Enhanced mechanical properties, anti-biofilm activity, and cytocompatibility of a methacrylate-based polymer loaded with native multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

Resumo
Objectives: We aimed to optimize the mechanical and biological properties of a conventional methacrylate-based dental polymer by loading it with double- and triple-walled carbon nanotubes as growth (DTWCNTG). Methods: A formulation of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (mass ratio = 2:1) was mixed with DTWCNTG at concentrations of 0.0% (control), 0.001%, 0.005%, and 0.010%. The concentrations were physicochemical and morphologically evaluated, and antibacterial activity was assessed by seeding a Streptococcus mutans strain (ATCC 25175) on the experimental polymeric surfaces. Cellular survival and osteodifferentiation were evaluated in epithelial (HaCat) and preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1). Results: The 0.001% DTWCNTG concentration yielded higher compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, water sorption, and solubility than the control. The degree of conversion and color did not significantly change with a low amount of DTWCNTG incorporated into the polymer. Antibacterial activity significantly improved when tested on the 0.001% DTWCNTG discs. No groups showed cytotoxicity in a short-term analysis and adding DTWCNTG favored MC3T3-E1 mineralization over the control, particularly in the 0.001% formulation. Significance: The micro-addition of 0.001% DTWCNTG confers mechanical resistance, antimicrobial properties, and bioactivity to methacrylate-based polymers without significantly compromising color. Incorporating DTWCNTG improved dental composite properties and could be a biomodified material for minimally invasive procedures.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes, Methacrylate-based polymers, Dental resin composites, Antibacterial activity, Biomodification
Citação
RODRIGUES, R. A. A. et al. Enhanced mechanical properties, anti-biofilm activity, and cytocompatibility of a methacrylate-based polymer loaded with native multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, v. 136, artigo 105511, dez. 2022. Disponível em: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751616122004167>. Acesso em: 01 ago. 2023.