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Biofilm formation in the resin-composite interface is a major challenge of resin based dental
composites that may lead to secondary caries formation. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) to
enhance the antibacterial properties of resin composites are highly desired. The present study
focused on effectiveness of Se doped ZnO (Se/ZnO) NPs as an antibacterial nanofiller and its
impact of mechanical properties of the resin composites. Pristine and Se/ZnO NPs were
synthesized by the mechanochemical method, and confirmed through UV-Vis Spectroscopy,
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) crystallography, Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Zeta analysis. The
resin composites were then modified by varying concentrations of pristine and Se/ZnO NPs. For
the antibacterial analysis, a single specie (S. mutans and E. faecalis) and a saliva microcosm
model was utilized. Hemolytic assay and compressive strength tests were also performed to test
the cytotoxicity and mechanical strength of modified composite resin.
1% Se/ZnO NPs when incorporated in composite resin showed higher antibacterial activity,
higher biocompatibility, and higher mechanical strength when compared to composites with 1%
ZnO NPs. Mechanical strength was unaffected by addition of Se/ZnO NPs. Furthermore, the
hemolytic activity was also within the safe limit. Se/ZnO NPs can be used as efficient
antibacterial nanofiller for resin composites and are effective in preventing secondary caries
formation.