Physical, mechanical, and in vitro biological analysis of bioactive fibers‐based dental composite

This study aimed to synthesize experimental composites reinforced with various concentrations (0, 40, 50, and 60 wt%) of nano‐hydroxyapatite grafted glass fibers. The release of monomers, residual monomers, and in‐vitro bioactivity of composite groups were evaluated after 1, 7, and 28 days. Compressive strength/ modulus, cell viability (by direct and indirect method), and bacterial adhesion were evaluated. The results showed that bis‐GMA was released from all samples. TEGDMA released from 50 and 60 wt% samples on day 1 and UDMA showed negligible release. Compressive strength values of 40 wt% sample were higher than other experimental groups. New apatite layer was formed, whereby both direct and indirect methods demonstrated cell viability. The numbers of active colonies grown were least for 60 wt% sample while their number increased over time. The nano‐hydroxyapatite/glass fibers have potential to be used as filler in dental composites and experimental composites were found to be biocompatible and comparable with commercial material. It is desirable for dental restorative materials to have bioactive and biocompatible properties, therefore in this study specific focus was given on these properties. Surface grafting of nano‐hydroxyapatite on short E‐glass fibers using a microwave irradiation technique were conducted. The prepared bioactive fibers were used as fillers in experimental dental composites. The obtained composites were critically analyzed, whereby the leaching profile, residual monomers, mechanical properties, surface bioactivity, and in vitro biocompatibility testing were performed.