Thiol-ene-methacrylate composites as dental restorative materials

Photochemically Driven Polymeric Biocompatible and Antimicrobial Thiol-Acrylate Nanocomposite Suitable for Dental Restoration

The development a photochemically driven polymeric composite for dental restorative materials to restore tooth cavities with antibacterial, biocompatibility, and outstanding mechanical properties is an urgent need for clinical application in stomatology. Herein, a series of polyurethane acrylate (PUA) prepolymers and antibacterial polyurethane acrylate quaternary ammonium salts (PUAQASs) were synthesized, and their mechanical and biological properties were explored. The unique secondary mercaptan with a long shelf life and low odor was used to reduce oxygen inhibition and increase cross-linking density; meanwhile, modified photocurable nano zirconia (nano ZrO₂) enhances mechanical properties of the nanocomposites and possesses preeminent dispersion in the matrix. The results show that minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of PUAQASs are 200 and 800 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The addition of secondary thiols significantly increases the photopolymerization rate and monomer conversion. The highest hardness and modulus reach 1.8 and 8.7 GPa compared to 1.8 and 8.3 GPa for commercial resin. The lap shear stress on the pig bone is 912 MPa, and that on commercial resin is 921 MPa. Most importantly, the photochemically driven polymeric composite has excellent biocompatibility and significantly better antimicrobial properties than commonly used commercial resins.

Development and Characterization of Oxidatively Responsive Thiol-Ene Networks for Bone Graft Applications

First metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) arthroplasty procedures are a common podiatric procedure. However, almost one-third of cases require revision surgeries because of nonunions. Revision or salvage surgery requires more extensive hardware and bone grafts to recreate the first metatarsal. Unfortunately, salvage surgeries have a similar rate of failure attributed to delayed healing, bone graft dissolution, and the lack of bone ingrowth. Furthermore, patients who suffer from neuropathic comorbidities such as diabetes suffer from a diminished healing capacity. An increase in proinflammatory factors and the high presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) present in diabetics are linked to lower fusion rates. To this end, there is a need for a clinically relevant bone graft to promote bone fusions in patients with neuropathic comorbidities. Incorporating thiol-ene networks for bone scaffolds has demonstrated increased osteogenic biomarkers over traditional polymeric materials. Furthermore, thiol-ene networks can act as antioxidants. Sulfide linkages within the network have an inherent ability to consume radical oxygen to create sulfoxide and sulfone groups. These unique properties of thiol-ene networks make them a promising candidate as bone grafts for diabetic patients. In this work, we propose a thiol-ene biomaterial to address the current limitations of MPJ fusion in diabetics by characterizing mechanical properties, degradation rates under accelerated conditions, and oxidative responsiveness under pathophysiologic conditions. We also demonstrated that thiol-ene-based materials could reduce the number of hydroxyl radicals associated with neuropathic comorbidities.

Developments in resin-based composites

With the phasing down of dental amalgam use in response to the Minamata Convention, it is likely that resin-based composite restoratives will be the dental material of choice for the direct restoration of compromised dentition in the UK, at least for the foreseeable future. The current materials have a finite lifespan, with failures predominately due to either secondary caries or fracture. Consequently, there is considerable in vitro research reported each year with the intention of producing improved materials. This review describes the recent research in materials designed to have low polymerisation shrinkage and increased mechanical properties. Also described is research into materials that are either antimicrobial or are designed to release ions into the surrounding oral environment, with the aim of stimulating remineralisation of the surrounding dental tissues. It is hoped that by describing this recent research, clinicians will be able to gain some understanding of the current research that will potentially lead to new products that they can use to improve patient treatment in the future.

Provides an overview of recent research developments aimed at improving the performance of resin-based composites.

Details the recent developments in monomers and fillers to produce resin-based composites that either have lower polymerisation shrinkage or better mechanical properties compared to current commercially available products.

Describes recent research on developing resin-based composites that can act as potential sources of antimicrobial or remineralising agents.

Core-shell structured SiO2@ZrO2@SiO2 filler for radiopacity and ultra-low shrinkage dental composite resins

To overcome the interfacial problem between X-ray radiopaque ZrO₂ fillers and polymer resin in dental composites, monodispersed SiO₂@ZrO₂@SiO₂ (SZS) microspheres with narrow size distribution were prepared by a controlled sol-gel method. In the presence of SiO₂ coating layer over SiO₂@ZrO₂ (SZ) microspheres, they were easily silanized same as SiO₂ microspheres. Ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) with a higher molecular weight and a lower viscosity was used as base resin monomer mixed with a low amount of diluent triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). Additionally, the addition of a small amount of pore agent acetone dicarboxylic acid (ADCA) produced some voids, thereby effectively reducing the polymerization shrinkage of the resin. The prepared dental composites combining 52 wt% monodispersed silica microsphere, 20 wt% SZS microspheres, exhibited significantly enhanced capacity in radiopacity (higher than tooth enamel) and very low shrinkage (<0.1%). It also has better mechanical properties than resin composites filled with SiO₂ microspheres, and its strength can meet practical applications. The properties of the radiopaque dental composite were to be further tuned by varying the amount of SZS microspheres contents, and the radiopaque resin has an advantage over the commercial one in that it is clinically nondestructive.

