Journal Article

Nanoparticle functionalization and sonic activation in photodynamic therapy: effects on push-out bond strength of endodontic sealers

Halim, Mohamad Syahrizal, Jouhar, Rizwan, Ahmed, Muhammad Adeel, Khurshid, Zohaib

2025

Overview

Objective This study evaluated the effects of sonic activation and graphene-functionalized methylene blue on the push-out bond strength of two endodontic sealers, AH Plus and Bio C, following Photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods Sixty extracted single-rooted human teeth were divided into six groups ( n  = 10), treated with either 5% NaOCl (Groups 1 & 2), MB-based PDT (Groups 3 & 4), or MB-rGO-based PDT (Groups 5 & 6). In Groups 2, 4, and 6, sonic activation was applied prior to laser irradiation. Each group was further divided based on the sealer used: AH Plus or Bio-C. One mm-thick root slices from the coronal and middle thirds were subjected to push-out bond strength testing. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc, and independent t-tests. Results Group 6 (MB-rGO + Sonic Activation + PDT) showed the highest bond strength for both AH Plus (6.07 ± 0.99 MPa) and Bio-C (5.54 ± 0.76 MPa), while Group 3 (MB + PDT) showed the lowest. Significant differences were observed between groups for both sealers ( p  < 0.05). Sonic activation significantly enhanced bond strength in Bio-C Sealer ( p  = 0.026) but not in AH Plus ( p  = 0.124). AH Plus showed predominantly cohesive failures, whereas Bio-C exhibited more adhesive failures. Conclusion Sonic activation and graphene functionalization significantly enhanced the bond strength of both sealers, with the highest values in the MB-rGO with activation group. AH Plus showed superior adhesion, attributed to its chemical interaction with dentin collagen, while Bio-C Sealer benefited from hydroxyapatite bonding and improved mechanical retention. These findings suggest that optimizing photodynamic therapy with nanotechnology and activation techniques can improve the adhesion and clinical performance of endodontic sealers.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,BioMed Central Ltd,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: Cancer / Composite materials / Dental Bonding - methods / Dental Stress Analysis / Dentin / Dentistry / Endodontics / Epoxy Resins - chemistry / Ethanol / Graphene / Graphene oxide functionalization / Graphite - chemistry / Humans / Hydroxyapatite / Laser radiation / Lasers / Light / Materials Testing / Mechanical properties / Medicine / Methods / Methylene blue / Methylene Blue - chemistry / Nanoparticles / Nanoparticles - chemistry / Nanotechnology / Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Photochemotherapy / Photochemotherapy - methods / Photodynamic therapy / Pit and fissure sealants (Dentistry) / Push-out bond strength / Root Canal Filling Materials - chemistry / Root canal sealer / Root canal therapy / Sealing compounds / Sodium hypochlorite / Sodium Hypochlorite - chemistry / Statistical analysis / Testing / Ultrasonic equipment