Influence of the incorporation of Nb2O5 nanoparticles and the concentration of photoinitiators on the properties of experimental resins

• Grant number: 24/12995-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Adilson Yoshio Furuse
• Grantee: Laura Renilde Lucas da Silva Lemos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Composite resins are widely used in dentistry due to their wide-ranging clinical applicability. However, long-term limitations can be observed, especially in extensively destroyed teeth and subjected to high masticatory forces. To enhance the properties of composite resins, nanotechnology has been incorporated into their composition, proposing to overcome the challenges imposed by the oral environment. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the incorporation of Nb2O5 nanoparticles on the properties of experimental resins with different concentrations of photoinitiator system. Nb2O5 will be synthesized through the hydrothermal route and functionalized with the organosilane TMSPM. To characterize the nanoparticles, XRD, FTIR, TEM, SEM and EDS analyzes will be used, in addition to TGA to verify the effectiveness of the functionalization. The resins will be formulated from a mixture of Bis-GMA, TEGDMA and UDMA monomers (1:1:1). The photoinitiator system employed will be CQ/EDB in different concentrations (0.75%, 1.5%, 2.25%, and 3% by mass). Different concentrations of Nb2O5 (0%, 0.3%, and 0.9% by mass) will be evaluated. The specimens will be divided into groups based on the combination of different Nb2O5 concentrations and photoinitiator system. The properties evaluated will be degree of conversion, Knoop microhardness, color stability, degree of yellowing, sorption and solubility in water, analysis of the leached liquid through high-performance liquid chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis after leaching. The results will be analyzed using the ANOVA and Tukey tests, if the variances are normal and homogeneous. Otherwise, the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests will be used. Even so, Pearson retrospective tests and regression analyzes will be performed. The significance level will be 5%.