Sangappa S. B, Supriya T, Thomas C. Influence of Biosynthesized Nanoparticles on the Biological Properties of Dental Prosthesis – Scoping Review. Biomed Pharmacol J 2026;19(3).
Manuscript received on :12-07-2025
Manuscript accepted on :09-04-2026
Published online on: 17-07-2026
Plagiarism Check: Yes
Reviewed by: Dr. Anjali Jitendrabhai Patadiya and Dr. Srilahari N
Second Review by: Dr. Hany Akeel
Final Approval by: Dr. Patorn Piromchai

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Sunila Bukanakere Sangappa1*, Tatikonda Supriya1and Christy Thomas2

1Department of Prosthodontics, JSS Dental College and Hospital JSS AHER, Mysuru, Karnataka India

2Department of Pharmacy Practice National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, Assam, India

Corresponding Author E-mail: drsunilasangappa@gmail.com

Abstract

Nanotechnology has introduced innovative approaches in dentistry through the integration of biosynthesized nanoparticles into prosthodontic materials, where these nanoparticles, derived from biological sources such as plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae, provide sustainable and biocompatible alternatives to chemically synthesized ones. This scoping review aimed to map the existing evidence on their application in removable and implant prosthodontics, using a systematic literature search of articles published between 2010 and 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, including only original research articles and performing both qualitative and quantitative syntheses while analysing studies based on nanoparticle type, synthesis method, prosthodontic application, and biological outcomes. A total of 44 relevant articles were included, of which 57.1% (n = 25) were experimental studies and 38.8% (n = 17) were review articles, with applications spanning denture bases, liners, adhesives, and implant surface coatings. All included studies were in vitro (100%, n = 44), providing short-term biological evaluations, and reported antibacterial activity in 75.0% (n = 33) of studies, antifungal effects in 34.0% (n = 15), biofilm inhibition or surface modification in 27.2% (n = 12), biocompatibility in 20.4% (n = 9), and cytotoxicity assessment in 6.8% (n = 3). Overall, biosynthesized nanoparticles show promising potential in enhancing the biological properties of dental prostheses; however, standardized synthesis protocols along with well-designed in vivo and clinical studies are necessary to establish long-term safety and clinical efficacy.

Keywords

Biocompatibility; Biosynthesized; Cytotoxicity; Nanoparticles; Prosthodontics

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Introduction

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing dentistry, providing tools to manipulate materials at the nanoscale for enhanced functionality. Among these innovations, nanoparticles synthesized via green or biological routes offer biocompatibility and sustainability, aligning well with modern dental applications.1,2 Biosynthesized nanoparticles produced using plant extracts, microorganisms, and algae are gaining attention as alternatives to chemically synthesized nanoparticles due to their eco-friendly production and reduced toxicity.3,4

In prosthodontics, the integration of these nanoparticles into materials such as denture bases, liners, adhesives, and implant coatings has demonstrated improved biological performance.5 Reports highlight the antibacterial, antifungal, and biocompatible properties of such particles, especially in managing oral biofilms and preventing infection-related prosthetic failures.6,7

This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing evidence on the impact of biosynthesized nanoparticles on biological properties of removable and implant prosthodontic materials.

Materials and Methods

Given the increasing volume of research, this scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework, and reporting followed the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The Focused Question was: Does the incorporation of biosynthesized nanoparticles into Prosthodontic materials used in clinical dentistry influence their biological properties governing clinical performance? This research question was conceptualized with focus on studies involving prosthodontic materials enhanced with biosynthesized nanoparticles and with the outcomes assessed for their antibacterial and antifungal activity, biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, surface modifications, and biofilm inhibition.

