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Molecular Engineering in Dental Restorative and Regenerative Materials
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Molecular Engineering in Dental Restorative and Regenerative Materials

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 3228

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Danijela Marović

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: dental materials; bulk-fill composite resins; bioactive composite resins; photopolymerization; cariology; mechanics; materials chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in molecular structure of dental materials have significantly improved the effectiveness, longevity and aesthetics of dental restorations. Innovative developments in composite resins, ceramics and dental adhesives have been pivotal. Thanks to advanced molecular engineering of filler and resin matrices, today's composite resins have improved mechanical properties, wear resistance and colour stability. The use of addition–fragmentation chain-transfer reagents and advances in high-irradiance LED-curing devices have accelerated dental work in the use of bulk-fill composite resins. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of nanocomposites that offer superior aesthetics and polishability. Improved dental adhesives now provide a stronger and more reliable bond between restorative materials, metal or ceramic and the tooth structure, reducing microleakage and post-operative sensitivity. Ceramics, particularly zirconia and lithium disilicate, have gained prominence thanks to advances in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques due to their exceptional durability and lifelike appearance. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has further advanced the development of composite resins, enabling the precise fabrication of complex dental structures with high accuracy and customisation.

Molecular science has had a major influence on the development of bioactive fillers. In addition to the undisputed role of calcium phosphates and bioactive glass in bone regeneration, there are now new applications for them. The integration of bioactive components into dental restorative materials has created new avenues for the prevention of secondary caries, as they promote remineralisation and have antibacterial properties. The development of smart materials that respond to pH changes in the oral environment by releasing therapeutic agents is a new chapter in restorative dentistry.

As we stand on the cusp of these exciting developments, we invite researchers to contribute their findings and insights, share their groundbreaking work, encourage collaboration and drive further innovation in the field of dental restorative materials.

Dr. Danijela Marović
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • dental composites
  • ceramics
  • additive manufacturing
  • dental adhesives
  • bioactive
  • 3D printing
  • photopolymerization
  • curing devices
  • microstructure
  • degree of conversion
  • bulk-fill composites
  • lasers in dentistry
  • infrared spectroscopy
  • biocompatibility
  • bone regeneration
  • osseointegration
  • soft tissue regeneration

