Antimicrobial, Optical, and Mechanical Properties of Saliva-Contaminated Silver–Zeolite Nanoparticle-Incorporated Dental Acrylic Resins

Background and Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the flexural strength, color change and antimicrobial effect of silver–zeolite nanoparticles (NPs) in acrylic resin materials. Methods: Fifty-six disc-shaped acrylic resin samples were divided into four groups (n = 7) according to concentrations of silver–zeolite NPs (0%, 2%, 4%, 5%). Discs were contaminated with C. albicans and S. mutans. The antimicrobial effect was tested by inoculating contaminated discs on Tryptic soy agar (TSA), Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), Tryptic soy broth (TSB), and Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB). Forty rectangular 65 × 10 × 2.5 mm acrylic resin specimens were also classified into four groups (n = 10) according to concentrations of silver–zeolite NPs. For the color change, L, a, and b values of rectangular specimens were examined with a spectrophotometer. A three-point bending test was also performed using a Devotrans device to determine the flexural bond strength of rectangular specimens. Scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM/EDX analysis) was also performed. Results: In this study, the antimicrobial effect increased with the concentration of silver–zeolite NPs added to acrylic resin discs. In our study, adding 2% silver–zeolite NPs was more effective against C. albicans. The antimicrobial effect against S. mutans increased with concentration of silver–zeolite NPs (C. albicans was significantly reduced by silver–zeolite NPs. A significant increase was observed in the color change as the nanoparticle percentage ratio increased (p < 0.001). The flexural strength values of the groups containing 2% and 4% nanoparticles were found to be clinically acceptable. Conclusions: The study showed that bacterial and fungal colonization is significantly reduced by adding silver–zeolite nanoparticles to acrylic resin discs. Based on its antimicrobial, physical, and mechanical properties, we recommend adding 2% silver–zeolite nanoparticles to the acrylic resin material for optimal results.