Mechanical and microbiological characterization of the novel bioactive composites

Abstract

Recurrent caries are one of the main reasons for resin composite restorations failures. There is currently a need to develop improved and longer lasting dental restorative materials with the ability to self-heal while resisting recurrent caries via an antimicrobial effect. The current FAPESP regular grant, aims to develop a bioactive restorative composite with antimicrobial and remineralizing properties using chitosan nanospheres loaded with calcium phosphate. However, more studies are needed to improve our understanding of the mechanical properties, microstructure and mechano-biological performance of these novel restorative materials. Accordingly, the UNSW team aims to use their novel methodologies to evaluate the in vitro composite mechanical performance. Their unique methodology enables mechanical testing in a simulated oral-like environment, which includes the microbiological, physical, and chemical factors experienced in the oral environment. Moreover, the proposed collaboration with the FAPESP project will provide the UNSW team unique access to knowledge regarding chitosan nanosphere applications for dental materials. The nanotechnology, which can delivery not only calcium phosphate but several drugs and growth factors of interest, also has the potential to be transferred to different matrix materials, such as resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC), an area of current research interest to the UNSW team. (AU)