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Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior

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A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Dental Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 January 2024) | Viewed by 14564

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Prof. Dr. Nicoleta Ilie

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Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany
Interests: structure–property relationship in dental materials; characterization of materials; strategies for simplified restorative concepts; novel monomer; filler systems for dental materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Andrei Cristian Ionescu

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Oral Microbiology and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Interests: surface characterization of materials; mutual interactions of dental materials with oral biofilms; bioreactors for in vitro oral biofilm formation; bioactive materials for secondary caries prevention; hard tissue remineralization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Modern dental restorative materials strive to efficiently replace the tooth substance in terms of mechanical, esthetic, and microbiological behavior. These properties have historically been tailored in dental materials through chemical and microstructural modifications, often privileging some properties at the expense of others. In fact, due to its peculiarities, the oral environment is one of Earth’s most demanding places for any material. For this reason, oral biomaterials must possess excellent all-round properties to interact positively with the host and the biofilm that permanently colonizes it while maintaining such properties over time. The functionalization of well-known and clinically proven compounds is a possible answer provided by experimental biomaterials in recent years to simultaneously enable high compatibility with living tissue, imperceptible esthetic differences to tooth substance and necessary technical function, even after years of service.

Therefore, this Special Issue focuses on original research papers and comprehensive reviews dealing with recent developments in dental biomaterials that include the functionalization of fillers, monomers, powders, surfaces, or microstructural modifications aiming to enhance their interaction with the environment as well as mechanical function and esthetics.

Prof. Dr. Nicoleta Ilie
Prof. Dr. Andrei Cristian Ionescu
Guest Editors

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

resin composites
ceramics
functionalized monomers
functionalized fillers
oral biofilms
microbial adherence
biofilm formation
bioactivity
controlled release
toxicity
surface texturing
surface characterization
surface functionalization

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 6510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Functionalized Micron-Sized Glass Fibres for the Synergistic Effect of Glass Ionomer on Luting Material

by Hanan Alsunbul, Aftab Ahmed Khan, Yasser M. Alqahtani, Saeed Awod bin Hassan, Waleed Asiri, Selma Saadaldin, Rasha Alharthi and Alhanoof Aldegheishem

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(11), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14110550 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1200

Abstract

This laboratory experiment was conducted with the objective of augmenting the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC) via altering the composition of GIC luting powder through the introduction of micron-sized silanized glass fibres (GFs). Experimental GICs were prepared through the addition of two concentrations of GFs (0.5% and 1.0% by weight) to the powder of commercially available GIC luting materials. The effect of GF in set GIC was internally evaluated using micro-CT while the mechanical attributes such as nano hardness (nH), elastic modulus (EM), compressive strength (CS), and diametral tensile strength (DTS) were gauged. Additionally, the physical properties such as water solubility and sorption, contact angle (CA), and film thickness were evaluated. Reinforced Ketac Cem Radiopaque (KCR) GIC with 0.5 wt.% GF achieved improved nH, EM, CS, and DTS without affecting the film thickness, CA or internal porosity of the set GIC cement. In contrast, both GF-GIC formulations of Medicem (MC) GIC showed the detrimental effect of the GF incorporation. Reinforcing KCR GIC with 0.5 wt.% silanized GFs could improve the physical and mechanical attributes of luting material. Silanized GF, with optimal concentration within the GIC powder, can be used as a functional additive in KCR GIC with promising results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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15 pages, 3471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymer Mixtures for Experimental Self-Limited Dental Burs Development—A Preliminary Approach (Part 1)

by Radu Marcel Chisnoiu, Alexandrina Muntean, Ovidiu Păstrav, Andrea Maria Chisnoiu, Stanca Cuc, Laura Silaghi Dumitrescu, Mihaela Păstrav, Doina Prodan and Ada Gabriela Delean

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(9), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14090447 - 29 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1213

