In the realm of dental materials, a groundbreaking study led by Celso Ricardo Adami from the Graduate Program in Health Sciences at the University of Caxias do Sul, Brazil, has shed new light on the potential of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in enhancing 3D-printed resins used for occlusal splints. The research, published in Discover Materials, delves into the mechanical properties and biological effects of incorporating GNPs into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin, a material commonly used in dental applications.
The study, which involved sonification of the liquid 3D printing resin, explored the impact of varying concentrations of GNPs—0.125%, 0.250%, and 0.500% by weight—on the mechanical characteristics and cytotoxic effects of the resin. The findings revealed that while the flexural strength and modulus remained largely unchanged with the addition of GNPs, the 0.500% composite showed a significant reduction of approximately 50% in both properties. Similarly, impact resistance decreased by about 75% at this concentration.
Adami emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “The incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets into PMMA resin has shown promising results in terms of mechanical properties and biological effects, but it also highlights the need for careful optimization of GNP concentrations to avoid detrimental effects on the material’s performance.”
The tensile strength of the unmodified PMMA sample was superior, diminishing progressively with higher GNP concentrations until a maximum reduction of 20% at the highest GNP concentration. The Shore D hardness test revealed a notable reduction at 0.125%, while higher concentrations led to similar results as the neat resin. All samples demonstrated favorable wettability with water, indicating good compatibility with biological environments.
One of the most intriguing findings was the enhanced hydrophilicity of the material with the addition of graphene, which created a surface barrier that inhibited bacterial proliferation. However, the study also found that composites with GNP concentrations of 0.125% and 0.500% were cytotoxic, resulting in cell viability below 70%. This duality of benefits and drawbacks underscores the complex nature of integrating nanomaterials into dental applications.
The research opens up new avenues for the use of graphene in dentistry, with potential applications in bone tissue engineering, coatings for dental implants, antibacterial functionalities, and collagen membranes. However, Adami cautioned, “While the prospects are promising, several challenges remain that must be overcome before these materials can achieve full commercialization.”
The study’s findings, published in Discover Materials, which translates to ‘Discover Materials’, provide a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical and biological effects of GNP-enhanced PMMA resin. As the field of 3D printing in dentistry continues to evolve, this research offers valuable insights into the potential and limitations of incorporating nanomaterials into dental applications. The commercial implications are vast, with the potential to revolutionize the way dental materials are designed and manufactured, ultimately leading to more durable, biocompatible, and functional dental products.
