(PR164) Chelating Capacity of 0.1% Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Root Canal Irrigant

Objective: To evaluate chelating capacity of 0.1% chitosan nanoparticles as root canal irrigant.

Methods: Chitosan nanoparticles synthesis was made under ionic gelation method and where characterized with DLS, STEM, FTIR and DSC. Six unirradicular bicuspids were utilized, and a 1 mm disk was obtained, and each disk was cut into 4 fragments. Each fragment was in contact with one of the following irrigants: Group 1, 0.1% chitosan nanoparticles; and Group 2, 17% EDTA. All the samples were placed in contact with the corresponding irrigant for 0, 3, 5, and 10 min. Then, all fragments were digested with HNO₃ and later analyzed using ICP to evaluate their mineral content.

Results: The diameter of the nanoparticles was 113.44 ± 11.05 nm with a PDI of 0.243 ± 0.042. The morphology of the nanoparticles was evaluated by STEM, and the “blackberry” shape characteristic of the chitosan nanoparticles was observed. The chitosan nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, where changes were observed in the characteristic bands of the -OH and -NH₂ groups in the spectrum with respect to low-molecular-weight chitosan. DSC showed a decrease in the glass transition temperature with respect to low molecular weight chitosan due to the change in molecular arrangement after crossover. Chitosan nanoparticles reduced the percentage weight of Ca from 3 to 10 min, showing similar results to EDTA.

Conclusions: 0.1% chitosan nanoparticles could be an alternative to 17% EDTA as a chelating agent intended for root canal irrigants.