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Updated: Jun 19, 2025
Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
Microstructural characterization, mechanical and microbiological properties of acrylic resins added with reduced
Beatriz Danieletto Sahm1, Izabela Ferreira1, João Marcos Carvalho-Silva1
1Department of Dental Materials and Prosthesis, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), FORP-USP. Av. Do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-904, Brazil.
Abstract:
To evaluate the microstructural characterization, mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of acrylic resins incorporated with different concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Specimens were made of self-cured and heat-cured acrylic resins for the control group and concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 3%. The microstructural characterization was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS). For mechanical testing, flexural strength, and Knoop hardness tests were performed. Microbiological evaluations were performed by colony forming units (CFU) analysis, tetrazolium salt reduction (XTT), and SEM images. The modified acrylic resins showed increased mechanical properties at low concentrations (p < 0.05) and with reduced S. mutans (p < 0.05). Reduced graphene oxide interfered with the mechanical performance and microbiological properties of acrylic resins depending on the concentration of rGO, and type of polymerization and microorganism evaluated. The incorporation of graphene compounds into acrylic resins is an alternative to improve the antimicrobial efficacy and performance of the material.