Photopolymerization shrinkage-stress reduction in polymer-based dental restoratives by surface modification of fillers

OBJECTIVES

This research explores the use of polymer brushes for surface treatment of fillers used in polymer-based dental restoratives with focus on shrinkage stress reduction. The influence of interfacial reactive groups on shrinkage stress is explored.

METHODS

Oligomers of varying lengths and with varying number of reactive groups along the length were synthesized by modifying commercial oligomers. Surface of silica fillers (OX50) was treated with methylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane and this was further reacted with the synthesized oligomers to obtain a series of polymer brushes on the surface. Fillers modified with γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane were used as a control. Filler surface treatment was confirmed using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Fillers were added at 30 wt % to a resin made of BisGMA/TEGDMA and polymerization kinetics, shrinkage stress, volumetric shrinkage, flexural strength and modulus, viscosity were measured.

RESULTS

Composites with polymer brush functionalized fillers showed up to a 30 % reduction in shrinkage stress as compared to the control, with no reduction in flexural strength and modulus. Shrinkage stress reduced with increasing length of the polymer brush and increased with increase in number of reactive groups along the length of the polymer brush.

SIGNIFICANCE

The interface between inorganic fillers and an organic polymer matrix has been utilized to reduce shrinkage stress in a composite with no compromise in mechanical properties. This study gives insights into the stress development mechanism at the interface.

Phosphonium Tetraphenylborate: A Photocatalyst for Visible-Light-Induced, Nucleophile-Initiated Thiol-Michael Addition Photopolymerization

A photoinitiation system that utilizes phosphonium tetraphenylborate as the key component was developed for the visible light-triggered nucleophile-catalyzed thiol-Michael addition reaction. This highly reactive catalyst was composed of a photocaged phosphine (methyldiphenylphosphonium tetraphenylborate, MDPP·HBPh₄), a photosensitizer (isopropylthioxanthone, ITX), and a radical scavenger (TEMPO). Unlike the prevailing photobase catalysts, this photoactivatable phosphine system triggers the thiol-Michael addition polymerization by a nucleophile-catalyzed mechanism and provides a controlled stoichiometric reaction between the thiol and the vinyl precursors. This approach enables the formation of homogeneous polymer networks upon low-energy visible light exposure and, thus, broadens its potential applications in bulk polymer materials synthesis and UV-sensitive bioscaffold formation.

Thiourethane-functionalized fillers: biological properties and degradation resistance

This study determined the effect of thiourethane-functionalized fillers (TU) on the antimicrobial properties, cytotoxicity, degree of conversion (DC), water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) of experimental composites. TU-modified fillers were added at different ratios in experimental composites: 0 (Control-TU0), 25% (TU25), 50% (TU50), 75% (TU75) and 100wt% (TU100). The antimicrobial properties were detected through the exhaustion test and counting of Streptococus mutans colonies for biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated in three different parameters: XTT (2,3-Bis-(2-Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulfophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide), NRU (Neutral Red Uptake assay) and CVDE (Crystal Violet Dye Exclusion test)) at the same cells. ELISA was used to measure the IL-6 and b-FGF biomarkers. DC was determined by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, while Wsp and Wsl by mass variations. Inhibitory capacity of biofilm formation was not observed for any material. All groups presented at least 70% of cell survival within the observed periods (24h and 7 days). Positive control (toxic) had high IL-6 values and low b-FGF values. No significant variations in DC, Wsp, and Wsl were observed among the experimental groups. The use of thiourethane did not present antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity and the tested materials presented equivalent properties to those conventionally used in dentistry.

Alkylborane-Initiated Thiol-Ene Networks for the Synthesis of Thick and Highly Loaded Nanocomposites

Thiol-ene nanocomposites were synthesized for the first time using an alkylborane-ligand initiator complex under bulk and ambient conditions without external light or thermal stimuli. Initiation was triggered by the in situ decomplexation of an air-stable trialkylborane-amine complex to liberate trialkylborane, which rapidly autoxidizes with atmospheric oxygen and generates free radicals to drive thiol-ene polymerization. This chemically activated mode of initiation uniquely affords thiol-ene nanocomposites with an unrivaled carbon nanotube (CNT) loading of 1.3 wt % and thicknesses of ∼6.7 mm by circumventing restrictions imposed by long pathlengths and light-impeding fillers during photoinitiation. Alkylborane initiation also exhibited advantageous polymerization rates, equivalent to photoinitiation, resulting in network formation and gelation within minutes. Systematic studies were conducted to evaluate comparable alkylborane- and photo-initiated nanocomposites under progressively higher loadings and larger specimen thicknesses, revealing an enhancement or better retainment of mechanical performance in alkylborane-initiated nanocomposites.

