Development of calcium phosphate nanoparticles functionalized with acidic monomers for dental remineralization

Abstract

Calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles functionalization with ethylene glycol dimethacrylete derivatives does not reduce agglomeration. Therfore, alternative strategies are necessary in order to stabilize the nanoparticles and prevent agglomeration, while creating reactive sites to improve the interaction with the composite resin matrix. Citric acid has been used as nanoparticle stabilizer due to its three carboxylic groups, which increase the surface charge of the particles. Methacrylate monomers containing phosphoric acid groups also present one or two negatively charged sites, potentially capable of reducing nanoparticle agglomeration. This project has the purpose of investigating the effect of different organic functionalizing agents on CaP nanoparticles formation and test these particles as ion-releasing fillers in experimental resin-based composites. Experimental composites will be evaluated for mechanical properties, ion release and their efficacy in reducing mineral loss of enamel exposed to acidic challenge. The hypothesis is that negatively charged organic molecules (such as citric acid, acrylic acid and methacryloyloxyethyl phosphate) will contribute to reduce nanoparticle agglomeration, while those also presenting polymerizable vinyl groups (acrylic acid and MOEP) will present a stronger interaction with the composite resin matrix. DEGDMA will also be tested, as it has shown the most promising results on the undergoing project testing different EGDMA derivatives. (AU)