Polyphenol-functionalized silver nanoparticles promote differential remineralization and reinforcement of demineralized dentin

Authors

  • Tattiana Enrich Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Odontología, Departamento de Odontología Operatoria, Campus Universitario de Cartuja
  • Santiago González-López Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Odontología, Departamento de Odontología Operatoria, Campus Universitario de Cartuja
  • Alejandro B. Rodríguez-Navarro Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Mineralogía y Petrología
  • María V. Bolaños-Carmona Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Odontología, Departamento de Odontología Pediátrica, Campus Universitario de Cartuja
  • Carolina Cifuentes-Jiménez Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Odontología, Departamento de Odontología Operatoria, Campus Universitario de Cartuja

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7765-2025-0848

Keywords:

Dental caries, Metal nanoparticles, Tooth remineralization, Crosslinking reagents, Flexural strength

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained relevance in restorative dentistry due to their antimicrobial and remineralizing properties. However, the role of AgNPs functionalized with different polyphenols in dentin remineralization remains insufficiently understood.

Objectives  This study aimed to synthesize and characterize AgNPs functionalized with crosslinking polyphenols extracted from grape seed extract (GSE) and green tea leaves (GT), and to evaluate their biocompatibility and their effects on the mechanical and physicochemical properties of demineralized dentin. Methodology  AgNPs were characterized by TEM, XRD, TGA, and zeta potential analysis to determine particle morphology, crystalline structure, chemical composition, and surface charge. Biocompatibility was assessed using fibroblast cytotoxicity assays. In total, 40 human mid-coronal dentin specimens were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10): Control- (sound dentin), Control+ (pH-cycled dentin without treatment), AgGSE (pH-cycled + AgGSE, 1 min), and AgGT (pH-cycled + AgGT, 1 min). Treated dentin was analyzed by ATR-FTIR, XRD, TGA, and three-point bending tests. Results  Both AgNPs were successfully synthesized and exhibited high biocompatibility. AgGSE demonstrated greater dentin matrix interaction, resulting in significantly higher flexural strength (p≤0.001). In contrast, AgGT induced pronounced remineralization with increased PO4/Amide I ratio (p=0.003) and CO3/PO4 ratios (p=0.007 by TGA; p=0.03 by ATR-FTIR), consistent with carbonated apatite deposition. Conclusions  Green-synthesized AgNPs functionalized with GT or GSE promoted reinforcement and remineralization of demineralized dentin through distinct mechanisms of action. These findings highlight their potential as biocompatible agents for dental therapies.

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2026-05-01

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Enrich, T., González-López, S., Rodríguez-Navarro, A. B., Bolaños-Carmona, M. V., & Cifuentes-Jiménez, C. (2026). Polyphenol-functionalized silver nanoparticles promote differential remineralization and reinforcement of demineralized dentin. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 34, e20250848. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7765-2025-0848