Nanogel-Based Filler-Matrix Interphase for Polymerization Stress Reduction

A novel filler-resin matrix interphase structure was developed and evaluated for dental composite restoratives. Nanogel additives were chemically attached to the filler surface to use this created interphase as a potential source of compliance to minimize stress development during polymerization. In addition, we evaluated the effects of free nanogel dispersion into the resin matrix, combined or not with nanogel-modified fillers. Nanogels with varied characteristics were synthesized (i.e., size, 5 and 11 nm; glass transition temperature, 28 °C to 65 °C). Glass fillers were treated with trimethoxyvinylsilane and further reacted with thiol-functionalized nanogels via a free radical thiol-ene reaction. γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane-surface treated fillers were used as a control. Composites were formulated with BisGMA/TEGDMA resin blend with 60 wt% fillers with nanogel-modified fillers and/or free nanogel additives at 15 wt% in the resin phase. Polymerization kinetics, polymerization stress, volumetric shrinkage, and rheological and mechanical properties were evaluated to provide comprehensive characterization. Nanogel-modified fillers significantly reduced the polymerization stress from 2.2 MPa to 1.7 to 1.4 MPa, resulting in 20% stress reduction. A significantly greater nanogel content was required to generate the same magnitude stress reduction when the nanogels were dispersed only in the resin phase. When the nanogel-modified filler surface treatment and resin-dispersed nanogel strategies were combined, there was a stress reduction of 50% (values of 1.2 to 1.1 MPa). Polymerization rate and volumetric shrinkage were significantly reduced for systems with nanogel additives into the resin. Notably, the flexural modulus of the materials was not compromised, although a slight reduction in flexural strength associated with the nanogel-modified interphase was observed. Overall, modest amounts of free nanogel additives in the resin phase can be effectively combined with a limited nanogel content filler-resin interphase to lower volumetric shrinkage and dramatically reduce overall polymerization stress of composites.

Antimicrobial Thiol-ene-acrylate Photosensitive Resins for DLP 3D Printing

Designing digital light processing (DLP) 3D printable photosensitive resins with antibacterial properties is especially vital because of their potential applications in various biomedical fields. In this contribution, a thiol-ene-acrylate ternary system with reduced volume shrinkage and fast photopolymerization rate was chosen as the antibacterial 3D printing matrix resin. Two quaternary ammonium salt-type antibacterial agents (QAC and SH-QAC) with different molecular weight were designed and prepared, which can participate in the curing of matrix resin to achieve contact antibacterial effect. The effects of antibacterial agent content on the photopolymerization kinetics and on thermal and mechanical properties were discussed in detail. When the amount of added QAC is 4wt%, the antibacterial rate is almost 100% for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and when the amount of SH-QAC is 10wt%, the antibacterial rate against S. aureus is also essentially 100%. Both antibacterial photosensitive resins have been successfully applied in DLP technology to fabricate tooth model with high precision.

An Overview of Dental Adhesive Systems and the Dynamic Tooth-Adhesive Interface

From the conception of resin-enamel adhesion to today's contemporary dental adhesive systems, clinicians are no longer afraid of exploring the many advantages brought by adhesive restorative concepts. To maximize the performance of adhesive-based restorative procedures, practitioners must be familiar with the mechanism of adhesion, clinical indications, proper handling, the inherent limitations of the materials and the biological challenges. This review provides an overview of the current status of restorative dental adhesives, their mechanism of adhesion, mechanisms of degradation of dental adhesive interfaces, how to maximize performance, and future trends in adhesive dentistry.

Polymerization shrinkage stress of resin-based dental materials: A systematic review and meta-analyses of composition strategies

PURPOSE

A systematic review was conducted to determine whether there were composition strategies available to reduce and control polymerization shrinkage stress development in resin-based restorative dental materials.

DATA SOURCES

This report was reported in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Two reviewers performed a literature search up to December 2016, without restriction of the year of publication, in seven databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, IBECS, and BBO.

STUDY SELECTION

Only laboratory studies that evaluated polymerization shrinkage stress by direct testing were included. Pilot studies, reviews and in vitro studies that evaluated polymerization shrinkage stress by indirect methods (e.g., microleakage or cuspal deflection measurements), finite elemental analysis, or theoretical and mathematical models were excluded. Of the 6113 eligible articles, 62 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and the meta-analysis was performed with 58 studies. The composition strategy was subdivided according to the modified part of the material: filler phase, coupling agent, or resin matrix. A global comparison was performed with random-effects models (α = 0.05). The only subgroup that did not show a statistical difference between the alternative strategy and the control was 'the use of alternative photo-initiators' (p = 0.29).

CONCLUSION

Modification of the resin matrix made the largest contribution to minimizing stress development. The technology used for decreasing stress in the formulation of low-shrinkage and bulk-fill materials was shown to be a promising application for reducing and controlling stress development.

