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Updated: May 5, 2026
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Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
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Novel antimicrobial and bioactive resin-based clear aligner attachment orthodontic materials
Heba Alqarni1,2,3, Ibrahim Ba-Armah1,2,4, Nader Almutairi1,2,5
1Dental Biomedical Sciences PhD Program, Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.
Frontiers in Oral Health
|August 25, 2025
Summary
This study developed a novel antibacterial and bioactive clear aligner attachment resin. The new material demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans biofilms, offering a promising solution for preventing white-spot lesions during orthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthodontics
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Clear aligner orthodontic treatment is a popular alternative to fixed appliances.
- Resin attachments used with clear aligners can lead to plaque accumulation and white-spot lesions.
- There is a need for improved materials that mitigate these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel resin-based orthodontic clear aligner attachment with antibacterial and bioactive properties.
- To evaluate the mechanical and antibacterial performance of the developed material.
Main Methods:
- A novel resin matrix (UDMA/TEG-DVBE) was formulated with dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) for antibacterial effects and nano-amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) for remineralization.
- Mechanical properties (flexural strength, elastic modulus, microhardness, shear bond strength) and degree of conversion were assessed.
- Antibacterial efficacy against Streptococcus mutans biofilms was evaluated using CFU counts, MTT assays, and lactic acid production measurements.
Main Results:
- Experimental resins exhibited flexural strength exceeding ISO standards (100.6–109.2 MPa).
- Degree of conversion was significantly higher in experimental groups (53.4–69%) compared to the Transbond control (47.5%).
- All experimental groups demonstrated a 6-log reduction in CFU, 90% reduction in metabolic activity, and 90% reduction in lactic acid production against S. mutans biofilms.
Conclusions:
- The novel clear aligner attachment resin possesses robust mechanical properties and a high degree of conversion.
- The material exhibits potent antibacterial effects against S. mutans biofilms.
- This innovative resin holds potential for reducing white-spot lesions during clear aligner therapy.
