Studies on the synthesis and application of MOFs in photopolymerization reactions

• Grant number: 24/02935-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Carlos da Silva Filho
• Grantee: Luiz Carlos da Silva Filho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Adilson Yoshio Furuse ; Caroline Gaglieri ; Gilbert Bannach ; Odair Bim Júnior ; Rodrigo Cardoso de Oliveira

Abstract

In the last two decades, composite resins have become the main target of studies in the search for dental restorative materials, mainly for aesthetic and biocompatible reasons, factors that have gradually been optimized by research in various areas. These biomaterials are obtained via photopolymerization, in a radical polymerization mechanism that occurs in the organic matrix of the resins, formed mainly by dimethacrylate monomers. This reaction occurs through the irradiation of light in the UV-visible wavelength and in the presence of a photoinitiator species in the system. Despite having certain advantages such as high reaction speed and obtaining resistant materials, it is important that the materials are produced with a high degree of conversion and minimal leaching into the oral cavity. Recent research has focused on finding new photoinitiators that are both efficient and non-toxic. In this sense, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as an excellent alternative to act as a photoinitiator for the photopolymerization reaction of dimethacrylated resins, leading to the formation of polymers with better conversion rates, shorter reaction times and physical properties better to those of polymers formed in the absence of these components. The use of MOFs with photoactive organic molecules as ligands can result in the absorption of light at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths, favoring their use in photopolymerization reactions. Because of this, we propose in this research project to synthesize, characterize and study the application of MOFs with quinoline and azapentalene derivatives and Schiff bases as photoinitiators in the photopolymerization reaction of dimethacrylate resins (UDMA, TEGDMA, BisEMA and Bis-GMA), with the aim of obtaining polymers with better physical, chemical and biological characteristics for application in the dental field. The MOFs that show the best results as photoinitiators will be tested for their photoinitiating action on commercial resins with a view to their possible commercial application. (AU)