Data collection process

A bibliographic search was conducted using electronic database Google scholar, PubMed and Scopus. As a search filter, only articles published between 2010 to 2025 were considered. Additionally, reference lists and review articles were also screened for relevant articles. No review protocol has been registered for this work. The following keyword search strategy was applied: ((“biosynthesized”[All Fields] AND “nanoparticles”[All Fields]) AND “prosthodontics”[All Fields]) AND (2000:2025[pdat])

The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was followed as a guideline for the correct reporting of the items required for this type of review. An initial assessment of article eligibility was performed by screening titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text analysis. The titles and abstracts of the search results were initially screened by two reviewers for possible inclusion if sufficient information to make a definitive determination was obtained. After the articles were thoroughly screened, duplicates were manually eliminated.

The criteria for preliminary evaluation were that the article should have met the following criteria: Abstract present, related to biosynthesized nanoparticles and related to Prosthodontics. To be included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis the following criteria were to be met: if they were peer-reviewed, discussing Biosynthesized nano particles of any type incorporated into prosthodontic materials that registered variables of biological effects such as antibacterial, antifungal, Surface Modifications and Biofilm Inhibition, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity.

The full texts of all possibly relevant studies were obtained for independent assessment by the two reviewers against the stated inclusion criteria. The complete report was acquired for studies that satisfied the inclusion requirements. Systematic reviews, letters to editor and book chapters were excluded from analyses, however if considered pertinent were used in conceptualizing the background of study material. The difference in opinion during the article search was resolved by discussion. The output of the search was reviewed to identify potentially eligible studies. Studies were excluded if they were published in languages other than English. No discriminations were made regarding the manufacturing process of the material. One independent reviewer carried out data charting regarding the nanoparticle mechanism of action, particle size, concentration efficacy across the available prosthodontic applications.

Figure 1. PRISMA flow diagram illustrating the literature search and study selection process

Risk of bias in individual studies

The quality of the included studies was assessed using the CRIS Guidelines (Checklist for Reporting In-vitro Studies).8 Two independent reviewers (SP and CT) assessed the individual studies independently and any discrepancies were resolved by consultation with a third reviewer. 

Results

A total of 480 articles were identified through database searching (Google Scholar: 207, Scopus: 194, PubMed: 7). After removal of 28 duplicate records, 380 articles were screened based on titles and abstracts. Of these, 70 articles were assessed for full-text eligibility, and 44 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis (Table 1).

Notably, none of the included studies involved in vivo or clinical investigations (0%), with all biological evaluations being exclusively limited to in vitro experimental models. This complete absence of clinical evidence represents a critical translational gap identified through the scoping review and constitutes a key outcome of the evidence mapping process. Among the included studies, 57.1% were experimental investigations, while 38.8% were review articles.

Figure 1: Literature search Protocol 

Clcik here to view Figure

Table 1: Studies involved in Qualitative and Quantitative Synthesis

Reference Subject Material composition
1 Review Nanoparticles Biological properties
3 Review  Nanoparticles Biological properties
4 In-vitro AgNPs Antibacterial
5 In-vitro AgNPs Antibacterial, Surface/Biofilm
6 In-vitro AgNPs Biological properties
7 Review  Nanoparticles Biological properties
11 Review AgNPs Antibacterial, antifungal
12 Review AgNPs Antibacterial, antifungal
17 Review TiO₂ NPs Antibacterial, antifungal
18 Review Chitosan Antibacterial, antifungal
25 In-vitro Chitosan Antibacterial,
23 In-vitro AgNPs Biological properties
32 Review Nanoparticles Biological properties
9 Review Nanoparticles Biological properties
13 In-vitro AgNPs Antibacterial, antifungal
15 Review ZnO NPs Antibacterial, antifungal
16 Review Nanoparticles Antibacterial, antifungal
14 Review AgNPs Antibacterial, antifungal
19 Review  Nanoparticles Antibacterial, antifungal
10 Review Nanoparticles Biological properties
20 In-vitro Graphene Oxide Surface Properties/Biofilm
21 In-vitro Reduced Graphene Oxide Antibacterial
22 In-vitro AgNPs Antifungal, Biofilm
24 In-vitro Chitosan Antibacterial
26 In-vitro AgNPs Antibacterial, antifungal, Biofilm
27 In-vitro AgNPs-loaded Chitosan Antibacterial, Biocompatibility
28 In-vitro ZnO NPs Antibacterial, antifungal
30 In-vitro Nanoparticles Biocompatibility, Biofilm
29 Review TiO₂ NPs Antibacterial, antifungal
31 In-vitro Reduced Graphene Oxide Antibacterial, antifungal
33 In-vitro AgNPs Antifungal, Biocompatibility
34 In-vitro ZnO NPs Antifungal
35 In-vitro AgNPs Antifungal
37 In-vitro TiO₂ NPs Biofilm
39 In-vitro Ag, Au Antibacterial, antifungal
41 Review Biomaterial surface Surface charge–dependent biofilm interaction
40 In-vitro ZnO NPs Antibacterial, antifungal
42 In-vitro ZnO NPs Antibacterial, Biofilm
43 In-vitro Chitosan + Silver Antibacterial, antifungal, biofilm
45 In-vitro ZnO NPs Cytotoxicity
46 In-vitro Chitosan Biocompatibility
44 In-vitro Silver Cytotoxicity
38 In-vitro Nanoparticles Biofilm-related surface property
36 Review Silver Biocompatibility

