The influence of copper-doped mesoporous bioactive nanospheres on the temperature rise during polymerization, polymer cross-linking density, monomer release and embryotoxicity of dental composites

• Published in: Dental materials 2024-07, Vol.40 (7), p.1078-1087
• Main Authors: Marovic, Danijela, Bota, Maria, Tarle, Frano, Par, Matej, Haugen, Håvard J., Zheng, Kai, Pavić, Dalibor, Miloš, Manuela, Čižmek, Lara, Babić, Sanja, Čož-Rakovac, Rozelindra, Trebše, Polonca, Boccaccini, Aldo R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioactive glass; Copper; Embryotoxicity; Mesoporous; Microhardness; Monomer release
• ISSN: 0109-5641; 1879-0097
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.05.012

Composites with copper-doped mesoporous bioactive nanospheres (Cu-MBGN) were developed to prevent secondary caries by imparting antimicrobial and ion-releasing/remineralizing properties. Seven experimental composites containing 1, 5 or 10 wt% Cu-MBGN, the corresponding inert controls (silica) and bioactive controls (bioactive glass 45S5) were prepared. The temperature rise during light curing, cross-linking density by ethanol softening test, monomer elution and their potential adverse effects on the early development of zebrafish Danio rerio was investigated. Materials combining Cu-MBGN and silica showed the highest resistance to ethanol softening, as did the bioactive controls. Cu-MBGN composites showed significant temperature rise and reached maximum temperature in the shortest time. Bisphenol A was not detected, while bis-GMA was found only in the control materials and TEGDMA in the eluates of all materials. There was no increase in zebrafish mortality and abnormality rates during exposure to the eluates of any of the materials. The composite with 5 wt% Cu-MBGN combined with nanosilica fillers showed the lowest ethanol softening, indicating the polymer's highest durability and cross-linking density. Despite the TEGDMA released from all tested materials, no embryotoxic effect was observed. [Display omitted] •composites with copper-doped mesoporous bioactive nanospheres were developed.•high and rapid rise in temperature occurred during polymerisation.•cross-linking density of polymer network did not correlate with monomer release.•only triethylene glycol dimethacrylate was released during 7 days in ethanol.•did not cause embryotoxicity or abnormalities in Danio rerio.