Dental Restorative Materials Based on Thiol-Michael Photopolymerization

Step-growth thiol-Michael photopolymerizable resins, constituting an alternative chemistry to the current methacrylate-based chain-growth polymerizations, were developed and evaluated for use as dental restorative materials. The beneficial features inherent to anion-mediated thiol-Michael polymerizations were explored, such as rapid photocuring, low stress generation, ester content tunability, and improved mechanical performance in a moist environment. An ester-free tetrafunctional thiol and a ultraviolet-sensitive photobase generator were implemented to facilitate thiol-Michael photopolymerization. Thiol-Michael resins of varied ester content were fabricated under suitable light activation. Polymerization kinetics and shrinkage stress were determined with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with tensometery measurements. Thermomechanical properties of new materials were evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis and in 3-point bending stress-strain experiments. Photopolymerization kinetics, polymerization shrinkage stress, glass transition temperature, flexural modulus, flexural toughness, and water sorption/solubility were compared between different thiol-Michael systems and the BisGMA/TEGDMA control. Furthermore, the mechanical performance of 2 thiol-Michael composites and a control composite were compared before and after extensive conditioning in water. All photobase-catalyzed thiol-Michael polymerization matrices achieved >90% conversion with a dramatic reduction in shrinkage stress as compared with the unfilled dimethacrylate control. One prototype of ester-free thiol-Michael formulations had significantly better water uptake properties than the BisGMA/TEGDMA control system. Although exhibiting relatively lower Young's modulus and glass transition temperatures, highly uniform thiol-Michael materials achieved much higher toughness than the BisGMA/TEGDMA control. Moreover, low-ester thiol-Michael composite systems show stable mechanical performance even after extensive water treatment. Although further resin/curing methodology optimization is required, the photopolymerized thiol-Michael prototype resins can now be recognized as promising candidates for implementation in composite dental restorative materials.

Polymer-Based Direct Filling Materials

After a brief review of current restorative materials and classifications, this article discusses the latest developments in polymer-based direct filling materials, with emphasis on products and studies available in the last 10 years. This will include the more recent bulk fill composites and self-adhesive materials, for which clinical evidence of success, albeit somewhat limited, is already available. The article also introduces the latest cutting edge research topics on new materials for composite restorations, and an outlook for the future of how those may help to improve the service life of dental composite restorations.

Impact of thio-urethane additive and filler type on light-transmission and depth of polymerization of dental composites

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effects of filler type and the addition of thio-urethane oligomers on light-transmission, polymerization kinetics and depth of cure of resin composites.

METHODS

BisGMA:UDMA:TEGMA (5:3:2wt%) were mixed with 0 (control) or 20wt% thio-urethane. Fillers with various sizes and refractive indices were included and refractive index (RI) measured. Unfilled resins were used as controls. The RIs of materials were measured before and after polymerization. The irradiance reaching the bottom of 3-mm thick specimens was measured during the polymerization. Degree of conversion to a depth of 5mm was mapped. An optical bench was used to simultaneously follow conversion and light transmission.

RESULTS

The addition of thio-urethane increased the RI for all composites. As expected, RI also increased with conversion for all materials. The one exception was for the material filled with OX-50, in which the RI of the composite decreased with conversion. In this case, the irradiance at the bottom of the 3mm specimen was also the lowest among all groups. The addition of thio-urethanes had only minimal effect on light transmission within a filler type, but led to increased conversion in depth for all groups. The filler type itself had a greater effect on light transmission, and that correlated well with the degree of conversion.

SIGNIFICANCE

The effect of the thio-urethane addition on degree of conversion in depth was dependent on filler type. The additive can be tailored to improve the RI match with the filler to optimize light transmission in dental composites.

Delayed photo-activation and addition of thio-urethane: Impact on polymerization kinetics and stress of dual-cured resin cements

OBJECTIVE

1) to determine the moment during the redox polymerization reaction of dual cure cements at which to photo-activate the material in order to reduce the polymerization stress, and 2) to evaluate possible synergistic effects between adding chain transfer agents and delayed photo-activation.

METHODS

The two pastes of an experimental dual-cure material were mixed, and the polymerization kinetics of the redox phase was followed. The moment when the material reached its maximum rate of redox polymerization (MRRP) of cement was determined. The degree of conversion (DC) and maximum rates of polymerization (Rp_max) were assessed for materials where: the photoactivation immediately followed material mixing, at MRRP, 1min before and 1min after MRRP. Thio-urethane (TU) additives were synthesized and added to the cement (20% wt), which was then cured under the same conditions. The polymerization kinetics was evaluated for both cements photo-activated immediately or at MRRP, followed by measurements of polymerization stress, flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (EM). Knoop hardness was measured before and after ethanol storage.

RESULTS

Photo-activating the cement at or after MRRP reduced the Rp_max and the polymerization stress. Addition of TU promoted additional and more significant reduction, while not affecting the Rp_max. Greater hardness loss was observed for cements with TU, but the final hardness was similar for all experimental conditions. Addition of TU slightly reduced the EM and did not affect the FS.

