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Bacterial viability on surface-modified resin-based dental restorative materials.
Stefan Rüttermann1, Nora Bergmann, Thomas Beikler
1Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Centre of Dentistry, Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry and Endodontics, Moorenstraße 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
Archives of Oral Biology
|June 8, 2012
Summary
Dental resin composites modified with low-surface tension agents reduced bacterial viability. Novel sorption materials effectively lowered bacterial adhesion and cell viability on dental restorative surfaces, indicating potential for improved oral hygiene.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Microbiology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Dental restorative materials are prone to bacterial colonization, leading to secondary caries and material degradation.
- Surface modification of dental composites aims to reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.
- Low-surface tension agents can alter surface properties, potentially impacting microbial interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the viability of early oral colonizers on resin-based dental restorative materials.
- To compare the efficacy of novel polymeric sorption materials with low-surface tension agents against unmodified materials.
- To assess the impact of material chemistry and surface properties on bacterial adhesion and viability.
Main Methods:
- Experimental dental resin composites were modified with polymeric sorption materials containing low-surface tension agents (polydimethylsiloxane variants) or a polymerizable agent (silicone polyether acrylate).
- The viability of key oral bacteria (Actinomyces and Streptococcus species) was assessed on modified and standard (unmodified) resin specimens after 8 and 24 hours incubation.
- Bacterial viability was quantified using fluorescence microscopy, analyzing total, vital, and non-vital cells. Surface properties like contact angle and surface free energy (SFE) were considered.
Main Results:
- Materials modified with silicone polyether acrylate showed a lower total bacterial count compared to the standard material.
- All tested materials exhibited significantly fewer vital bacterial cells after 8 and 24 hours compared to the standard.
- Low total surface free energy (SFE) and a low polar term of SFE correlated with reduced bacterial adhesion, while contact angle did not significantly influence it.
Conclusions:
- Novel sorption materials loaded with low-surface tension agents or polymerizable silicone polyether acrylate can effectively reduce bacterial adhesion and/or cell viability on dental composite resins.
- Material chemistry plays a crucial role in modulating bacterial colonization on dental surfaces.
- Further exploration of bacterial viability is essential for understanding and mitigating bacterial adhesion on dental composites.
