Incorporation of selenium-modified semiconductor nanomaterials into resin cements: Physical, chemical, mechanical, and microbiological properties

• Grant number: 25/24765-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Andréa Cândido dos Reis
• Grantee: Sofia Bignotto de Carvalho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Resin cements are the gold standard for ceramic prosthetic cementation; however, the recurrence of secondary caries at the cementation interface is a clinical reality that can be solved with an antimicrobial cementing material. Nanostructured silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles (¿-AgVO3) is an antimicrobial that is effective against microorganisms present in the oral cavity, but it may have undesirable cytotoxic effects. As an alternative, it was proposed to combine the nanomaterial with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), described as antioxidant agents with low toxicity, which form nanostructured silver vanadate selenide decorated with silver nanoparticles (Se-¿-AgVO3) that aims to broaden the spectrum of antimicrobial action, increase chemical stability, and reduce the risk of toxicity. The present study aims to analyze the mechanical, physicochemical, and microbiological properties of a dual-setting resin cement (Allcem Corpo Duplo - FGM) modified with Se-¿-AgVO3. The test specimens were prepared from a silicone mold, with dimensions of 12 mm x 1 mm, from the following groups: control group (CG) with resin cement without incorporation of nanomaterials; resin cement group with incorporation of 2.5% ¿-AgVO3 (GAg), and resin cement group with addition of 2.5% Se-¿-AgVO3 (GSe) after obtaining the nanomaterials. Surface roughness (n=5) will be evaluated using 3D confocal laser microscopy. Surface microhardness will be obtained using a microhardness tester (n=5). Shear strength will be evaluated using a universal testing machine (n=5). The degree of conversion will be analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) (n=5). Color change analysis will be performed using a portable spectrophotometer (n=5). Antimicrobial activity will be evaluated using the agar diffusion method (n=5). The results obtained will be subjected to parametric or nonparametric tests, depending on the data distribution (¿=0.05). (AU)