Incorporation of Copper-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanospheres in Experimental Dental Composites: Chemical and Mechanical Characterization

Abstract

Experimental dental resin composites incorporating copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (Cu-MBGN) were designed to impart antibacterial and remineralizing properties. The study evaluated the influence of Cu-MBGN on the mechanical properties and photopolymerization of resin composites. Cu-MBGN were synthesized using a microemulsion-assisted sol–gel method. Increasing amounts of Cu-MBGN (0, 1, 5, and 10 wt %) were added to the organic polymer matrix with inert glass micro- and nanofillers while maintaining a constant resin/filler ratio. Six tests were performed: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), Vickers microhardness (MH), and degree of conversion (DC). FS and MH of Cu-MBGN composites with silica fillers showed no deterioration with aging, with statistically similar results at 1 and 28 days. FM was not influenced by the addition of Cu-MBGN but was reduced for all tested materials after 28 days. The specimens with 1 and 5% Cu-MBGN had the highest FS, FM, MH, and DC values at 28 days, while controls with 45S5 bioactive glass had the lowest FM, FS, and MH. DC was high for all materials (83.7–93.0%). Cu-MBGN composites with silica have a potential for clinical implementation due to high DC and good mechanical properties with adequate resistance to aging.

Long-Term Assessment of Contemporary Ion-Releasing Restorative Dental Materials

“…In recent years, restorative dentistry has gradually shifted from "biocompatibility" to "bioactivity". With the advancement of minimally invasive dentistry, scientific interest in restorative materials with ion release also increases [1][2][3][4][5]. Restorative materials should possess anti-demineralizing and remineralizing properties to fight against caries while retaining their stability over time and resistance to occlusal load, thermal changes, and enzymatic influences in the oral cavity.…”

Impact of Copper-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanospheres on the Polymerisation Kinetics and Shrinkage Stress of Dental Resin Composites

“…Research on ion-releasing dental restorative materials is expanding. The term ‘bioactivity’ has increasingly been used in connection with dental restorative materials in original research over the past decade [ 1 , 2 ], and various attempts have been made to produce a strong and durable material with bioactive properties [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Adding Cu-MBGN improved the flexural strength and microhardness of the composites. Water immersion for 28 days did not reduce the flexural strength of experimental materials containing combined silanised silica particles and Cu-MBGN, but such stability was not observed for materials containing only Cu-MBGN [ 5 ].…”

Application of Copper Nanoparticles in Dentistry

“…Researchers may explore the controlled and optimum therapeutic release of copper ions for an optimum clinical outcome. A study reported copper-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanosphere-incorporated resin exhibited antimicrobial properties, mechanical properties, and a better aging resistance effect [ 81 ]. An etch-and-rinse adhesive with copper nanoparticles appeared to have antimicrobial activity and prevented the degradation of the adhesive interface without altering the mechanical properties [ 82 ].…”