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Testing of Nanoparticle Release from a Composite Containing Nanomaterial Using a Chamber System
Published on: November 22, 2016
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Release of monomers from composite dust
S M Cokic1, R C Duca2, L Godderis3
1KU Leuven BIOMAT, Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Leuven & Dentistry University Hospitals Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Journal of Dentistry
|March 5, 2017
Summary
Dental composite dust releases methacrylate monomers and Bisphenol A (BPA), potentially causing respiratory issues in dental personnel. Increased precautions are needed to prevent inhalation of this nano-sized dust.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Occupational health
- Environmental toxicology
Background:
- Dental personnel face increased risks of asthmatic disease, with unknown causes.
- Abrasive dental procedures generate nano-sized composite dust, leading to potential monomer exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the release of monomers from respirable dental composite dust.
- To determine if Bisphenol A (BPA) is also released from composite dust particles.
Main Methods:
- Respirable composite dust (<5μm) was collected and analyzed.
- Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantified methacrylate monomers and BPA release in water and ethanol.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) characterized dust particle size and composition.
Main Results:
- Respirable composite dust released significant concentrations of unpolymerized methacrylate monomers in both water and ethanol, with higher release in ethanol.
- The endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA) was also detected emanating from the composite dust particles.
- TEM analysis confirmed most particles were nano-sized (12-39nm mode), composed of filler particles within a resin matrix.
Conclusions:
- Dental composite dust can act as a vehicle for monomer transport deep into the respiratory system.
- These findings offer a potential explanation for the rising incidence of respiratory diseases among dental professionals.
- Enhanced protective measures are crucial to minimize dental personnel's inhalation of composite dust.
