Dental Resin Composites Modified with Chitosan: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology in Dentistry

Background:

• Dental resin composites are widely used restorative materials.
• Improving their mechanical and antibacterial properties is crucial for enhanced clinical performance.
• Chitosan, a natural biopolymer, has emerged as a potential additive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of incorporating chitosan into dental resin composites.
• To evaluate impacts on mechanical, antibacterial, and physicochemical properties.
• To identify optimal chitosan concentrations for beneficial outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• In vitro dental studies evaluating chitosan as a composite additive were included.
• Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by multiple reviewers.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies were included, with chitosan concentrations from 0.25 wt% to 20 wt%.
• Antibacterial activity against key oral bacteria was confirmed.
• Lower chitosan concentrations improved fracture toughness, hardness, and compressive strength.
• Higher concentrations negatively affected flexural strength, microleakage, and shear bond strength (SBS).

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-modified dental resin composites show promise for antibacterial and mechanical benefits at low concentrations.
• Higher chitosan levels may compromise mechanical and adhesive properties.
• Further research is needed on clinical implications and fluoride release, alongside standardized methodologies.