Hardness evaluation of PMMA reinforced with two different calcinations temperatures of ZrO2-Al2O3-SiO2 filler system

Evaluation of implant properties, safety profile and clinical efficacy of patient-specific acrylic prosthesis in cranioplasty using 3D binderjet printed cranium model: A pilot study

There exists a significant demand to develop patient-specific prosthesis in reconstruction of cranial vaults after decompressive craniectomy. we report here, the outcomes of an unicentric pilot study on acrylic cranial prosthesis fabricated using a 3D printed cranium model with its clinically relevant mechanical properties.

METHODS

The semi-crystalline polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implants, shaped to the cranial defects of 3D printed cranium model, were implanted in 10 patients (mean age, 40.8 ± 14.8 years). A binderjet 3D printer was used to create patient-specific mould and PMMA was casted to fabricate prosthesis which was analyzed for microstructure and properties. Patients were followed up for allergy, infection and cosmesis for a period of 6 months.

RESULTS

As-cast PMMA flap exhibited hardness of 15.8 ± 0.24Hv, tensile strength of 30.7 ± 3.9 MPa and elastic modulus of 1.5 ± 0.1 GPa. 3D microstructure of the semi-crystalline acrylic implant revealed 2.5-15 µm spherical isolated pores. The mean area of the calvarial defect in craniectomy patients was 94.7 ± 17.4 cm². We achieved a cranial index of symmetry (CIS -%) of 94.5 ± 3.9, while the average post-operative Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score recorded was 4.2 ± 0.9.

CONCLUSIONS

3D printing based patient-specific design and fabrication of acrylic cranioplasty implant is safe and achieves acceptable cosmetic and clinical outcomes in patients with decompressive craniectomy. Our study ensured clinically acceptable structural and mechanical properties of implanted PMMA, suggesting that a low cost 3D printer based PMMA flap is an affordable option for cranioplasty in resource constrained settings.

Mechanical properties of new denture base material modified with gold nanoparticles

PURPOSE

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is the most commonly used material in the production of dental prostheses, and its application is often accompanied by the formation of biofilm. The aim of this work was the preparation of a PMMA/gold nanoparticles (AuNps) composite to improve the antimicrobial properties of heat-polymerised PMMA. The AuNPs were synthesised from gold (III) acetate by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis (USP).In the present study, flexural strength and elastic modulus were investigated, as well as thermal conductivity, density and hardness of the PMMA/AuNps` nanocomposite, with different concentrations of AuNps. Flexural strength and elastic modulus were measured using a three-point bending test, and surface hardness was evaluated using the Vickers hardness test. The thermal conductivity of the samples was measured using the Transient Plane Source (TPS) technique. Density was determined by the pycnometry procedure. Statistical analysis was conducted on the data obtained from the experiments.

RESULTS

The flexural strength and elastic modulus of AuNps/PMMA nanocomposites decreased for all groups containing AuNps. Thermal conductivity and density increased in all groups containing AuNps compared to the control group, but it was not significant in all groups. Vickers hardness values increased significantly with an increase in AuNps` content, with the highest value 21.45 HV obtained at 0.74 wt% of AuNps. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the SPSS 19 software package.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporation of AuNps into heat-polymerised PMMA resin led to decrease of the flexural strength and elastic modulus. At the same time, the density, thermal conductivity and hardness increased.