Abbreviations: silver nanoparticles (AgNPs); zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs); titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs); reduced graphene oxide (rGO); graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO NPs))

The results pertaining to the biological properties, evaluated in the context of their prosthodontic applications, are presented below.

Antibacterial Properties of Biosynthesized Nanoparticles

Biosynthesized nanoparticles have been increasingly incorporated into various prosthodontic materials, including denture base resins, liners, adhesives, and implant coatings, owing to their potent antibacterial properties. By inhibiting microbial biofilm formation, these nanoparticles reduce the risk of prosthesis-related infections and contribute to improved durability and clinical outcomes of dental prostheses.9,10 Below (Figure 2) is their mechanism and comprehensive clinical overview of their antibacterial qualities:

Figure 2: Antibacterial mechanism of biosynthesized nanoparticles.11

Clcik here to view Figure

In Denture Base Materials

Ten studies evaluated the incorporation of biosynthesized nanoparticles into denture base resins. These investigations assessed biosynthesized silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, chitosan, and carbon-based nanoparticles, while no studies were found considering Gold Nanoparticles for its antibacterial properties in Denture bases.

Among the evaluated nanoparticles, silver showed the most potent antibacterial activity, with studies12,13 reporting that ROS generation contributed more significantly to microbial inhibition than Ag⁺ ion release alone, especially against Candida albicans and S. mutans. For zinc oxide, ROS-mediated membrane damage was highlighted as more critical than Zn²⁺ ion release in reducing microbial viability.15 Titanium dioxide exerted its effect primarily through photocatalytic ROS production, which was effective under light but limited in dark conditions.17 Chitosan’s action was attributed mainly to electrostatic interaction, though no specific mechanism was shown to be superior.18 In carbon-based materials, physical membrane disruption by sharp edges was more impactful than electron transfer interference, particularly in reducing microbial adhesion to PMMA surfaces.20 These features of commonly used nanoparticles are listed in Table-2.

In Denture Liners

Soft denture liners are vulnerable to microbial colonization, which has led to growing interest in incorporating antibacterial agents. Biosynthesized nanoparticles have shown antimicrobial effectiveness and biocompatibility in other dental applications, yet their use in soft liners has not been directly evaluated. This represents a promising area for future research.