CONCLUSION

Delayed photo-activation and addition of TU significantly reduce the polymerization stress of dual-cured cements.

New Resins for Dental Composites

Restorative composites have evolved significantly since they were first introduced in the early 1960s, with most of the development concentrating on the filler technology. This has led to improved mechanical properties, notably wear resistance, and has expanded the use of composites to larger posterior restorations. On the organic matrix side, concerns over the polymerization stress and the potential damage to the bonded interface have dominated research in the past 20 y, with many "low-shrinkage" composites being launched commercially. The lack of clinical correlation between the use of these materials and improved restoration outcomes has shifted the focus more recently to improving materials' resistance to degradation in the oral environment, caused by aqueous solvents and salivary enzymes, as well as biofilm development. Antimicrobial and ester-free monomers have been developed in the recent past, and evidence is mounting for their potential benefit. This article reviews literature on the newest materials currently on the market and provides an outlook for the future developments needed to improve restoration longevity past the average 10 y.

Photochemically Driven Polymeric Network Formation: Synthesis and Applications

Polymeric networks have been intensely investigated and a large number of applications have been found in areas ranging from biomedicine to materials science. Network fabrication via light-induced reactions is a particularly powerful tool, since light provides ready access to temporal and spatial control, opening an array of synthetic access routes for structuring the network geometry as well as functionality. Herein, the most recent light-induced modular reactions and their use in the formation of precision polymeric networks are collated. The synthetic strategies including photoinduced thiol-based reactions, Diels-Alder systems, and photogenerated reactive dipoles, as well as photodimerizations, are discussed in detail. Importantly, applications of the fabricated networks via the aforementioned reactions are highlighted with selected examples. Concomitantly, we provide future directions for the field, emphasizing the most critically required advances.

Quaternary ammonium-based biomedical materials: State-of-the-art, toxicological aspects and antimicrobial resistance

Microbial infections affect humans worldwide. Many quaternary ammonium compounds have been synthesized that are not only antibacterial, but also possess antifungal, antiviral and anti-matrix metalloproteinase capabilities. Incorporation of quaternary ammonium moieties into polymers represents one of the most promising strategies for preparation of antimicrobial biomaterials. Various polymerization techniques have been employed to prepare antimicrobial surfaces with quaternary ammonium functionalities; in particular, syntheses involving controlled radical polymerization techniques enable precise control over macromolecular structure, order and functionality. Although recent publications report exciting advances in the biomedical field, some of these technological developments have also been accompanied by potential toxicological and antimicrobial resistance challenges. Recent evidenced-based data on the biomedical applications of antimicrobial quaternary ammonium-containing biomaterials that are based on randomized human clinical trials, the golden standard in contemporary medicinal science, are included in the present review. This should help increase visibility, stimulate debates and spur conversations within a wider scientific community on the implications and plausibility for future developments of quaternary ammonium-based antimicrobial biomaterials.

Bactericidal dental nanocomposites containing 1,2,3-triazolium-functionalized POSS additive prepared through thiol-ene click polymerization

OBJECTIVE

Deterioration of mechanical strength for the dental composite containing ionic bactericidal compounds restricts the widespread utilization of this class of useful materials. This problem is originated from the reduction of the intermolecular interaction of polymeric network due to plasticization effect of absorbed water molecules penetrated between the chain segments. The main goal of this study is the synthesis of the highly efficient bactericidal additive with low hydrophilicity and consequently the least adverse effect on the final mechanical strength of the dental composite.

METHODS

The bactericidal 1, 2, 3-triazolium functional groups were chemically anchored on the surface of hydrophobic POSS nanoparticles (Triazolium-POSS) and incorporated into a dental restorative system composed of a ternary thiol-allyl ether-methacrylate resin and glass fillers. A similar system was also prepared, in which the POSS additive was replaced with quaternized dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate monomer (DMAEMA-BC). The chemical structure of POSS derivatives was evaluated by ¹HNMR and FTIR spectra. The water uptake of dental composites was evaluated at days 1 and 14 after immersion into water. The bactericidal activity of composite specimens against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668) was determined based on ASTM E 2180 - 07. The flexural properties of samples were investigated through three-point bending assay and the shrinkage-strain of photo-cured resins was measured using the bonded-disk technique. The degree of conversion (DC %) of methacrylate functions was followed by FTIR spectroscopy. MTT assay was performed to investigate the cytocompatibility of samples.

RESULTS

Regardless of the partial increase in water uptake for Triazolium-POSS-containing sample, this parameter was much favor than the composite made from DMAEMA-BC. Therefore, the lower decline in flexural properties was recorded under the wet condition for the former system. Incorporation of Triazolium-POSS had no significant effect on shrinkage strain and cytocompatibility of composite specimen, meanwhile, a higher degree of conversion of methacrylate functional groups was recorded. The Triazolium-POSS-containing nano composite showed significantly higher bactericidal activity against Streptococcus mutans than another studied model system.

