Physicochemical assessments of ion-doped bioactive-glass-based resin infiltrants

Bioactive-glass (BG)-based resin infiltrants were developed to evaluate their chemo-physico-mechanical properties. Three methacrylate-based experimental resin infiltrants were synthesized using 45S5, fluoridated BG and borosilicate BG (B-BG), whereby pure dimethacrylate resins and Icon were used as a control infiltrants. The degree of conversion (DC), thermal properties and wettability were evaluated. In vitro bioactivity tests and weight measurements were conducted in simulated body fluid for up to 28 days. The optical properties were analyzed in artificial saliva for up to 30 days. The microhardness and morphological changes were investigated following chemical aging. The experimental resin infiltrants displayed a comparable DC and a nearly equivalent wettability to those of Icon. An apatite layer was formed on the surface of experimental samples; however, a non-linear behavior was observed for weight measurement. A reduction in microhardness was observed with chemical aging. The optical properties of experimental infiltrants were better than those of Icon. The B-BG group showed more resistance to chemical aging and showed fewer changes during thermal analysis, as well as less loss of hardness. In contrast to other groups, the 45S5-based group showed a greater in vitro bioactivity. The fluoride (F) and boron (B) ions in BGs showed a positive effect and potential to treat white spot lesions within the confines of this inquiry.