Poly(methyl methacrylate) with TiO2 nanoparticles inclusion for stereolitographic complete denture manufacturing - the fututre in dental care for elderly edentulous patients?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to obtain a Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA)-TiO₂ nanocomposite material with improved antibacterial characteristics, suitable for manufacturing 3D printed dental prosthesis.

Methods: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 1, 2.5 by weight% of TiO₂ nanoparticles have been added to the commercially available stereolithographic PMMA material and the obtained nanocomposites have been analyzed using FTIR, SEM and also tested for antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial cultures from Candida species (C. scotti).

Results: SEM images and EDX results highlighted the presence of TiO₂ in PMMA nanocomposites. The elemental composition (EDX) also showed the presence of other fillers included in stereolithographic PMMA solution. FTIR analysis clearly revealed changes in polymeric matrix structure when adding TiO₂ nanoparticles. Sample containing 0.4, 1 and 2.5wt% TiO₂ nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Candida scotti strain in standard conditions according to the toxicity control method (DHA). Increasing quantity of nano-titania has resulted in particles fooling, forming new aggregates instead of the homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles with modified viscosity characteristics and expected lower mechanical parameters.

Conclusions: Significant improvements in polymer characteristics and nice dispersion of the TiO₂ nanoparticles have been noticed for 0.4wt%, therefore it was used for stereolitographic complete denture prototyping.

Clinical significance: Incorporation of TiO₂ nanoparticles in PMMA polymer matrix was proved to have antibacterial effects, specifically on Candida species. The newly obtained 0.4% nanocomposite was successfully used with stereolitographic technique for complete denture manufacturing. However, mechanical and biocompatibility tests need to be performed in order to extend the clinical usage.

Keywords: 3D printing; Antibacterial nanoparticles; Complete denture; Elderly patients; PMMA-TiO(2) nanocomposite.