Evaluation of Antibacterial Properties and Solubility of Modified Metapex with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: An In Vitro Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15218/edj.2026.12Keywords:
Antibacterial activity, Enterococcus faecalis, Metapex, Solubility, Zinc oxide nanoparticlesAbstract
Background and Objective: Pulpectomy plays a critical role in maintaining primary teeth until they naturally exfoliate, particularly in cases where the pulp is infected or necrotic. Metapex is a widely used root canal filling material for such treatments.
Methods: This study investigates the effect of incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into Metapex on its antibacterial efficacy and solubility. Four groups were evaluated: a control group with Metapex alone and three experimental groups with Metapex modified with 1%, 3%, and 5% concentrations of ZnO NPs. The modified pastes were thoroughly homogenized. Antibacterial activity was tested against Enterococcus faecalis using the agar well diffusion method, and solubility was assessed by calculating weight change before and after immersion in distilled water.
Results: The results showed significant improvements in antibacterial activity with higher concentrations of ZnO NPs (p < 0.001). The 5% ZnO group produced the largest inhibition zone (11.42 ± 0.74 mm), and both 3% and 5% concentrations showed significantly greater antibacterial effects than the control. In terms of solubility, pure Metapex exhibited the highest rate (35.17 ± 0.59), while the addition of ZnO NPs resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in solubility: 32.93 ± 2.11 for 1%, 27.77 ± 4.37 for 3%, and 24.03 ± 1.97 for 5% (p = 0.003).
Conclusion: The integration of ZnO NPs into Metapex enhances its antibacterial capabilities while improving its physical stability. A 5% concentration appears to offer the most effective balance, making it a promising enhancement for pulpectomy procedures.
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