An In Vitro Study Evaluating Glass Ionomer Cement Antibacterial Activity, Shear Bond Strength, and Compressive Strength with the Incorporation of Clove Oil”

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity, shear bond strength, and compressive strength of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) and GIC modified with clove oil.

Materials and Methods: Eighty samples were prepared and divided into two groups: conventional GIC (control) and clove oil-modified GIC. The antibacterial efficacy was assessed against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Shear bond strength and compressive strength were evaluated using a Universal Testing Machine following standardized protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: The clove oil-modified GIC demonstrated significantly lower MIC values, indicating enhanced antibacterial activity compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the modified GIC showed significantly higher shear bond strength (10.93 ± 0.47 MPa) and compressive strength (182.68 ± 2.90 MPa) compared to the control group (8.58 ± 0.56 MPa and 160.60 ± 7.98 MPa, respectively), with p values of 0.001 and 0.002.

Conclusion: Incorporating clove oil into GIC significantly improves its antibacterial properties, shear bond strength, and compressive strength. This modification shows promise for enhancing the clinical effectiveness of GIC in caries-prone patients, although further in vivo studies are recommended to assess its long-term performance and clinical applicability.