SIGNIFICANCE

The new derivative of bactericidal POSS nanoparticles decorated with 1, 2, 3-Triazolium moieties is a highly efficient bactericidal compound. If Triazolium-POSS is incorporated into a proper dental resin formulation, it can provide a strong bactericidal activity for dental materials; in the meantime, it leads to minimum deterioration of their mechanical strength due to its low water uptake.

Characterization of methacrylate-based composites containing thio-urethane oligomers

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of thio-urethane oligomers to improve the properties of restorative composite resins.

METHODS

Oligomers were synthesized by combining 1,6-hexanediol-diissocyante (aliphatic) with pentaerythritol tetra-3-mercaptopropionate (PETMP) or 1,3-bis(1-isocyanato-1-methylethyl)benzene (aromatic) with trimethylol-tris-3-mercaptopropionate (TMP), at 1:2 isocyanate:thiol, leaving pendant thiols. Oligomers were added at 0-20 wt% to BisGMA-TEGDMA (70-30 wt%). Silanated inorganic fillers were added (70 wt%). Materials were photoactivated at 800 mW/cm(2) filtered to 320-500 nm. Near-IR was used to follow degree of methacrylate conversion (DC). Mechanical properties were evaluated in three-point bending with 2 mm × 2 mm × 25 mm bars for flexural strength/modulus and toughness (FS/E, and T) according to ISO 4049, and 2 mm × 5 mm × 25 mm notched specimens for fracture toughness (KIC). Polymerization stress (PS) was measured on the Bioman. Results were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey's test (α=5%).

RESULTS

Significant increase in DC was observed in thio-urethane-containing materials especially for the group with 20 wt% of aliphatic version. Materials composed by oligomers also promoted higher FS, E, and KIC in comparison to controls irrespective of thio-urethane type. A significant increase in toughness was detected by ANOVA, but not distinguished in the groups. The PS was significantly reduced by the presence of thio-urethane for almost all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of thio-urethane oligomer to compose methacrylate-based restorative composite promote increase in DC, FS, E and KIC while significant reduces PS.

SIGNIFICANCE

A simple additive was shown to reduce stress while increasing convrersion and mechanical properties, mainly fracture toughness. This has he potential of increasing the service life of dental composites, without changing current operatory procedures.

Toughening of photo-curable polymer networks: a review

This review surveys relevant scientific papers and patents on the development of crosslinked epoxies and also photo-curable polymers based on multifunctional acrylates with improved toughness.

Preparation of Dental Resins Resistant to Enzymatic and Hydrolytic Degradation in Oral Environments

The short average service life of traditional dental composite restorative materials and increasing occurrence of secondary caries adjacent to composite restorations and sealants are necessitating the development of new, longer lasting compositions. Novel monomers and their polymers, reinforcing fillers, and adhesive components are needed. The goal of this research is to develop resin systems for use in restorations, sealants, and other dental services that are superior in properties and endurance to currently used bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA/TEGDMA) and urethane-dimethacrylate products. Ether-based monomers and their polymers that were not susceptible to enzymatic or hydrolytic degradation were prepared and characterized. They showed no degradation under hydrolytic and enzymatic challenges, whereas the hydrolysis of ester links weakened contemporary resins within 16 days under these challenges. The success of the ether-based materials is promising in making durable systems that are subjected to long-term biochemical and hydrolytic challenges in oral environments.

Visible light cure characteristics of a cycloaliphatic polyester dimethacrylate alternative oligomer to bisGMA

Objective: The goal of this study was to characterize the light curing characteristics of a new oligomer PEM-665 designed to be used as an alternative monomer to BisGMA.

Materials and methods: PEM-665 (P) and BisGMA (B) solutions were prepared with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (T) diluent in different weight proportions (70/30 and 50/50). Solutions containing 70% P and 30% T were designated as 70PT, 70%B and 30%T as 70BT, 50%P and 50%T as 50PT and 50%B and 50%T as 50BT. The initiators were CQ (EDMAB was used as amine accelerator for CQ) and DPO in 1% concentration. Eight solutions were prepared in a factorial design: 70PT/DPO; 70PT/CQ; 50PT/DPO; 50PT/CQ; 70BT/DPO; 70BT/CQ; 50BT/DPO; 50BT/CQ. BISCO VIP visible light was used to cure the monomer solutions using 30 s exposure time and 400 W power setting. TA Instruments Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC 2910) was used to determine the heat of cure (J/g) during polymerization at 37 °C, from which molar heat of cure (kJ/mole) and %Conversion values were estimated.

Results: Range of mean values as a function monomer selections were: heat of cure (J/g): 161.7 for 70PT/DPO system to 198.6 for 50BT/CQ system; molar heat of cure (kJ/mole): 67.3 for 70BT/DPO to 78.86 for 50PT/CQ; % conversion: 59.9 for 70BT/DPO to 70.3 for 50PT/CQ. Analysis of variance and Tukey HSD pairwise contrast showed statistically significant differences between % conversion means of PEM and BisGMA mixtures, with PEM mixtures showing significantly higher mean values.

