Use of cellulose nanofibers as a denture immersing solution

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) solution on the mechanical and biological properties of denture base resins (DBR). Two types of CNFs obtained from bamboo (BB) and needle-leaved (NB) trees were used in this study. We prepared 18 different CNF solutions based on their fibrillation (A-low, B-middle, and C-high) and concentration (0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 wt%). A heat-polymerized acrylic resin was used as DBR. The contact angles for each specimen were measured after immersion. The flexural properties of the immersed specimens, and the biological properties of the CNF solutions were examined. Specimens immersed in CNF-NB-C-0.05 wt% solution presented with the lowest contact angles. Specimens in CNF-NB-C and CNF-BB-A groups showed higher flexural modulus values. No cytotoxic or antimicrobial effects were observed for the CNF solutions. This study suggest that CNF solution may improve the surface wettability of the DBR without affecting its flexural property.

Potential of pure cellulose nanofibers as a denture base material

“…CNFs have potential for use as a denture base material, as they have excellent mechanical and chemical properties such as high strength, light weight, little deformation by heat, transparency, and easy surface modification [5]. Application of CNFs would be expected to improve the mechanical strength and weight of dental materials, and to introduce functionality, such as biocompatibility, and antibacterial and deodorant properties [6]. Therefore, the development of new "petroleum-free" dental materials using CNFs instead of acrylic resins would have a number of benefits.…”