Dual Micromechanical Interlocking Through Filler Surface Modification for Enhanced Dental Composites

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Dental resin composites (DRCs) require improved mechanical properties and durability.
• Enhancing the filler-matrix interface is crucial for advanced DRC performance.
• Urchin-like hydroxyapatite (UHA) offers potential as a filler but needs surface modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a novel structure-functional-integrated particle for dental resin composites.
• To investigate the effect of porous silica coating on UHA fillers.
• To evaluate the impact of modified fillers on DRC physicochemical and biological properties.

Main Methods:

• Surface modification of UHA using a template method in an oil-water biphase system.
• Anchoring a porous silica coating layer onto UHA particles.
• Incorporating UHA/PSx fillers into dental resin composites and evaluating properties.

Main Results:

• Porous silica coating time significantly influenced particle morphology and thickness.
• UHA/PS5 (5h coating) showed optimal structure and thickness for micromechanical interlocking.
• DRCs with UHA/PS5 exhibited enhanced interfacial bonding, flexural strength, and water stability.
• Coating did not compromise in vitro remineralization or cellular biological properties.

Conclusions:

• Surface-modified UHA with porous silica (UHA/PSx) creates effective micromechanical interlocking.
• UHA/PS5 offers a promising approach for developing strong, durable, and biocompatible dental resin composites.
• This strategy improves key properties without sacrificing biological activity.