title: Nanoparticles for antimicrobial purposes in Endodontics: A systematic review of in vitro studies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Antimicrobial nanoparticles with enhanced physiochemical properties have attracted attention as modern antimicrobials, especially in the complicated oral cavity environment. The goal of the present article is to review the current state of nanoparticles used for antimicrobial purposes in root canal infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review was conducted in electronic databases using MeSH keywords to identify relevant published literature in English. The analysis and eligibility criteria were documented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA-guidelines). No restrictions on publication date were imposed. Data regarding root canal disinfections, general antimicrobial mechanisms of nanoparticles, type of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agent and antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles in endodontics were collected and subjected to descriptive data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature search in electronic databases according to the inclusion criteria provided 83 titles and abstracts. Among them 15 papers were related to antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles in Endodontics. Silver nanoparticles with sustainable activity were the most studied agent for its antimicrobial behavior in root canal infection. Aided polymeric nanoparticles with photo or ultrasound, glass bioactive nanoparticles as well as Calcium derivative based nanoparticles, with improved activity in comparison with the non-nano counterparts, are of importance in infection control of dental root canal. Bioactive Non-organic nanoparticles with structural capabilities present enhanced antimicrobial activity in root canal infections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All included studies showed an enhanced or at least equal effect of nanoparticulate systems to combat dental root canal infections compared to conventional antimicrobial procedures. However, it is crucial to understand their shortcomings and their probable cellular effects and toxicity as well as environmental effects.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; School of Advanced Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Samiei
authors.affiliation: Hematology & Oncology Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Afsaneh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farjami
authors.affiliation: Hematology & Oncology Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Solmaz Maleki
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Dizaj
authors.affiliation: School of Advanced Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Hematology & Oncology Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Electronic address: lotfipoor@tbzmed.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Farzaneh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lotfipour
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004708:Endodontics; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials
keywords: Antimicrobial; Endodontics; Infection; Nanoparticles; Root canal