Does Modification of Amalgomer with Propolis Alter Its Physicomechanical Properties? An In Vitro Study

Abstract EN

Objective.

To assess if incorporating ethanolic extract of propolis into ceramic-reinforced glass ionomer (Amalgomer CR) might have an influence on its physicomechanical properties.

Materials and Methods.

Three groups were assessed; group I: Amalgomer CR (control) and two experimental groups (II and III) of propolis added to the liquid of Amalgomer CR with 25 and 50 v/v %, respectively.

Evaluation parameters were color stability, compressive strength, microhardness, and surface roughness.

Representative specimens of each group were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the results, followed by a Tukey post hoc test (p<0.05).

Results.

Nonsignificant color change for both groups of modified Amalgomer CR.

Meanwhile, the two experimental groups exhibited a significant increase in both compressive strength and microhardness.

Simultaneously, there was a significant difference in roughness values among groups with the lowest roughness values exhibited by the 50 v/v % propolis concentration.

Conclusions.

Modification of Amalgomer CR with 50 v/v % propolis may increase its mechanical properties without compromising its esthetic.

Clinical Significance.

Modification of Amalgomer CR by 50 v/v % propolis is supposed to be a hopeful restorative material with favorable characteristics.