Microstructure Characterisation and Identification of the Mechanical and Functional Properties of a New PMMA-ZnO Composite

Abstract

In this research work, we synthesised poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) enriched with 2 wt.% zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) through conventional heat polymerisation and characterised its microstructure. It was found that the distribution of ZnO nanoparticles was homogeneous through the volume of the PMMA. The mechanical testing of the PMMA-ZnO composite primarily included the determination of the compressive properties on real dentures, while density measurements were performed using a pycnometer. The testing of functional properties involved the identification of the colour of the new PMMA-ZnO composite, where pure PMMA acted as a control. In the second step, the PMMA-ZnO cytotoxicity assays were measured in vitro, which were shown to be similar to the control PMMA. Based on this, it could be concluded that the newly formed PMMA-ZnO composite did not induce direct or indirect cytotoxic effects in L929 cell cultures; therefore, according to ISO/DIN 10993-5:2009, this composite was categorised as non-cytotoxic.

Unraveling the Antibiofilm Activity of a New Nanogold Resin for Dentures and Epithesis

“…In addition to the influence of density on the porosity of PMMA, a higher density of the material means a heavier denture base. It is clear that dentures should be as light as possible, which is especially important for upper dentures [ 19 ]. In this respect, the similar density of PMMA and PMMA/AuNPs could be considered as a satisfactory characteristic of the modified PMMA.…”

“…It has been proven that silanized glass fiber improves flexural strength and biocompatibility [ 16 , 17 ], while decreasing porosity and the adherence of Candida albicans [ 18 ]. PMMA with incorporated zinc oxide nanoparticles has been shown to be biocompatible and has improved fractural strength [ 19 ]. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles incorporated into PMMA increase the compressive strength, viscoelastic strength and thermal conductivity of PMMA [ 20 , 21 ].…”

An in vitro study on the inhibition and ultrastructural alterations of Candida albicans biofilm by zinc oxide nanowires in a PMMA matrix

“…However, Alghsham et al (2019) demonstrated that exposure to ZnO-NWs may induce distinct inflammatory responses through phagocytic uptake. Rudolf et al (2020) concluded that the PMMA-ZnO-NPs did not induce direct or indirect cytotoxic effects in L929 cell cultures.…”

“…biofilms infections to improve clinical outcomes. Studies have revealed that dental base resin poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) has antimicrobial activity and improves mechanical and physical properties when metal nanoparticles (NPs) and oxide-metal-NPs were incorporated in monomers ( Li et al, 2016 , Cierech et al, 2016a De Matteis et al, 2019 , Rudolf et al, 2020 ). Nanowires (NWs) have the advantage of reinforcing the matrix due to winding of the polymer chains, increasing their dimensional stability and mechanical properties ( Rajaka et al, 2019 ).…”

“…However, PMMA-Ag-NP have also shown a brown discolouration of PMMA ( De Matteis et al, 2019 ). Rudolf et al (2020) reported that PMMA-ZnO-NPs had a brighter colour than PMMA.…”