Development of experimental 3D printed composite resin containing Biosilicate: mechanical, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties.

• Grant number: 24/23557-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Vanessa Cavalli Gobbo
• Grantee: Rafael Dascanio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/04874-0 - Physico-mechanical, antibacterial and cytotoxicity properties of a 3D-printed resin composite containing Biosilicate glass-ceramic, AP.R

Abstract

The use of additive technologies in Dentistry has enabled the development of 3D printing of resin matrix composite materials for definitive restorations (3D-RC). However, none of the current additive materials contain bioactive elements. Given the clinical need for polymer-based materials with enhanced bioactive and biomimetic properties, this study aims to develop an experimental 3D-RC incorporated with BioSilicate (3D-BioS) and evaluate its physical, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties. In Phase 1, BioS (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% by weight) will be synthesized, added to the 3D-RC, and characterized. In Phase 2, the physical properties (flexural strength, elastic modulus) will be tested, and the optimal concentrations of 3D-BioS will also be evaluated for contact angle, microhardness, surface roughness, microstructure of 3D-BioS, sorption and solubility, radiopacity, before (T0) and after (T1) simulated oral aging conditions (thermal cycling and simulated mechanical brushing). In Phase 3, the formation of a S. mutans monoculture biofilm will be assessed, including the 3D distribution of cellular and extracellular components in the 3D-BioS, along with qPCR analysis (genes related to antimicrobial resistance and sugar metabolism) and HPLC analysis (acids produced), before and after simulated aging. In Phase 4, the cytotoxicity of 3D-BioS in human gingival fibroblasts will be evaluated before and after simulated aging (MTT assay), and the inflammatory markers (IL4, IL6, IL-17, TNF-¿, and IFN-¿) secreted by gingival fibroblasts in contact with the experimental materials will be analyzed. A commercial 3D-RC will be used as a control group for all phases of the research. Statistical analysis will be conducted with a significance level of 5%.