Characteristics and Physical Properties of Indonesian Stingless Bee (Geniotrigona thoracica) Propolis-Loaded Chitosan Oligosaccharide Nanoparticles as a Root Canal Nanosealer With Bioceramic Sealers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the suitability of a novel natural-based endodontic sealer, nano-chitosan-propolis, for root canal applications by comparing its physicochemical and structural properties with a commercial bioceramic sealer (CeraSeal). METHODS: The physicochemical and structural characteristics of nano-chitosan oligosaccharide-propolis (nCOS-P) and CeraSeal were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify crystalline phases and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) (SEM-EDS) for surface morphology and elemental composition. Setting time was measured following the ASTM C191-08 standard under room conditions (23 ± 1∘C). The flowability and film thickness were tested following ISO 6876/2012 standards to meet standard criteria as an ideal endodontic sealer. RESULTS: XRD analysis revealed that nCOS-P exhibited crystalline phases of calcium, zirconium, zirconium dioxide, and silicon dioxide, whereas CeraSeal contained zirconium silicide, indicating compositional differences. SEM-EDS showed that nCOS-P had a compact, nonuniform particle distribution and elemental composition consistent with chitosan and propolis, contributing to enhanced viscosity and bioactivity. nCOS-P demonstrated a significantly shorter setting time (1320 min) compared to CeraSeal (3360 min) (p  < 0.05). Flowability of nCOS-P was slightly higher (19.05 ± 0.36 mm) compared with CeraSeal (18.15 ± 0.26 mm) (p = 0.021). The nCOS-P had a film thickness of 180 ± 1.45 µm, whereas CeraSeal had a film thickness of 260 ± 0.11 µm. However, both materials exceeded the ISO 6876 limit ( ≤50 µm) under the present test conditions. CONCLUSIONS: nCOS-P demonstrated a shorter ASTM-based setting time and acceptable flowability. Still, neither material met the ISO film thickness limit under the present conditions. Despite exceeding ISO limits for film thickness, its unique composition offers potential clinical advantages. Further in vivo studies are recommended to confirm biological performance and clinical efficacy.