Abstract

Alternative techniques have been investigated for effectiveness in caries removal because conventional metallic dental burs can lead to an excessive loss of sound tissue. The aim of the present study is to realize a preliminary approach in obtaining effective polymer mixtures for polymeric bur development, capable of removing primary dental caries using combinations of polymers to ensure the requirements for such instruments, but also a greater compatibility with the teeth structure. This study assessed the main mechanical properties, water sorption, solubility and microscopic structure of four new polymer mixture recipes to provide essential features in obtaining experimental self-limited dental burs. Two mixtures have in their composition polymer mixtures of Bis-phenol A diglycidyl ether dimethacrylate/Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate/Urethane dimethacrylates (R1, R2), and two other mixtures have Bis-phenol A diglycidyl ether dimethacrylate/Polymethyl methacrylate/Methyl methacrylates (R3, R4). The incorporation of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix has become essential due to the need of polymer biocompatibility increasing along with teeth surface remineralization, so that the powder charge was added to four recipes, such as 5% glass with BaF₂ and 0.5% graphene with silver particles. All data sets were analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA test. R3, R4 showed higher compressive strength and diametrical compression values; these values increased when glass and graphene were added. Moreover, the addition of glass particles lead to an increase in flexural strength. Regarding the sorption, sample R3 had the most significant differences between day 69 and the rest of the investigation days, while the solubility varied at different intervals. From the mechanical evaluation, we could conclude that the Bis-GMA/PMMA/MMA mixtures fit the mechanical characteristics supported by polymer burs, following future studies regarding their use on the affected dentin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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20 pages, 21821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water-Induced Changes in Experimental Resin Composites Functionalized with Conventional (45S5) and Customized Bioactive Glass

by Alen Muradbegovic, Matej Par, Vlatko Panduric, Paula Zugec, Tobias T. Tauböck, Thomas Attin, Zrinka Tarle and Danijela Marovic

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(6), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14060298 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1085

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate microhardness, mass changes during 1-year water immersion, water sorption/solubility, and calcium phosphate precipitation of experimental composites functionalized with 5–40 wt% of two types of bioactive glass (BG): 45S5 or a customized low-sodium fluoride-containing formulation. Vickers microhardness was evaluated after simulated aging (water storage and thermocycling), water sorption and solubility were tested according to ISO 4049, and calcium phosphate precipitation was studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. For the composites containing BG 45S5, a significant reduction in microhardness was observed with increasing BG amount. In contrast, 5 wt% of the customized BG resulted in statistically similar microhardness to the control material, while higher BG amounts (20 and 40 wt%) resulted in a significant improvement in microhardness. Water sorption was more pronounced for composites containing BG 45S5, increasing 7-fold compared to the control material, while the corresponding increase for the customized BG was only 2-fold. Solubility increased with higher amounts of BG, with an abrupt increase at 20 and 40 wt% of BG 45S5. Calcium phosphate was precipitated by all composites with BG amounts of 10 wt% or more. The improved properties of the composites functionalized with the customized BG indicate better mechanical, chemical, and dimensional stability without compromising the potential for calcium phosphate precipitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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15 pages, 7085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Application Time of Silane for the Bonding Performance between Feldspar or Lithium Disilicate Ceramics and Luting Resin Composites

by Florian Fuchs, Sina Maria Westerhove, Leonie Schmohl, Andreas Koenig, Rujito Sesariojiwandono Ridho Suharbiansah, Sebastian Hahnel and Angelika Rauch

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(4), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14040231 - 19 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1568

Abstract

A correct silanization time is essential for successful surface functionalization and sufficient bonding to dental ceramics. The shear bond strength (SBS) of lithium disilicate (LDS) and feldspar (FSC) ceramics and luting resin composite was investigated with respect to different silanization times, taking into account the physical properties of the individual surfaces. The SBS test was performed with a universal testing machine, and the fracture surfaces were evaluated by stereomicroscopy. The surface roughness of the prepared specimens was analyzed after etching. Changes in surface properties due to surface functionalization were evaluated by surface free energy (SFE) via contact angle measurement. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine the chemical binding. The roughness and SBS of the control group (no silane, etched) were higher for FSC than for LDS. Regarding the SFE, the dispersive fraction increased and the polar fraction decreased after silanization. FTIR confirmed the presence of silane on the surfaces. The SBS of LDS showed a significant increase from 5 to 15 s, depending on the silane and luting resin composite. For FSC, cohesive failure was observed for all samples. For LDS specimens, a silane application time of 15 to 60 s is recommended. Based on clinical conditions, no difference between the silanization times was observed for FSC specimens, indicating that etching alone produces sufficient bonding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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16 pages, 3217 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Chemical and Structural Assessment of New Dental Composites with Graphene Exposed to Staining Agents

by Marioara Moldovan, Diana Dudea, Stanca Cuc, Codruta Sarosi, Doina Prodan, Ioan Petean, Gabriel Furtos, Andrei Ionescu and Nicoleta Ilie

