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Journal of Polymer & Composites Review Article Special issue

In Vivo Biocompatibility and Interfacial Stability of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes and Nanofilled Resin Composites: A Bioanalytical Study of Polymer-Host Interactions Under Dynamic Loading

  1. Anjusha Divakar Department of Orthodontics Saveetha Dental College and hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Saveetha University, Chennai
  2. Remmiya Mary Varghese Department of Orthodontics Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Saveetha University, Chennai
  3. Gayathri Murugan Department of Periodontology, Makizham Clinic, 1st street, Ramnagar North, Madipakkam Chennai
  4. B. Kaviya Department of Periodontics, Best dental science college and hospital, 22 kovalan Nagar 3rd Street Madurai
  5. Sowjanya Gunukula Department of General Dentistry, Private Practice D. No: 74-8-10/3, H No. 65 Lakshmipathi Nagar Rd, Patamata, Vijayawada
  6. Taniya Maqsood Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vijayawada

Abstract

The widespread application of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and nanofilled resin composites in biomedical devices requires rigorous assessment of their biocompatibility under mechanical stress. While nanofilled composites utilize filler particles (<100 nm) to enhance surface properties and wear resistance, the biological response to these materials in a hydrolytic, enzymatic environment remains a critical area of investigation.

Objective: To analyze the in vivo bio-molecular response at the interface of TPU aligners and nanofilled composite attachments, specifically assessing the release of inflammatory enzymes (MMP-8 and MMP-9) as markers of material-induced host response.

Methods: This retrospective bioanalytical study analyzed N=40 gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from subjects exposed to a specific TPU system (SmartTrack™) and nanofilled composite (Filtek™ Supreme). Samples were quantified using a high-sensitivity Multiplex Bead Immunoassay to detect Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), which serve as indicators of collagenolytic activity triggered by potential monomer leaching or surface degradation byproducts.

Results: Bioanalytical profiling revealed a significant material-host interaction in susceptible phenotypes. Despite the high polishability of the nanofilled composite, the "Breakdown" group exhibited a marked surge in MMP-8 concentration (320.4 ± 85.6 ng/mL) following 1 month of material exposure and mechanical loading (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The data suggests that while modern nanofilled composites and TPUs exhibit superior mechanical properties, the polymer-tissue interface is not biologically inert.

Keywords

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