NANOSTRUCTURED ZINC OXIDE-COATED GUTTA-PERCHA FOR ENHANCED ROOT CANAL OBTURATION

Background: Gutta-percha (GP) cones are widely used for root canal obturation, but conventional disinfection
methods and limited antibacterial activity can compromise their efficacy, potentially leading to endodontic treatment
failure. Nanostructured coatings offer a promising approach to enhance the physicochemical and antimicrobial
properties of GP cones.
Aim: To develop and characterize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle-coated GP cones to improve surface properties and
potential antibacterial activity for enhanced root canal obturation.
Materials and Methods: ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical precipitation, characterized for size and
morphology, and incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to prepare a uniform coating suspension.
Sterilized GP cones (size 80) were divided into two groups: uncoated (control) and ZnO–PVA-coated (experimental).
Coating was achieved via a dip-coating technique with multiple drying cycles. Surface morphology, elemental
composition, chemical functional groups, and crystallinity of the coated cones were evaluated using scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray
diffraction (XRD).
Results: SEM revealed a uniform nanostructured coating on GP cones, increasing surface roughness and surface area.
EDS confirmed the presence of Zn and O in stoichiometric proportions, while FTIR showed characteristic Zn–O and
OH vibrations, indicating chemical stability. XRD analysis confirmed the high crystallinity and phase purity of ZnO
nanoparticles. The coating exhibited strong adhesion without cracks or delamination, suggesting enhanced
physicochemical stability.
Conclusion: ZnO–PVA-coated GP cones demonstrate improved surface characteristics, including increased roughness,
surface area, and reactivity, which may enhance adhesion to root canal sealers and provide potential antibacterial
benefits. This nanostructured coating represents a promising strategy for functionalizing GP cones to reduce microbial
colonization and improve the success of endodontic treatment. Further studies are warranted to assess direct
antimicrobial efficacy, sealer interaction, and long-term clinical performance.