12th World Biomaterials Congress - WBC 2024, Daegu (South Korea). 26-31 mayo 2024
Summary:
Background and Purpose
Graphene-Based Nanomaterials (GBN), which encompass Graphene (G) and Graphene Oxide (GO), have gained recognition for their transformative impact on enhancing the mechanical properties of polymers. Despite this, their influence on biocompatibility remains a contentious issue in the scientific literature. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the intricate relationship between GBN and acrylic resin, shedding light on the origins of conflicting findings in previous research.
Methods
In this study, we conducted a rigorous analysis to address the gap in the literature. We reinforced an acrylic photocurable resin with both G and GO and subjected the nanocomposites to a battery of tests. These tests included an examination of compression properties, analysis of polymerization kinetics, and evaluation of biocompatibility. The experiments were designed to provide a clear understanding of the mechanical and biocompatible properties of GBN-modified acrylic resin.
Results
Our research yielded significant insights into the role of GBN in enhancing polymer properties. While G did not enhance mechanical performance due to a reduction in polymerization degree, GO exhibited a remarkable improvement in mechanical properties, contributing to increased strength and stiffness of the nanocomposite. Furthermore, we discovered that GBN had a substantial impact on the elution of toxic components from acrylic resin, with all nanocomposites showing the release of residual photoinitiator and monomer. This effect was more pronounced for G due to its lower polymerization degree, but it could be mitigated through an optimized washing procedure.
Conclusions
In summary, our findings provide valuable insights into the mechanical enhancements facilitated by GBN and its complex relationship with biocompatibility in stereolithography. By addressing the complexities related to toxic component elution, this work guides the refinement of GBN applications in biomedical contexts. This promises not only mechanical excellence but also heightened biocompatibility, ensuring safer and more effective stereolithographic processes in biomedical applications.
Spanish layman's summary:
En este trabajo, se investigó sobre el papel de los nanomateriales basados en grafeno en la mejora de las propiedades mecánicas y biológicas de las resinas fotocurables. El óxido de grafeno mostró una mejora notable en las propiedades mecánicas, tanto en resistencia como en rigidez. Además, se encontró que la resina y los nanocompuestos exhiben la elución de componentes tóxicos, lo que puede ser mitigado mediante un procedimiento de lavado optimizado.
English layman's summary:
Our research yielded significant insights into the role of graphene-based nanomaterials in enhancing photocurable resins. Graphene oxide exhibited a remarkable improvement in mechanical properties, contributing to increased strength and stiffness of the nanocomposite. Furthermore, we discovered that the resin and nanocomposites exhibit the elution of toxic components, but it could be mitigated through an optimized washing procedure.
Publication date: May 2024.
Citation:
López de Armentia, S., Paz, E., Ballesteros, Y., del Real-Romero, J.C., Villapún, V.M., Cox, S.C., Dunne, N., Investigating the impact of graphene-based nanomaterials on the polymerization, mechanical and biological performance of photocurable resin for stereolithography, 12th World Biomaterials Congress - WBC 2024, Daegu (South Korea). 26-31 May 2024.
IIT-24-096C_poster
