a reducing agent. Cytotoxicity was assessed using half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Antibacterial properties were evaluated with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. mutans. Dentine blocks were treated with AgNPs, silver nitrate (AgNO3), or water before being incubated with S. mutans. The kinetics, morphology and viability of the biofilm at different time points were assessed by colony-forming units (CFUs), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Lactic acid and polysaccharide production of the biofilm were also investigated. RESULTS: Spherical AgNPs with diameter 17 ± 7 nm were developed. The IC50 of AgNPs and AgNO3 against HGF-1 were 44.88 ± 11.39 µg/mL and 11.53 ± 6.96 µg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas those against SHED were 68.02 ± 24.48 µg/mL and 9.54 ± 6.63 µg/mL, respectively (p = 0.02). The MIC of AgNPs and AgNO3 were 32.22 ± 7.34 µg/mL and 48.89 ± 15.11 µg/mL, respectively (p = 0.01), whereas their MBC was 63.33 ± 11.73 µg/mL and 85.00 ± 20.77 µg/mL, respectively (p = 0.02). Log CFUs of the AgNPs group were the lowest among the groups (p < 0.001). SEM and CLSM found a confluent biofilm in AgNO3 and water groups but not in AgNPs group. Biofilms in AgNPs group was revealed with lowest level of acidic acid and polysaccharides production (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study developed biocompatible AgNPs which inhibited the growth of a cariogenic biofilm.