Cytotoxicity of printed resin-based splint materials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• 3D printed splints offer a potential alternative for treating functional disorders.
• Investigating the in vitro cytotoxicity of different 3D printed splint materials is essential for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of two 3D printed splint materials.
• To determine the influence of fabrication orientation and post-processing on cytotoxicity.
• To compare the cytotoxic effects of different material and post-processing combinations.

Main Methods:

• Two splint materials (Luxaprint OrthoPlus, V-Print Splint) were 3D printed using a DLP printer.
• Specimens were printed with varying alignments (90°, 45°, 0°) to the building platform.
• Post-processing involved different washing systems (automatic, manual) and post-polymerization methods.
• RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were exposed to material extracts, and cytotoxicity was assessed via cell survival assay.

Main Results:

• Cell survival varied significantly, ranging from 9.1% to 58.5% depending on material and post-processing.
• Post-polymerization, washing system, and material type significantly influenced cytotoxicity (p < 0.05).
• Printing alignment did not show a significant effect on cytotoxicity (p = 0.406).

Conclusions:

• Material selection and post-processing steps (washing, post-polymerization) are critical factors affecting in vitro cytotoxicity.
• Fabrication alignment does not impact the cytotoxic profile of the tested 3D printed splint materials.
• Optimizing material and post-processing parameters is necessary to minimize cytotoxic effects in additive manufacturing of splints.