Antimicrobial activity, surface properties, and cytotoxicity of microencapsulated phytochemicals incorporated into three-dimensionally printable dental polymers

• Published in: Journal of dentistry 2024-02, Vol.141, p.104820-104820, Article 104820
• Main Authors: Jo, Ye-Hyeon, Cho, Jun-Ho, Park, Dong Hyun, Yoon, Hyung-In, Han, Seung Hyun, Yilmaz, Burak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0300-5712; 1879-176X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104820

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties of three dimensionally-printed dental polymers (3DPs) incorporated with microencapsulated phytochemicals (MPs) and to assess their surface characteristics and cytotoxicity. MPs derived from phytoncide oil and their specific chemical components were introduced into suspensions of three microbial species: Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus oralis, and Candida albicans. Optical density was measured to determine the microbial growth in the presence of MPs for testing their antimicrobial activity. MPs at 5% (w/w) were mixed with dental polymers and dispersants to 3DP discs. These microbial species were then seeded onto the discs and incubated for 24 h. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of MP-containing 3DPs were evaluated by counting the colony-forming units (n=3). The biofilm formation on the 3DP was assessed by crystal violet staining assay (n=3). Microbial viability was determined using a live-dead staining and CLSM observation (n=3). Surface roughness and water contact angle were assessed (n=10). Cytotoxicity of MP-containing 3DPs for human gingival fibroblast was evaluated by MTT assay. MPs, particularly (-)-α-pinene, suppressed the growth of all tested microbial species. MP-containing 3DPs significantly reduced the colony count (P≤0.001) and biofilm formation (P≤0.009), of all tested microbial species. Both surface roughness (P