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14030163 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1500

Abstract

Among the newest trends in dental composites is the use of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles to assure better cohesion of the composite and superior properties. Our research used GO to enhance several hydroxyapatite (HA) nanofiller distribution and cohesion in three experimental composites CC, GS, GZ exposed to coffee and red wine staining environments. The presence of silane A-174 on the filler surface was evidenced by FT-IR spectroscopy. Experimental composites were characterized through color stability after 30 days of staining in red wine and coffee, sorption and solubility in distilled water and artificial saliva. Surface properties were measured by optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, and antibacterial properties wer e assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A colour stability test revealed the best results for GS, followed by GZ, with less stability for CC. Topographical and morphological aspects revealed a synergism between GZ sample nanofiller components that conducted to the lower surface roughness, with less in the GS sample. However, surface roughness variation due to the stain was affected less than colour stability at the macroscopic level. Antibacterial testing revealed good effect against Staphylococcus aureus and a moderate effect against Escherichia coli. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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10 pages, 2368 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fracture and Fatigue of Dental Implants Fixtures and Abutments with a Novel Internal Connection Design: An In Vitro Pilot Study Comparing Three Different Dental Implant Systems

by Sung-Woon On, Sang-Min Yi, In-Young Park, Soo-Hwan Byun and Byoung-Eun Yang

J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040239 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1744

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical behaviors of three dental implant fixtures with different abutment connection designs. Three implant systems were studied: the control (BLX implant), test group 1 (TORX++ implant), and test group 2 (IU implant). Three samples from each group were subjected to static compression to fracture tests to determine the maximum fracture load, and twelve samples were exposed to fatigue tests that measured how many cycles the implants could endure before deformation or fracture. Detailed images of the implant–abutment assemblies were obtained using micro-computed tomography imaging, and fractured or deformed areas were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mean maximum breaking loads of 578.45 ± 42.46 N, 793.26 ± 57.43 N, and 862.30 ± 74.25 N were obtained for the BLX, TORX++, and IU implants, respectively. All samples in the three groups withstood 5 × 10⁶ cycles at 50% of the nominal peak value, and different fracture points were observed. All abutment connection designs showed suitable mechanical properties for intraoral use. Microscopic differences in the fracture patterns may be due to the differences in the fixture design or abutment connection, and mechanical complications could be prevented by lowering the overload reaching the implant or preventing peri-implantitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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19 pages, 51046 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

TEGDMA-Functionalized Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate Resin-Based Composites Prevent Secondary Caries in an In Vitro Biofilm Model

by Andrei Cristian Ionescu, Sebastian Hahnel, Marina D. S. Chiari, Andreas König, Paolo Delvecchio, Roberto Ruggiero Braga, Vanessa Zambelli and Eugenio Brambilla

J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040232 - 09 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of experimental TEGDMA-functionalized dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (T-DCPD) filler-based resin-based composites (RBC) in preventing caries lesions around the restoration margins (secondary caries, SC). Standardized Class-II cavities were made in sound molars with the cervical margin in dentin. Cavities were filled with a commercial resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) or experimental RBCs containing a bisGMA-TEGDMA resin blend and one of the following inorganic fractions: 60 wt.% Ba glass (RBC-0); 40 wt.% Ba glass and 20 wt.% T-DCPD (RBC-20); or 20 wt.% Ba glass and 40 wt.% T-DCPD (RBC-40). An open-system bioreactor produced Streptococcus mutans biofilm-driven SC. Specimens were scanned using micro-CT to evaluate demineralization depths. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy characterized the specimen surfaces, and antimicrobial activity, buffering effect, and ion uptake by the biofilms were also evaluated. ANOVA and Tukey’s tests were applied at p < 0.05. RBC-0 and RBC-20 showed SC development in dentin, while RBC-40 and RMGIC significantly reduced the lesion depth at the restoration margin (p < 0.0001). Initial enamel demineralization could be observed only around the RBC-0 and RBC-20 restorations. Direct antibiofilm activity can explain SC reduction by RMGIC, whereas a buffering effect on the acidogenicity of biofilm can explain the behavior of RBC-40. Experimental RBC with CaP-releasing functionalized T-DCPD filler could prevent SC with the same efficacy as F-releasing materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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14 pages, 2210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adhesion to a CAD/CAM Composite: Causal Factors for a Reliable Long-Term Bond

by Sandra M. Duma and Nicoleta Ilie

J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040217 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1118

