A Comparative Analysis of Novel Antimicrobial Nanocomposites for Dental Applications: Efficacy and Biocompatibility Assessment

Abstract

The rise of antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge in dentistry, necessitating innovative alternatives to traditional antimicrobial agents. This study investigates the efficacy and biocompatibility of novel antimicrobial nanocomposites specifically designed for dental applications. A comparative analysis was conducted using in vitro methodologies, evaluating the antibacterial activity against common oral pathogens, cytotoxicity against human gingival fibroblasts, and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Results revealed a significant reduction in bacterial viability (p < 0.01) in the presence of the novel nanocomposites compared to standard materials. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays indicated acceptable biocompatibility levels (IC50 > 50 µg/mL). These findings suggest that the tested nanocomposites not only surpass traditional materials in antimicrobial effectiveness but also maintain sufficient biocompatibility, paving the way for their potential integration into clinical dental practice. This research addresses a crucial gap in dental material science by providing quantitative evidence of the advantages of nanocomposite technologies.