Phycocyanin-loaded silver nanoparticles activated with photodynamic therapy and Nd: YAG laser for caries-affected dentin disinfection: Impact on Streptococcus mutans survival rate and shear bond strength to the tooth-colored restorative material.

To assess the impact of various cavity disinfectants PC-PDT (Phycocyanin activated by Photodynamic therapy), PC@AgNPs-PDT (Phycocyanin and silver nanoparticles activated by PDT), and Nd: YAG laser on the survival rate of S.mutans and the bond integrity of composite restoration METHODS: Sixty human mandibular molars that scored 4 and 5 based on ICDAS criteria were included. The infected dentin was removed while the CAD was preserved based on visual, tactile, and staining assessment. S.mutans were cultured on the CAD of twenty samples. All the specimens were indiscriminately distributed into four groups based on cavity disinfection (n=20 each includes n=5 each group incubated with S.mutans) Group 1: CHX, Group 2: Nd:YAG laser, Group 3: PC-PDT and Group 4: PC@AgNPs-PDT. S.mutans survival rate was assessed for each group(n=5). Forty samples underwent composite bonding for SBS and failure mode assessment using universal testing machine (UTM) and stereomicroscope. The calculations for the mean and standard deviation (SD) and their comparison among different groups were performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05) RESULTS: CAD surface treated disinfected with PC@AgNPs-PDT yielded the lowest survival rates (0.13 ± 0.05 CFU/ml) and highest SBS (17.23 ± 1.45 MPa). Group 1 (CHX) unveiled the highest survival rate of S.mutans (0.33 ± 0.12 CFU/ml). However, Group 2 (Nd:YAG Laser) (11.87 ± 0.67 MPa) presented the lowest SBS CONCLUSION: The combination of Phycocyanin loaded with silver nanoparticles and activated with Photodynamic therapy demonstrates the highest antimicrobial potential and bond strength of composite restorations.