In Denture Adhesives

The literature notably lacked evidence supporting the antimicrobial efficacy of biosynthesized titanium oxide, gold, carbon, and zinc oxide in denture adhesive applications; however, biosynthesized silver and chitosan were reported to exhibit such properties. Among the antibacterial properties of biosynthesized nanoparticles reported in the literature for denture adhesive applications, biosynthesized AgNPs showed superior antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy, especially against S. mutans, and E. coli, owing to their dual mechanism of Ag⁺ ion release and ROS generation.22,23 Their burst-sustained ion release profile resulted in prolonged activity, making them highly effective in preventing early biofilm formation. In contrast, chitosan nanoparticles, while effective against S. mutans and S. aureus, relied solely on contact-based electrostatic interaction and lacked sustained ion release.24 Both nanoparticles were stable in adhesive formulations, but silver offered a broader spectrum and longer-lasting protection, making it the more promising additive for bacterial control in denture adhesives. Characteristic features of these Biosynthesized Nanoparticles in Denture Adhesive application is depicted in Table 3.

In Dental Implants

Among the studied nanoparticles, silver and gold showed the most potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with study26 highlighting that biofilm inhibition by silver was more pronounced than ion release alone. Silver was also highly effective as an implant coating, reducing peri-implant infections.27 Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provided strong ROS-mediated antibacterial effects but required light activation for optimal results.28,29 Chitosan and carbon-based materials were contact-active; graphene oxide combined with silver showed enhanced efficacy.30 Gold nanoparticles offered dual benefits via ROS and photothermal action, aiding both microbial control and osseointegration.32 The key antimicrobial mechanisms, microbial targets, and application strategies of these biosynthesized nanoparticles are outlined in Table 4.

Antifungal properties of Biosynthesized Nanoparticles

Silver showed consistently high antifungal efficacy across multiple applications, from denture bases to adhesives and implant surfaces, with mechanisms ranging from membrane disruption to suppression of hyphal transition.22,33,36 In soft liners, zinc oxide disrupted redox balance by targeting membrane thiol groups, while silver enhanced biofilm inhibition via ROS generation.34,35 On implant surfaces, gold induced photothermal stress leading to fungal apoptosis under ambient light, offering a novel, light-responsive mechanism.32 Titanium dioxide impaired adhesion and biofilm formation by oxidative stress, though its effect appeared less pronounced compared to silver and gold.37 The following table-5 summarizes the antifungal efficacy and mechanisms of action of selected biosynthesized nanoparticles relevant to prosthodontic applications. 

Table 2: Comparative Antibacterial Properties of Biosynthesized Nanoparticles in Denture Bases

 Properties Silver Zinc Oxide Titanium Dioxide Chitosan Graphene/reduced graphene oxide
Target Microbes S. mutans,

S. aureus

S. mutans S. mutans,

S. aureus

Oral biofilm bacteria S. mutans
Particle Size 10–30 nm (plant-mediated)

5–50 nm (fungal-mediated)

30–60 nm (plant-mediated) 20–40 nm (plant extract) 50–200 nm 200–500 nm
Mechanism • Ag+ ion release disrupts cell membranes

• Interaction with thiol groups in proteins

• ROS generation causing oxidative stress

• Zn2+ ion release inhibits enzyme systems

• ROS generation damages cell membranes

• Biofilm formation inhibition

•       Photocatalytic ROS production •       Polycationic interaction with negatively charged cell walls •       Sharp edges cause physical membrane damage

•       Electron transfer disruption

Concentration Efficacy Effective 0.5–2% w/w Effective 2–5% w/w Effective 1–3% w/w Effective 1–2.5% w/w Effective 0.5–1% w/w
Photocatalytic Properties Enhanced by green capping agents Visible light activation Low bandgap, activated by light No inherent activity Natural reduction improves activity
References 12,13,14 15,16 17 18,19 20,21

Table 3: Comparative Antibacterial Properties of Biosynthesized Nanoparticles in Denture Adhesive Application

Property Biosynthesized Silver nanoparticles Biosynthesized Chitosan nanoparticles
Antibacterial Spectrum S. mutansE. coli S. mutansS. aureus
Mechanism of Action Ag⁺ ion release, ROS generation, membrane disruption Electrostatic binding to bacterial cell walls, biofilm inhibition
Release Kinetics Initial burst (first 24h), followed by sustained silver ion release No ion release; bioactivity via contact
Biofilm Inhibition Confirmed significant inhibition on oral pathogen’s biofilm formation Strong antibiofilm properties confirmed
Stability in Adhesive Matrix Stable at ≤1 wt%; maintains flow and handling Compatible with adhesive formulations
References 22,23 24,25

