Mesoporous Silica-Encapsulated Silver Nanoparticles for Endodontic Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endodontic irrigation solutions, such as those using sodium hypochlorite and EDTA, cannot be used simultaneously due to mutual cancellation of their actions, and existing nanoparticle-based solutions face issues with silver nanoparticle dissolution and stability during endodontic treatments, limiting their bactericidal effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A combination of an oxidizing agent and antibacterial nanoparticles encapsulated in mesoporous silica shells, where the nanoparticles are treated to slow down oxidation, allowing controlled release of silver ions for extended bactericidal action throughout and after the treatment, using a core-shell hybrid structure with grafted functional groups and a surfactant to adjust the release kinetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If silver nanoparticles are used in an alkaline environment (sodium hydroxide present), then the solution stability is improved, but the nanoparticle dissolution is inhibited and bactericidal action is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encapsulating silver nanoparticles in silica shells before use. This encapsulation is performed in advance to protect the nanoparticles from premature oxidation in alkaline environments, ensuring they remain stable during storage and can be activated only when needed during endodontic treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The silica shell acts as an intermediary between the silver nanoparticles and the alkaline irrigation solution. It mediates the interaction by providing a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the silver particles and the alkaline environment, thereby maintaining nanoparticle stability while allowing controlled release when required.
2Reliability
If silver nanoparticles are released quickly for strong immediate disinfection, then the disinfectant action is improved, but the duration of action is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the thickness of the silica shell encapsulating the silver nanoparticles. By adjusting this physical parameter, the dissolution rate of the nanoparticles can be precisely controlled - thinner shells provide faster release for immediate disinfection, while thicker shells provide slower, sustained release for prolonged protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform silica shell thickness around the silver nanoparticles. Different regions of the shell have different thicknesses, which creates localized variations in dissolution rates, allowing the nanoparticle to provide both immediate disinfection where the shell is thinner and sustained release where the shell is thicker.
3Reliability
If sodium hypochlorite and EDTA are used sequentially for cleaning and disinfection, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the treatment time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the disinfection function of silver nanoparticles with the cleaning action of irrigation solutions into a single integrated treatment step. The encapsulated silver nanoparticles are incorporated into the irrigation solution itself, allowing simultaneous cleaning and disinfection rather than requiring separate sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating an irrigation solution that performs multiple functions simultaneously - it provides mechanical cleaning, chemical disinfection through silver nanoparticle release, and smear layer removal. This multi-functional solution replaces the need for multiple separate irrigation steps with different agents.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a strong disinfecting effect during treatment and prolonged bactericidal action post-treatment by controlling the dissolution of silver nanoparticles, effectively removing the smear layer and ensuring thorough cleaning of the root canal.
Implementation Method 1
The antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles appears to occur when they dissolve and release Ag+
Implementation Method 2
The presence of sodium hydroxide in the formulation, and the resulting basic pH, promote the formation of silver oxide
Implementation Method 3
Hydrogen peroxide weakens the cell wall of bacteria and promotes the entry of antibacterial silver particles into the bacteria to destroy them
Implementation Method 4
antibacterial nanoparticles encapsulated in mesoporous silica shells, where the nanoparticles are treated to slow down their oxidation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a set of first and second preparations intended to be mixed before or during endodontic treatment to form an endodontic irrigation solution. The first preparation comprises an oxidizing agent. The second preparation comprises antibacterial nanoparticles treated to slow their oxidation by the oxidizing agent. The antibacterial nanoparticles are, for example, encapsulated in shells according to a hybrid core-shell structure. In one embodiment, the antibacterial nanoparticles are made of an alloy of at least two elements, one of the elements being more resistant to oxidation than the other.