Poly(methyl methacrylate) with TiO 2 nanoparticles inclusion for stereolitographic complete denture manufacturing - the fututre in dental care for elderly edentulous patients?

• Published in: Journal of dentistry 2017-04, Vol.59, p.68-77
• Main Authors: Totu, Eugenia Eftimie, Nechifor, Aurelia Cristina, Nechifor, Gheorghe, Aboul-Enein, Hassan Y, Cristache, Corina Marilena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Bacteria - drug effects; Candida - drug effects; Computer-Aided Design; Dental Care for Aged; Dental Materials - chemistry; Dental Prosthesis; Denture Bases; Denture, Complete; Humans; Materials Testing; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mouth, Edentulous; Nanocomposites - chemistry; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Polymers - chemistry; Polymethyl Methacrylate - chemistry; Stereolithography; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties; Titanium - chemistry; Titanium - pharmacology; Viscosity
• ISSN: 0300-5712; 1879-176X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2017.02.012

The aim of this study was to obtain a Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA)-TiO nanocomposite material with improved antibacterial characteristics, suitable for manufacturing 3D printed dental prosthesis. 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 1, 2.5 by weight% of TiO nanoparticles have been added to the commercially available stereolithographic PMMA material and the obtained nanocomposites have been analyzed using FTIR, SEM and also tested for antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial cultures from Candida species (C. scotti). SEM images and EDX results highlighted the presence of TiO in PMMA nanocomposites. The elemental composition (EDX) also showed the presence of other fillers included in stereolithographic PMMA solution. FTIR analysis clearly revealed changes in polymeric matrix structure when adding TiO nanoparticles. Sample containing 0.4, 1 and 2.5wt% TiO nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Candida scotti strain in standard conditions according to the toxicity control method (DHA). Increasing quantity of nano-titania has resulted in particles fooling, forming new aggregates instead of the homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles with modified viscosity characteristics and expected lower mechanical parameters. Significant improvements in polymer characteristics and nice dispersion of the TiO nanoparticles have been noticed for 0.4wt%, therefore it was used for stereolitographic complete denture prototyping. Incorporation of TiO nanoparticles in PMMA polymer matrix was proved to have antibacterial effects, specifically on Candida species. The newly obtained 0.4% nanocomposite was successfully used with stereolitographic technique for complete denture manufacturing. However, mechanical and biocompatibility tests need to be performed in order to extend the clinical usage.