Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficiency of ZrO nanoparticles reinforced 3D printed resins.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect of modified 3D printed resin with ZrO nanoparticles, as long-term provisional restoration. In addition, the study involved artificial aging process for three months to observe stability of 3D printed resin.

METHODS

Functionalized ZrO nanoparticles with γ-MPS were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Dental resin was incrementally impregnated with γ-MPS modified nanoparticles at different concentrations (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%). Specimens were printed, post-cured and placed in artificial saliva at 37 C for 48 h or aged for 3 months. Discrepancy in composition and roughness were monitored using FTIR and AFM, respectively. Biocompatibility was evaluated using human oral fibroblasts. Antimicrobials capacity and biofilm adhesion were measured with Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

RESULTS

The microscopic and spectroscopic analyses confirmed γ-MPS coating around ZrO nanoparticles. The addition of nanoparticles (>1 wt%) significantly increased the surface roughness. Cytotoxicity results were in agreement with the recommended range of oral biomaterials standard. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity significantly improved with increasing the filler concentration. Despite the decrease in antimicrobial efficacy after 3 months of aging, modified resin revealed a critical ability to dominate biofilm formation.

SIGNIFICANCE

The addition of ZrO nanoparticles showed significant antimicrobial capability of a 3D printed resin without inducing any cellular side effects. Thus, the modification of a 3D printed resin with ZrO nanoparticles has a promising future in the dental field for fabricating long-term provisional restorations.