Conclusions: The results suggest that PEM-665 is a promising candidate material for dental polymer applications.

Ester-free Thiol-X Resins: New Materials with Enhanced Mechanical Behavior and Solvent Resistance

A series of thiol-Michael and radical thiol-ene network polymers were successfully prepared from ester-free as well as ester-containing monomer formulations. Polymerization reaction rates, dynamic mechanical analysis, and solvent resistance experiments were performed and compared between compositions with varied ester loading. The incorporation of ester-free alkyl thiol, vinyl sulfone and allylic monomers significantly improved the mechanical properties when compared with commercial, mercaptopropionate-based thiol-ene or thiol-Michael networks. For polymers with no hydrolytically degradable esters, glass transition temperatures (Tg's) as high as 100 °C were achieved. Importantly, solvent resistance tests demonstrated enhanced stability of ester-free formulations over PETMP-based polymers, especially in concentrated basic solutions. Kinetic analysis showed that glassy step-growth polymers are readily formed at ambient conditions with conversions reaching 80% and higher.

Thio-urethane oligomers improve the properties of light-cured resin cements

Thio-urethanes were synthesized by combining 1,6-hexanediol-diissocyante (aliphatic) with pentaerythritol tetra-3-mercaptopropionate (PETMP) or 1,3-bis(1-isocyanato-1-methylethyl)benzene (aromatic) with trimethylol-tris-3-mercaptopropionate (TMP), at 1:2 isocyanate:thiol, leaving pendant thiols. Oligomers were added at 10-30 phr to BisGMA-UDMA-TEGDMA (5:3:2, BUT). 25 wt% silanated inorganic fillers were added. Commercial cement (Relyx Veneer, 3M-ESPE) was also evaluated with 10-20 phr of aromatic oligomer. Near-IR was used to follow methacrylate conversion (DC) and rate of polymerization (Rpmax). Mechanical properties were evaluated in three-point bending (ISO 4049) for flexural strength/modulus (FS/FM, and toughness), and notched specimens (ASTM Standard E399-90) for fracture toughness (KIC). Polymerization stress (PS) was measured on the Bioman. Volumetric shrinkage (VS, %) was measured with the bonded disk technique. Results were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey's test (α=5%). In general terms, for BUT cements, conversion and mechanical properties in flexure increased for selected groups with the addition of thio-urethane oligomers. The aromatic versions resulted in greater FS/FM than aliphatic. Fracture toughness increased by two-fold in the experimental groups (from 1.17 ± 0.36 MPam(1/2) to around 3.23 ± 0.22 MPam(1/2)). Rpmax decreased with the addition of thio-urethanes, though the vitrification point was not statistically different from the control. VS and PS decreased with both oligomers. For the commercial cement, 20 phr of oligomer increased DC, vitrification, reduced Rpmax and also significantly increased KIC, and reduced PS and FM. Thio-urethane oligomers were shown to favorably modify conventional dimethacrylate networks. Significant reductions in polymerization stress were achieved at the same time conversion and fracture toughness increased.

Assessments of antibacterial and physico-mechanical properties for dental materials with chemically anchored quaternary ammonium moieties: thiol-ene-methacrylate vs. conventional methacrylate system

OBJECTIVE

Fabrication of low shrinkage stress and strain dental resins containing highly available immobilized bactericidal moieties has been reported. The goal of this study is producing dental restorative materials with long-last antibacterial activity and reduced secondary caries. It is anticipated that antibacterial properties of quaternary ammonium moieties chemically immobilized in the backbone of dental resins is directly depended on accessibility of these functions. In the present study the antibacterial effect of a series of antibacterial monomers polymerized in a ternary thiol-ene-methacrylate system were compared with corresponding classical methacrylate system against Streptococcus mutans (an oral bacteria Strain). Physical and mechanical properties of dental materials obtained from these two systems were also evaluated and compared.

METHODS

The viscosities of the resin matrixes were measured on a MCR 300 rheometer. Degree of conversion (DC%) of monomers was measured using FTIR spectroscopy. The shrinkage-strain of photocured resins was measured using the bonded-disk technique. A universal testing machine combined with a stress measurement device was utilized to measure the polymerization-induced shrinkage stress. Viscoelastic properties of the samples were also determined by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Assessment of antibacterial properties was performed through agar diffusion test (AD) to confirm non-release behavior of chemically anchored moieties. Quantitative assay of antibacterial activity was evaluated through direct contact test (DCT) against S. mutans. Direct contact cytotoxicity assay with fibroblast cell line L-929 was also performed to find more insight regarding cytotoxicity of the antibacterial matrixes. The data were analyzed and compared by ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (significance level=0.05).

