Hydrolytically Stable Dental Composites via Amide Bond Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental composites undergo bulk fracture due to degradation of the polymeric matrix and interface in the oral environment, leading to early failure and short lifespan, and potential release of toxic compounds.
Innovation Solution
Development of new dental composites with a hydrolytically stable monomer/polymer matrix, non-hydrolysable groups, and bioactive ceramic fluorapatite fillers, along with a phosphorus-containing coupling agent to enhance bonding and mineralization, eliminating ester and amide bonds that are prone to hydrolysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional dental composites with ester bonds are used, then initial mechanical strength is achieved, but hydrolytic degradation occurs leading to bulk fracture and early failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymeric matrix by replacing ester bonds with amide bonds in the monomer structure. This parameter change fundamentally alters the hydrolytic stability of the material while maintaining its mechanical properties, directly resolving the contradiction between initial strength and long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining hydrolytically stable amide-based polymeric matrix with silane-treated glass filler particles. This composite approach ensures both the matrix and interface resist hydrolytic degradation, maintaining mechanical strength and reliability simultaneously.
2Strength
If ester bonds are used in the polymeric matrix, then polymerization and initial strength are achieved, but interface degradation occurs leading to bulk fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the interface by using amide bonds instead of ester bonds in the monomer structure. This change makes the interface resistant to hydrolytic degradation by salivary enzymes, thereby extending the lifespan of the restoration while maintaining interface strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for frequent replacement of dental restorations by creating a long-lasting composite material. The amide-based matrix and interface are designed to resist degradation over time, reducing the frequency of replacement procedures.
3Ease of operation
If conventional composites are used, then restoration function is provided, but toxic compounds are released due to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ester bonds into beneficial amide bonds that are resistant to hydrolytic degradation. This transformation eliminates the release of toxic degradation products while maintaining the restoration's functional properties, turning a harmful characteristic into a beneficial one.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new composites exhibit improved mechanical strength and prolonged lifespan by resisting hydrolytic degradation, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing toxic compound release.
Implementation Method 1
a phosphorus-containing coupling agent to enhance bonding and mineralization
Implementation Method 2
hydrolytically stable monomer/polymer matrix, non-hydrolysable groups... eliminating ester and amide bonds that are prone to hydrolysis
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are compositions and methods which produce hydrolytically stable resin monomers, bioactive fillers, phosphorus coupling agent and surface coating method, which can be combined to produce new generation dental composites; compositions comprising the same, as well as methods of making and using the same are also described.