Table 4: Comparative Antibacterial Properties of Biosynthesized Nanoparticles in Dental Implants

Property Silver Zinc Oxide Titanium Dioxide Chitosan Reduced Graphene oxide Gold
Target Microorganisms S. aureusP. gingivalisS. mutansE. coli S. aureusS. mutansE. coli, S. aureusE. coli, oral pathogens S.aureusE. coli S. mutansL. acidophilusS. oralisV. parvulaP. gingivalis S.mutans
Antimicrobial Mechanism Membrane disruption, Ag⁺ ion release, biofilm inhibition ROS generation, membrane damage, anti-biofilm Photocatalytic ROS production, antimicrobial contact surface Binds bacterial cell walls, inhibits biofilm formation Disruption of bacterial membranes, inhibition of biofilm formation ROS generation, biofilm inhibition, photothermal effects
Application in Implant Dentistry Coating titanium implants to reduce peri-implant infections

 

Nanoparticle coatings on dental implants and abutments to prevent microbial colonization Enhancing implant surfaces for antibacterial action and improved osseointegration Used in coatings and films or as drug delivery systems in implant-related areas Coating titanium implants to prevent biofilm formation and enhance osseointegration

 

Surface modification of implants to enhance antibacterial properties and osseointegration
References 26,27 28 29 30 31 32

Table 5: Summary of Antifungal properties of Biosynthesized Nanoparticle

Application Biosynthesized Nanoparticle Target Fungal Species Mechanism of Action
Denture Base Silver (AgNPs) Candida albicans Inhibits adherence of C. albicans by disrupting fungal membranes.33

Soft Liner

Zinc Oxide (ZnO NPs) Candida albicans Chelates membrane thiol groups, disrupting redox balance.34
Silver (AgNPs) Candida albicans Generates reactive oxygen species causing oxidative damage to fungal cells; disrupts biofilm formation. 35
Adhesive Silver (AgNPs) Candida albicans Suppresses yeast-to-hyphal transition, limiting fungal invasiveness. 22

Implant Surface

Silver (AgNPs) Candida albicans Disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity and inhibits biofilm formation. 36
Gold (AuNPs) Candida albicans Induces photothermal stress under ambient light exposure, leading to fungal apoptosis. 32
Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂ NPs) Candida albicans Inhibits Candid albicans biofilm formation and induces oxidative stress, impairing fungal adhesion and growth. 37

Surface Modifications and Biofilm Inhibition

Key surface attributes and nanoparticle modifications impact biofilm formation in the context of prosthodontics. Among evaluated surface factors, increased roughness and hydrophobicity were associated with significantly higher Candida albicans adherence on denture base resins.38,39 Softer liners showed greater fungal biofilm accumulation compared to harder materials.40 While surface charge effects were variable, cationic modifications showed both enhanced and reduced colonization depending on material context.41 Surface chemistry altered via ZnO nanoparticles showed reduced fungal affinity, and chitosan-conjugated AgNPs demonstrated the most effective antimicrobial response against implant-associated pathogens. 42,43

Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility

All tested nanoparticles demonstrate favorable biocompatibility with human gingival fibroblasts. Chitosan nanoparticles showed the most promising outcome, promoting fibroblast proliferation with no cytotoxicity, especially when combined with PDGF-BB.46 AgNPs-maintained cell viability above 75% across all tested concentrations, indicating minimal cytotoxic effects.44 ZnO NPs exhibited a dose-dependent response, with ~84% viability at the highest concentration tested, and minimal cytotoxicity observed at lower doses.45 The following table-6 summarizes the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity properties of biosynthesized nanoparticles. 