Abstract

Computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has become an increasingly popular part of dentistry, which today also includes CAD/CAM resin-based composite (RBC) applications. Because CAD/CAM RBCs are much more difficult to bond, many methods and attachment materials are still being proposed, while the best application method is still a matter of debate. The present study therefore evaluates causal factors for a reliable long-term bond, which includes the surface preparation of the CAD/CAM RBC, aging and the type of luting material. The reliability of the bond was calculated, and supplemented by fractography to identify fracture mechanisms. Five categories of luting materials were used: (1) temporary zinc phosphate cement, (2) glass ionomer cement (GIC), (3) resin-modified GIC, (4) conventional adhesive resin cement (ARC), and (5) self-adhesive RC. Half of the CAD/CAM RBC surfaces (n = 200) were sandblasted (SB) with 50 µm aluminum oxide, while the other half remained untreated. Bond strength measurements of the 400 resulting specimens were carried out after 24 h (n = 200) or after additional aging (10,000 thermo-cycles between 5 and 55 °C) (n = 200). The data were statistically analyzed using one- and three-way ANOVA followed by Games-Howell post-hoc test (α = 0.05) and Weibull analysis. Aging resulted in a significant decrease in bond strength primarily for the conventional cements. The highest bond strengths and reliabilities were recorded for both ARCs. SB caused a significant increase in bond strength for most luting materials, but also caused microcracks in the CAD/CAM RBC. These microcracks might compromise the long-term reliability of the bond in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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17 pages, 6790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Acrylic Surface Preparation on Bonding Denture Teeth to Cellulose Fiber-Reinforced Denture Base Acrylic

by Joanna Taczała-Warga, Jacek Sawicki, Michał Krasowski and Jerzy Sokołowski

J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040183 - 10 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1697

Abstract

Patients who require dental prosthetic restoration using frame dentures in the front part of the mouth very frequently report that teeth fall out of their dentures. However, the available scientific papers are insufficient to compare the various methods of improving the connection between the denture base and the artificial tooth and choosing the best solution. This paper focuses on providing all parameters, enabling the reproduction of tests, and accounting for all variables. The paper uses an original method of creating grooves, sandpaper, sandblasting, and cutting the acrylate layer with a burr in one and two directions. Developed surfaces were additionally subjected to detailed examination. This study used 180 specimens divided into three groups and subjected to various environments (dry, artificial saliva, and thermocycles). Shearing and tensile strength tests were performed. The best results were obtained with a carbide burr. The increase in connection durability was as follows in the case of the shear test: 116.47% in dry samples, 155.38% in samples soaked in artificial saliva, and 46.59% in samples after thermocycles. The increase in tensile resistance was: 198.96% in a dry environment, 88.10% before being soaked in artificial saliva, and 94.04% after thermocycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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18 pages, 6796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Modern Universal-Chromatic and Bulk-Fill Resin-Based Composites Developed to Simplify Dental Restorative Procedures

by Nicoleta Ilie, Marioara Moldovan and Andrei C. Ionescu

J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040178 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1340

Abstract

One of the recent trends in the development of resin-based composites (RBCs) focuses on universal coloring to avoid time-consuming color matching and RBC layering for a clinically appropriate esthetic impact. We evaluated an experimental material for posterior restorations combining universal coloring with the possibility of bulk-fill placement. Clinically established materials were analyzed as a reference, including a bulk-fill and a universal chromatic RBC. Microstructural features were described using scanning electron microscopy and related to macroscopic and microscopic mechanical behavior. Standards to be met before market launch were supplemented by fractography, Weibull analysis, and aging behavior assessment. Quasi-static and viscoelastic behavior were evaluated on a microscopic scale, incorporating a large number of parameters and increasingly aggressive immersion media. All materials complied with the standard requirements even after aging. The latter had little impact on the measured parameters, except for strength. Strength, modulus of elasticity, and hardness parameters on the one hand and damping behavior on the other were mutually exclusive. Despite considerable differences in the microstructure and type of filler, an increased filler amount remained critical for better mechanical properties. The lower proportion of inorganic fillers was directly transferred to the elastic modulus values, which, in turn, restricts the experimental material in its clinical applications to smaller occlusal fillings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Dental Materials for Synergy in Mechanical, Aesthetic, and Microbiological Behavior)

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