• Asama Pandejpong D.D.S., Grad. Dip. (Operative Dentistry), M.Sc.
• Suchit Poolthong D.D.S, Grad. Dip. (Operative Dentistry), M.Sc., Ph.D.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the physical properties of chitosan-whiskers
reinforced pit and fissure sealants.

Materials and methods The specimens of 4 pit and fissure sealants (Prevo^TMcare, 3.3, 5.0 and 6.5%w
of the chitosan-whiskers in Prevo^TMcare) were prepared. The nanohardness tester (UMIS, Australia)
was used to measure the hardness and elastic modulus. Then Prevo^TMcare and 3.3%w of the
chitosan-whiskers in Prevo^TMcare were selected for ISO test on depth of cure and uncured film
thickness (ISO 6874:1988). The hardness and elastic modulus data were analyzed with One-way
ANOVA. An independent sample T-test was used to test for significant difference between Prevo^TMcare
and 3.3%w of the chitosan-whiskers in Prevo^TMcare.

Results The hardness values of 3.3, 5.0 and 6.5%w of the chitosan-whiskers in Prevo^TMcare were
not significantly different. The 3.3%w of the chitosan-whiskers were chosen and conducted for the
ISO tests. The results showed no significant difference between depth of cure and uncured film
thickness of Prevo^TMcare and 3.3%w of the chitosan-whiskers in Prevo^TMcare.

Conclusion The chitosan-whiskers in Prevo^TMcare showed no reduction of hardness compared to
the control group. Properties tested following ISO 6874:1988 for the chitosan-whiskers in
Prevo^TMcare were within ISO requirements.

(CU Dent J. 2007;30:129-40)