Tabe 6: Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity properties of biosynthesized nanoparticles

Nanoparticle Biosynthesis Source Target Cell Line Concentration Biocompatibility Cytotoxicity Outcome References
Silver (AgNPs) Fungal-derived Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGF) 25–100 μg/mL Biocompatible at tested concentrations. Cell viability remained >75% at all doses; minimal cytotoxicity observed. 44
Zinc Oxide (ZnO NPs) Lemon juice extract Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGF) 10–200 ng/mL Biocompatible; dose-dependent response ~84% viability at 200 ng/mL; minimal cytotoxicity at lower concentrations. 45
Chitosan NP Low-MW Chitosan/TPP method Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGF) 100–600 μg/mL Excellent biocompatibility; promotes fibroblast proliferation No cytotoxicity; combination with PDGF-BB further enhanced proliferation. 46

Discussion

This scoping review highlights the increasing utilization of biosynthesized nanoparticles in prosthodontic applications, owing to their potent antimicrobial, antifungal and biocompatibility properties. The review demonstrates that biosynthesized silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, chitosan, graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles have been incorporated into various prosthodontic applications, such as denture bases, liners, adhesives and implant surfaces with promising biological outcomes.

Across the included studies, the antimicrobial efficacy of biosynthesized nanoparticles was largely attributed to common mechanisms such as metal ion release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and membrane disruption, rather than material-specific effects alone. Their antimicrobial activity against common oral pathogens responsible for denture-related infections was influenced by factors such as particle size, effective concentration, and mode of biological interaction.13,15,16 These properties have been ascertained to enable the nanoparticles to inhibit biofilm formation and microbial growth making them valuable agents in improving the hygienic performance of denture materials.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), particularly those synthesized using plant and fungal sources, consistently demonstrated strong antibacterial and antifungal efficacy across multiple prosthodontic substrates. Rather than reiterating mechanistic pathways, most studies converged on the dual contribution of Ag⁺ ion release and ROS-mediated oxidative stress as the principal drivers of antimicrobial action.11–13 Importantly, these effects were observed at relatively low concentrations with minimal cytotoxicity, supporting their potential clinical applicability.

ZnO NPs also showed notable antibacterial potential, particularly in denture bases and implant surfaces, with their gradual zn2+ ion release contributing to sustained bacterial inhibition.15,16

Denture adhesives are essential for improving prosthesis retention, particularly in elderly patients with reduced immunity and manual dexterity. Incorporation of biosynthesized nanoparticles enhances antimicrobial activity while preserving key properties such as antibacterial spectrum, mechanism of action, release kinetics, biofilm inhibition and stability within the adhesive matrix. These factors are critical for ensuring effective infection control without compromising adhesive performance.22,23 notably, literature supporting the use of biosynthesized titanium oxide, gold, carbon and zinc oxide in denture adhesives remains lacking. However, biosynthesized silver and chitosan nanoparticles have been explored in this context.

Biosynthesized nanoparticles have emerged as promising antibacterial agents for dental implant surface modification. They effectively target common implant-associated pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis through mechanisms including membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and inhibition of biofilm formation. These multifunctional coatings not only prevent early bacterial colonization, reducing the risk of peri-implant infections but also help maintain or enhance osseointegration. Such dual benefits are particularly relevant for patients at higher risk of implant failure due to compromised immune response or poor oral hygiene.26,27

Antifungal activity was predominantly reported against Candida albicans, with silver and chitosan nanoparticles demonstrating the most consistent effects. These nanoparticles disrupted fungal cell membranes, inhibited adhesion, and interfered with morphogenetic transitions essential for fungal invasiveness. 22,34,38

Biofilm formation by Candida albicans on prosthodontic materials is strongly influenced by surface characteristics such as roughness, chemistry, charge, and wettability.38,40 Incorporation of biosynthesized nanoparticles including silver, zinc oxide, gold, and chitosan modified these surface properties while imparting antifungal and antibiofilm activity. These green-synthesized nanomaterials therefore show promise in reducing microbial colonization on denture bases and implant surfaces.42,43

Chitosan nanoparticles, particularly when combined with growth factors like PDGF, promoted fibroblast proliferation and presented negligible cytotoxic effects.46   studies18,24 further emphasized the dual function of chitosan in antimicrobial activity and tissue regeneration, positioning it as a multifunctional biomaterial in prosthodontics.

