This study evaluated the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of EQUIATM coat liquid (E) after incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. ZnO and TiO2 (1 wt.% and 2 wt.%) were dispersed in EQUIA coat. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed to visualize systemic variation. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by colony-forming units and crystal violet staining using Streptococcusmutans and Lactobacillusacidophilus after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, and the microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The weight change was analyzed at 1 and 21 days. The PCA for TiO2- and ZnO-based groups showed 100% variance at all spectral ranges at 600−800/cm and 800−1200/cm, whereas 1200−1800/cm and 2700−3800/cm spectral regions demonstrated 99% variance. The absorbance values were significant (p < 0.05) for both nanoparticles-based adhesives, and the specimens with 2 wt.% ZnO showed the maximum response by minimum bacterial attachment, and the control group showed the least response by maximum attachment. The weight change percentage was reduced after the incorporation of antibacterial nanoparticles. It is suggested that EQUIATM coat containing nanoparticles exhibits promising results, and it may be recommended to clinically use as an improved coating material.
Keywords: EQUIA coat; antibacterial; colony-forming unit; glass ionomer cements; principal component analysis; spectroscopic analysis; titanium dioxide; weight measurement; zinc oxide.