Enhanced antibacterial properties of calcium silicate based materials through silver doping for endodontic applications

The development of endodontic materials capable of providing long-term antimicrobial activity while maintaining structural stability remains a major clinical challenge. Silver-modified calcium silicate (Ca-Si-Ag) cements were investigated to enhance antibacterial performance through silver doping. Their physicochemical behavior, including alkalinity properties, was systematically evaluated together with antibacterial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . All synthesized materials generated a strongly alkaline microenvironment (pH > 11 on day 1), followed by stabilization on days 7 and 14 due to the formation of a calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) layer, which improved matrix integrity and promoted mineralizing potential. Incorporation of silver resulted in a significant improvement of antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive S. aureus , driven by Ag⁺ release in immersion liquid medium. This study further provides structural evidence of Ag incorporation through XRD peak shifting, indicating lattice modification and its role in antibacterial performance. These findings demonstrate that Ag-doped Ca-Si cements combine sustained antimicrobial action with favorable physicochemical stability, making them promising candidates for next-generation bioactive endodontic materials.