Zeolite fillers for resin-based composites with remineralizing potential

The objective of the study is to obtain the modified zeolite powders and to apply these materials as active fillers in the dental composites with the remineralizing potential. Three different synthesis pathways were applied to receive LTA-type (Linde A-type) zeolites. All zeolites were subjected to the ion exchange process and mineralization of surface with hydroxyapatite (HA) layer. As a result a calcium form and surface modified form of these materials were prepared. The effectiveness of each modification process was confirmed by X-ray Diffractometry, Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy. Materials were also characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements. The remineralizing potential was specified as an ability to release calcium ions during the incubation in saline with the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. The obtained zeolite fillers were placed in the organic matrix to create photopolymerizable composites with potential dental applications. The homogeneity of the filler distribution in polymeric matrix was checked by the Raman spectra mapping. Composites containing calcium form of zeolites as well as zeolites with the HA layer proved to have the ability to release calcium ions during incubation in saline in the amount comparable to calcium phosphates-filled composites or even higher than dental glass-filled composites. The ability to release calcium ions, together with good mechanical properties and mass stability testify the suitability of prepared composites in potential dental applications.