Effect of polymer-coupled Cu-TiO₂ nanoparticles on the bleaching of stained teeth under hydrogen peroxide and blue light irradiation

Key Points

• The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of polymer-coupled Cu-TiO₂ nanoparticles in whitening stained teeth when exposed to hydrogen peroxide and blue light.
• Synthesis of Cu-doped Cu-TiO₂ nanoparticles and polymer-Cu-TiO₂ (PCT) nanocomposites.
• Measurement of absorbance and radical generation through methylene blue degradation and terephthalic acid assays.
• Assessment of color change in stained teeth using 3% hydrogen peroxide with and without light irradiation.
• Evaluation of PCT nanoparticle toxicity using a cell viability test and microscopy.
• PCT nanoparticles showed different absorbance characteristics at 600-800 nm compared to pure TiO₂, depending on Cu content.
• The strongest degradation of methylene blue occurred under PCT nanoparticle, hydrogen peroxide, and light conditions, indicating effective radical generation.
• Significant color change in stained teeth was observed with PCT nanoparticles compared to 15% hydrogen peroxide alone.