Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA Dental Composite Resins Enriched with Quaternary Ammonium Polyethylenimine Nanoparticles

Abstract

Modification of dental monomer compositions with antimicrobial agents must not cause deterioration of the structure, physicochemical, or mechanical properties of the resulting polymers. In this study, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt.% quaternary ammonium polyethylenimine nanoparticles (QA-PEI-NPs) were obtained and admixed with a Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (60:40) composition. Formulations were then photocured and tested for their degree of conversion (DC), polymerization shrinkage (S), glass transition temperature (Tg), water sorption (WS), solubility (SL), water contact angle (WCA), flexural modulus (E), flexural strength (σ), hardness (HB), and impact resistance (an). We found that the DC, S, Tg, WS, E, and HB were not negatively affected by the addition of QA-PEI-NPs. Changes in these values rarely reached statistical significance. On the other hand, the SL increased upon increasing the QA-PEI-NPs concentration, whereas σ and an decreased. These results were usually statistically significant. The WCA values increased slightly, but they remained within the range corresponding to hydrophilic surfaces. To conclude, the addition of 1 wt.% QA-PEI-NPs is suitable for applications in dental materials, as it ensures sufficient physicochemical and mechanical properties.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Quaternary Ammonium Urethane-Dimethacrylate Monomers—A Pilot Study

“…The DC, as well as S, increased from QAUDMA-8 to QAUDMA-14, indicating that the DC was a decisive factor in the volumetric contraction. Other important factors influencing S, such as differences in monomer molecular dimensions, shape, and hydrophilicity [32], appeared to be less significant. Interestingly, the results for the DC did not correlate to the results for the η and T g , which are commonly regarded as factors that determine the DC in dimethacrylate systems [30].…”

The effect of quaternary ammonium polyethylenimine nanoparticles on bacterial adherence, cytotoxicity, and physical and mechanical properties of experimental dental composites

“…The development of antibacterial resin-based composites is one of the most important pathways of investigations regarding direct dental filling materials. In this study, QA-PEI-NPs synthesized with the previously described method 43 , 51 and characterized by an average size of 151 nm which was reported as optimal 43 were introduced into a representative bis-GMA-TEGDAM-UDMA matrix, finally compounded with two glass reinforcing fillers 52 .…”

“…The QA-PEI-NPs were synthesized with the method described by by Youdovin-Farber et al 44 with additional specifications described in details by Barszczewska-Rybarek 43 . The poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) was dissolved in distilled water in a flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer, thermometer and condenser.…”

“…Beyth et al and Yudovin-Farber et al 34 , 42 introduced up to 2 wt% of QA-PEI-NPs and reported no changes in cell viability after cytotoxicity tests. Barszczewska-Rybarek et al 43 conducted more complex investigations, where up to 2 wt% of QA-PEI-NPs was introduced into the resin mixture of 60 wt% bis-GMA and 40 wt% TEGDMA (no reinforcing fillers were used). They registered an increase in water solubility and contact angle, a decrease in flexural strength (57%) and impact resistance, however, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity were not tested.…”

Antibacterial Agents for Composite Resin Restorative Materials: Current Knowledge and Future Prospects

“…Most of these in vitro studies revealed a high antibacterial effect over time. An increase in solubility and a decrease in mechanical properties such as flexural strength were observed with concentrations above 1% [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Few in-vivo studies have been conducted to test these materials intraorally with similar observations found regarding a high wide-spectrum antibacterial effect [ 15 ].…”