An integrative review on the toxicity of Bisphenol A (BPA) released from resin composites used in dentistry

• Published in: Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials Applied biomaterials, 2021-11, Vol.109 (11), p.1942-1952
• Main Authors: Lopes‐Rocha, Lígia, Ribeiro‐Gonçalves, Lara, Henriques, Bruno, Özcan, Mutlu, Tiritan, Maria Elizabeth, Souza, Júlio C. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds - toxicity; Biocompatibility; Biodegradation; Biomedical materials; Bisphenol A; Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate - adverse effects; Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate - therapeutic use; BPA; Chemical analysis; Composite materials; Cytotoxicity; Degradation; Dentistry; Embryos; Humans; In vivo methods and tests; Materials research; Materials science; Mortality; Mucosa; Orthodontics; Phenols - toxicity; Polymerization; resin composite; Resins; Saliva; Toxicity; Zebrafish
• ISSN: 1552-4973; 1552-4981
• DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34843

The main aim of this study was to perform an integrative review on the release of bisphenol A (BPA) from resin‐matrix composites and potential toxic effects. A bibliographic search was performed on the PubMed platform using the following keywords: “Bisphenol A" OR “BPA” AND “resin composite” OR “composite resin” AND “toxicity” OR “cytotoxicity” OR “release”. Inclusion criteria involved in vitro and in vivo studies on the release and toxicity of BPA. Results highlighted the release of BPA from resin‐matrix composites due to insufficient polymerization and/or degradation of the polymeric matrix. BPA is part of the organic matrix of resin‐matrix composites and may be hydrolysed in human saliva, although studies report that low doses might not be detected by traditional chemical analysis. Studies exposing zebrafish embryos to different concentrations of Bis‐GMA, showed 55% mortality at 10 μM Bis‐GMA while 30% mortality was recorded at 1 μM Bis‐GMA. In patients, a BPA concentration of around 2.09 × 10−2 μg/ml was found in the saliva after placement of lingual orthodontic retainers with resin‐matrix composites. Also, the BPA molecule can be swallowed and absorbed by the oral/gastrointestinal mucosa, which might result in systemic toxicity. The degradation of resin‐matrix composites and release of BPA in oral environment are dependent on the organic matrix content and on the polymerization method. A increased release of BPA can lead to the absorption into oral and gastrointestinal mucosa with high risks of local and systemic toxicity. Bisphenol A (BPA) can be released from resin composites due to the degradation or insufficient polymerization of the restorative material. BPA released from resin composites can penetrate into the oral mucosa (i.e., gingival margin) resulting in localized toxicity. Also, BPA abosorbed by oral and gastrointestinal mucosa can be diffused into the bloodstream resulting in systemic toxicity.