Synthesis of new antibacterial quaternary ammonium monomer for incorporation into CaP nanocomposite

Abstract

Objectives: Composites are the principal material for tooth cavity restorations due to their esthetics and direct-filling capabilities. However, composites accumulate biofilms in vivo, and secondary caries due to biofilm acids is the main cause of restoration failure. The objectives of this study were to: (1) synthesize new antibacterial monomers and (2) develop nanocomposite containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) and antibacterial monomer.

Methods: Two new antibacterial monomers were synthesized: dimethylaminohexane methacrylate (DMAHM) with a carbon chain length of 6, and dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) with a chain length of 12. A spray-drying technique was used to make NACP. DMADDM was incorporated into NACP nanocomposite at mass fractions of 0%, 0.75%, 1.5%, 2.25% and 3%. A flexural test was used to measure composite strength and elastic modulus. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model with human saliva as inoculum was used to measure viability, metabolic activity, and lactic acid production of biofilms on composites.

Results: The new DMAHM was more potent than a previous quaternary ammonium dimethacrylate (QADM). DMADDM was much more strongly antibacterial than DMAHM. The new DMADDM-NACP nanocomposite had strength similar to that of composite control (p>0.1). At 3% DMADDM in the composite, the metabolic activity of adherent biofilms was reduced to 5% of that on composite control. Lactic acid production by biofilms on composite containing 3% DMADDM was reduced to only 1% of that on composite control. Biofilm colony-forming unit (CFU) counts on composite with 3% DMADDM were reduced by 2-3 orders of magnitude.

Significance: New antibacterial monomers were synthesized, and the carbon chain length had a strong effect on antibacterial efficacy. The new DMADDM-NACP nanocomposite possessed potent anti-biofilm activity without compromising load-bearing properties, and is promising for antibacterial and remineralizing dental restorations to inhibit secondary caries.

Keywords: Antibacterial nanocomposite; Calcium phosphate nanoparticles; Caries inhibition; Human saliva microcosm biofilm; Mechanical properties; Quaternary ammonium.