RESULTS

Neat methacrylate systems had significantly higher viscosity than thiol-ene-methacrylate analogous. The degree of conversion of methacrylate moieties in thiol-ene-methacrylate system was improved in comparison to conventional methacrylate system. Shrinkage stress and strain of thiol-ene-methacrylate system was lower than the neat methacrylate system. The thiol-ene-methacrylate systems show increased homogeneity and decreased glass transition temperature (Tg) and crosslink density (νc) in comparison to the neat methacrylate-based resins. The incorporated monofuctional quaternized monomer reduces degree of conversion, shrinkage stress and crosslink density of matrix. The results showed significant improvement in antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of dental materials obtained from thiol-ene polymerization system.

SIGNIFICANCE

It was shown that with proper control of monomers molar ratio, significant improvement in antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility as well as acceptable mechanical properties can be attained for dental resins prepared through the application of thiol-ene polymerization methodology.

Photo-cross-linked poly(thioether-co-carbonate) networks derived from the natural product quinic acid

Polycarbonate networks derived from the natural product quinic acid that can potentially return to their natural building blocks upon hydrolytic degradation are described herein. Solvent-free thiol-ene chemistry was utilized in the copolymerization of tris(alloc)quinic acid and a variety of multifunctional thiol monomers to obtain poly(thioether-co-carbonate) networks with a wide range of achievable thermomechanical properties including glass transition temperatures from -18 to +65 °C and rubbery moduli from 3.8 to 20 MPa. The network containing 1,2-ethanedithiol expressed an average toughness at 25 and 63 °C of 1.08 and 2.35 MJ/m(3), respectively, and an order-of-magnitude increase in the average toughness at 37 °C of 15.56 MJ/m(3).

Thio-urethanes improve properties of dual-cured composite cements

This study aims at modifying dual-cure composite cements by adding thio-urethane oligomers to improve mechanical properties, especially fracture toughness, and reduce polymerization stress. Thiol-functionalized oligomers were synthesized by combining 1,3-bis(1-isocyanato-1-methylethyl)benzene with trimethylol-tris-3-mercaptopropionate, at 1:2 isocyanate:thiol. Oligomer was added at 0, 10 or 20 wt% to BisGMA-UDMA-TEGDMA (5:3:2, with 25 wt% silanated inorganic fillers) or to one commercial composite cement (Relyx Ultimate, 3M Espe). Near-IR was used to measure methacrylate conversion after photoactivation (700 mW/cm(2) × 60s) and after 72 h. Flexural strength and modulus, toughness, and fracture toughness were evaluated in three-point bending. Polymerization stress was measured with the Bioman. The microtensile bond strength of an indirect composite and a glass ceramic to dentin was also evaluated. Results were analyzed with analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). For BisGMA-UDMA-TEGDMA cements, conversion values were not affected by the addition of thio-urethanes. Flexural strength/modulus increased significantly for both oligomer concentrations, with a 3-fold increase in toughness at 20 wt%. Fracture toughness increased over 2-fold for the thio-urethane modified groups. Contraction stress was reduced by 40% to 50% with the addition of thio-urethanes. The addition of thio-urethane to the commercial cement led to similar flexural strength, toughness, and conversion at 72h compared to the control. Flexural modulus decreased for the 20 wt% group, due to the dilution of the overall filler volume, which also led to decreased stress. However, fracture toughness increased by up to 50%. The microtensile bond strength increased for the experimental composite cement with 20 wt% thio-urethane bonding for both an indirect composite and a glass ceramic. Novel dual-cured composite cements containing thio-urethanes showed increased toughness, fracture toughness and bond strength to dentin while demonstrating reduced contraction stress. All of these benefits are derived without compromising the methacrylate conversion of the resin component. The modification does not require changing the operatory technique.

Investigations of thiol-modified phenol derivatives for the use in thiol-ene photopolymerizations

Thiol–ene photopolymerizations gain a growing interest in academic research. Coatings and dental restoratives are interesting applications for thiol–ene photopolymerizations due to their unique features. In most studies the relative flexible and hydrophilic ester derivative, namely pentaerythritoltetra(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP), is investigated as the thiol component. Thus, in the present study we are encouraged to investigate the performance of more hydrophobic ester-free thiol-modified bis- and trisphenol derivatives in thiol–ene photopolymerizations. For this, six different thiol-modified bis- and trisphenol derivatives exhibiting four to six thiol groups are synthesized via the radical addition of thioacetic acid to suitable allyl-modified precursors and subsequent hydrolysis. Compared to PETMP better flexural strength and modulus of elasticity are achievable in thiol–ene photopolymerizations employing 1,3,5-triallyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione (TATATO) as the ene derivative. Especially, after storage in water, the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity is twice as high compared to the PETMP reference system.

Thiol–ene “click” reactions and recent applications in polymer and materials synthesis: a first update

This contribution serves as an update to a previous review (Polym. Chem.2010,1, 17–36) and highlights recent applications of thiol–ene ‘click’ chemistry as an efficient tool for both polymer/materials synthesis as well as modification.