Study on a Novel Dental Resin Matrix with a Fluorinated Polyurethane Dimethacrylate Monomer

This study aimed to develop a novel fluorinated polyurethane dimethacrylate (FPUDMA) monomer to address key limitations of conventional Bis-GMA monomer, including polymerization shrinkage, hydrolytic degradation, and bacterial adhesion.

FPUDMA monomer was synthesized via solution polymerization and characterized. Experimental resin matrices were formulated with 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% FPUDMA by weight. Key properties evaluated included surface performance and hydrolysis resistance, degree of conversion, polymerization shrinkage rate, mechanical properties, initial bacterial adhesion, and cytocompatibility.

FPUDMA was successfully synthesized with a molecular weight >1000 and exhibited lower viscosity than Bis-GMA. Incorporation of FPUDMA significantly increased surface fluorine content and water contact angle (up to 106° for the 6F group), while reducing water sorption and solubility when FPUDMA content exceeded that of Bis-GMA. DC increased from 46.35% (6B group) to 55.07% (6F group). Polymerization shrinkage decreased by up to 31.41% (6F group). The 3F group exhibited the highest flexural strength (88.38 MPa) and favorable hardness, whereas all FPUDMA-containing groups showed a lower elastic modulus. FPUDMA-containing groups significantly reduced initial bacterial adhesion and maintained good cytocompatibility (cell viability >90%).

The resin matrix containing 30 wt% FPUDMA (3F group) demonstrated the optimal overall performance, supporting its further evaluation in composite resin systems.

The addition of FPUDMA monomer enhanced hydrolytic resistance, degree of conversion, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, while reducing polymerization shrinkage and initial bacterial adhesion in vitro. These findings suggest a potential for enhanced restoration performance, but further in vivo and clinical studies are warranted to confirm long-term benefits.