# Biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties of titanium and Zirconium-infused denture base resins

## TL;DR

This study shows that adding titanium and zirconium to denture resins improves their safety and ability to fight microbes, with titanium performing better.

## Contribution

The study introduces titanium and zirconium-infused resins as improved denture materials with enhanced biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties.

## Key findings

- Titanium-infused resins increased cell viability by 25% compared to conventional PMMA.
- Titanium and zirconium both reduced microbial counts, with titanium showing greater reductions in S. mutans and C. albicans.
- Zirconium-infused resins also improved biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity, though less than titanium.

## Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and zirconium (Zr) have gained attention for their promising properties in medical and dental applications, including
their biocompatibility and antimicrobial effects. Denture base resins primarily made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), often face issues
such as microbial adhesion and limited bioactivity. Incorporating Ti and Zr into these resins could enhance their biological properties.
This study investigates the biocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy of Ti- and Zr-infused denture base resins compared to
conventional PMMA resins. Three groups of denture base resins were prepared: Group A (PMMA control), Group B (PMMA + 5 wt% Ti) and
Group C (PMMA + 5 wt% Zr). Biocompatibility was assessed by culturing human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) on resin samples and performing
an MTT assay to evaluate cell viability over 72 hours. Antimicrobial properties were tested against Streptococcus mutans and Candida
albicans using a colony-forming unit (CFU) assay. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with a significance level of
p < 0.05. Group B (Ti-infused) exhibited a 25% increase in cell viability compared to the control group, with cell viability reaching
85% after 72 hours. Group C (Zr-infused) showed a 15% increase in cell viability. Both Ti and Zr groups demonstrated significant
antimicrobial activity. Group B showed a 60% reduction in S. mutans CFU and a 45% reduction in C. albicans CFU, while Group C showed
a 40% reduction in S. mutans and a 30% reduction in C. albicans. Ti- and Zr- infused denture base
resins demonstrate improved biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties compared to conventional PMMA. Titanium, in particular,
provides superior biological outcomes, suggesting its potential for enhancing denture base materials. These findings support the
incorporation of Ti and Zr in future dental materials to improve patient outcomes.