Titanium dioxide and graphene oxide nanoparticles were also reported to enhance surface properties and inhibit biofilm formation. Their antibacterial effects were mainly attributed to ROS generation and physical membrane disruption.17 However, clinical validation of these materials remains limited. Graphene oxide significantly reduced microbial adhesion when incorporated into PMMA, supporting its potential application in bioactive denture base resins.20

Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity are key factors for the safe use of biosynthesized nanoparticles in prosthodontics. These nanoparticles, made using biological methods, offer antimicrobial and regenerative benefits but need thorough evaluation for their effects on oral tissues. Cytotoxicity tests identify potential cellular damage, while biocompatibility studies establish safe concentrations that support cell viability.44-46
Among the biosynthesized nanoparticles reviewed, silver and zinc oxide exhibited the broadest range of applications across prosthodontic materials, including denture bases, liners, adhesives, and implants. Their well-established mechanisms of Ag⁺ and Zn²⁺ ion release, coupled with ROS generation, were consistently linked to potent antimicrobial effects and clinical viability.11,12,45

Chitosan stood out for its dual functionality in promoting fibroblast proliferation and inhibiting microbial adhesion, making it ideal for tissue-integrative applications. In contrast, titanium dioxide and graphene oxide showed more limited but promising use, primarily enhancing surface properties and inhibiting biofilm formation, though their clinical evidence remains sparse.

Future Scope

There is a lack of in vivo evidence available, which limits the generalizability of the current findings. Future research should therefore focus on conducting in vivo and clinically relevant studies to better ascertain the implications of biosynthesized nanoparticles under actual oral conditions. Emphasis should be placed on evaluating antimicrobial efficacy, biocompatibility, and safe dosage levels of nanoparticles used in the fabrication of dental prostheses. 

Limitations

While this review offers comprehensive overview of biosynthesized nanoparticles in prosthodontics, certain limitations must be acknowledged. Most of the included studies were in-vitro, with limited in-vivo studies or clinical trials validating the relevance and effects of the biological properties. Variability in biosynthesis methods and nanoparticle concentrations hindered comparability across studies. Additionally, evidence on less explored nanoparticles such as gold and graphene oxide is still limited.

Conclusion

Biosynthesized nanoparticles, particularly silver, zinc oxide, chitosan, and titanium dioxide demonstrate significant promise in enhancing the antibacterial, antifungal, and biocompatible properties of dental prosthetic materials, with potential to improve prosthesis longevity and oral hygiene. However, to enable clinical translation, standardized protocols for nanoparticle synthesis and biological testing are essential. Future research should focus on long-term in vivo studies and well-designed clinical trials. Specifically, randomized controlled trials evaluating silver nanoparticle-coated implant abutments, chitosan-integrated soft liners, or zinc oxide-modified denture bases could help establish safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing parameters in real-world setting. 

Acknowledgement

The author would like to thank the JSSAHER, MYSURU, INDIA for help and unlimited support

Funding Sources

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of Interest

The author(s) do not have any conflict of interest

Data Availability Statement

This statement does not apply to this article.

Ethics Statement

This research did not involve human participants, animal subjects, or any material that requires ethical approval.

Informed Consent Statement

This study did not involve human participants, and therefore, informed consent was not required.

Clinical Trial Registration

This research does not involve any clinical trials

Permission to reproduce material from other sources

Not Applicable

Author Contributions

  • Sunila B Sangappa:Conceptualization, methodology, critical review and editing of the manuscript, approval of the manuscript.
  • Tatikonda Supriya:Conceptualization, methodology, manuscript editing, formatting
  • Christy Thomas:Data collection, Data analysis.

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