The effect of mesoporous silica doped with silver nanoparticles on glass ionomer cements; physiochemical, mechanical and ion release analysis

Abstract Background The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding mesoporous silica with silver nanoparticles to conventional glass ionomer cements (GIC) on its, physical, chemical, mechanical properties and ion release analysis. Methods Synthesized mesoporous silica with silver nanoparticles were added in 1, 3 and 5% by weight to the liquid component of GIC forming three experimental groups and compared with plain GIC as control group. Physical and chemical characterization were conducted using nano-computerized tomography (NanoCT) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface microhardness, water sorption and solubility were analyzed. Ion release was investigated using Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Statistical analysis between different groups for the set parameters using parametric and non-parametric tests. The results were analysed using one way analysis of variance (p