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1596 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Volatile Organic Compounds as Potential Caries and Periodontitis Disease Biomarkers
by Maisa Haiek, Vladislav Dvoyris, Yoav Y. Broza, Hossam Haick, Ervin Weiss and Yael Houri-Haddad
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083591 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Oral diseases represent a significant global health and economic burden, necessitating the development of effective diagnostic tools. This study investigates the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of bacteria associated with dental caries and periodontal disease to explore their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Four [...] Read more.
Oral diseases represent a significant global health and economic burden, necessitating the development of effective diagnostic tools. This study investigates the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of bacteria associated with dental caries and periodontal disease to explore their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Four microbial strains—Streptococcus mutans (700610), Streptococcus sanguis (NCO 2863), Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC 33277), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (PK1594)—were cultured (N = 24), alongside intraoral samples (N = 60), from individuals with common oral diseases. Headspace VOCs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and statistical analyses were conducted by applying non-parametric Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis tests. VOC identification was performed using the NIST14 database. Strain-specific VOC signatures were identified, with P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum exhibiting distinct profiles from each other and from Streptococcus strains. Comparative analysis of disease cohorts revealed statistically significant differences at multiple retention times between caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. These findings suggest that VOC profiling enables differentiation between bacterial strains and disease phenotypes, supporting their potential application as diagnostic biomarkers for oral diseases. This study establishes a foundational framework for VOC-based diagnostic methodologies in dental pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Engineering in Dental Restorative and Regenerative Materials)
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21 pages, 2148 KiB  
Article
The Role of Rapid Curing on the Interrelationship Between Temperature Rise, Light Transmission, and Polymerisation Kinetics of Bulk-Fill Composites
by Danijela Marovic, Matej Par, Paulina Daničić, Ana Marošević, Gloria Bojo, Marta Alerić, Svenia Antić, Krunoslav Puljić, Ana Badovinac, Adrian C. Shortall and Zrinka Tarle
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2803; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062803 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 368
Abstract
The first seconds of light curing are crucial for the development of most properties of dental composites, especially for the 3s high-irradiance curing. This study investigated the influence of rapid high-irradiance curing on temporal development of temperature, transmittance and conversion of bulk-fill composites. [...] Read more.
The first seconds of light curing are crucial for the development of most properties of dental composites, especially for the 3s high-irradiance curing. This study investigated the influence of rapid high-irradiance curing on temporal development of temperature, transmittance and conversion of bulk-fill composites. Four materials were tested: Filtek One (FO), Tetric PowerFill (PFill), Tetric PowerFlow (PFlow) and SDR flow+ (SDR+) and cured with three curing units (LCU): Valo Cordles, Bluephase PowerCure and Translux Wave in 3s (3 W/cm2), 10s (1 W/cm2) and 20s (1 W/cm2) curing protocols. Light transmittance was measured at 2 and 4 mm, while temperature rise and polymerisation kinetics were evaluated at 4 mm depth during 5 min. Both light transmittance and temperature rise were greatest for SDR+ > PFlow > PFill > FO. The 20s curing protocol resulted in the highest degree of conversion (DC) for all materials and LCUs, but also contributed to the greatest temperature rise. Rapid curing with the 3s protocol caused the lowest temperature rise and the shortest time to reach maximum temperature. The polymerisation and temperature kinetics were strongly dependent on the material. The DC of PFill was statistically similar for 3s, 10s or 20s curing with BPC. Rapid curing is only recommended for materials developed for this purpose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Engineering in Dental Restorative and Regenerative Materials)
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15 pages, 4265 KiB  
Article
Characteristic Evaluation and Finite Element Analysis of a New Glass Fiber Post Based on Bio-Derived Polybenzoxazine
by Phattarin Mora, Sarawut Rimdusit and Chanchira Jubsilp
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2444; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062444 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
A new type of glass fiber (GF)-reinforced bio-derived polybenzoxazine (GF/bio-derived PBz) composites suitable for dental post applications was developed. The study assessed the effects of different quantities of GF on the mechanical and thermal characteristics, thermal stability, and flame resistance of the composite [...] Read more.
A new type of glass fiber (GF)-reinforced bio-derived polybenzoxazine (GF/bio-derived PBz) composites suitable for dental post applications was developed. The study assessed the effects of different quantities of GF on the mechanical and thermal characteristics, thermal stability, and flame resistance of the composite samples. Additionally, the feasibility of using GF/bio-derived PBz composites for dental posts was analyzed through finite element analysis (FEA). The stress distribution in a tooth model repaired with the newly developed GF/bio-derived PBz composite posts under oblique loads was compared to models repaired with conventional glass fiber post and gold alloy post. The incorporation of GFs significantly enhanced the flexural properties, thermal stability, and flame resistance of the composite samples, while also reducing thermal expansion in a manner that closely matched that of dentin. The FEA of a tooth model repaired with a composite post derived from GF/bio-based PBz revealed a stress distribution pattern comparable to that of a tooth model repaired using a conventional glass fiber post. Considering the composite’s mechanical properties, thermal stability, flame resistance, and its suitability for dental fiber posts as demonstrated by the FEA, the GF/bio-derived PBz holds significant promise for use in dental fiber post applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Engineering in Dental Restorative and Regenerative Materials)
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16 pages, 3836 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Titanium Particles, TNF-α, and Caspase-3 Concentrations in Patients with Bones Fixations of the Maxilla and Mandibule
by Bożena Antonowicz, Żaneta Anna Mierzejewska, Jan Borys, Mateusz Maciejczyk, Sławomir Prokopiuk and Halina Car
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052316 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 474
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of titanium implants (Ti6Al4V) on the surrounding tissues by analyzing the concentration of titanium particles, TNF-α, and caspase-3 in patients treated for jaw fractures and dentofacial deformities. The research material consisted of peri-implant [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of titanium implants (Ti6Al4V) on the surrounding tissues by analyzing the concentration of titanium particles, TNF-α, and caspase-3 in patients treated for jaw fractures and dentofacial deformities. The research material consisted of peri-implant tissues: fragments of periosteum adhering to a titanium miniplate and blood serum collected from 42 patients treated for mandibular fractures (Group I), and dentofacial deformities (Group II) who underwent bimaxillary osteotomy. The control group consisted of 24 generally healthy patients before bimaxillary osteotomy. The concentrations of selected cytokines, caspase-3, TNF-α in blood serum, and homogenized tissues, were determined using the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). The concentration of titanium particles was assessed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an X-ray microanalyzer. A significant increase in the concentration of titanium, caspase-3, and TNF-α was observed in serum and periosteum in all patients who underwent bone fixation. Increased TNF-α levels indicate an intense immune response, which may lead to the degradation of peri-implant tissues and bone resorption around the miniplates and screws, while an increase in caspase-3 levels suggests that cells surrounding the implants are destroyed in response to inflammatory stress or damage induced by the presence of titanium particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Engineering in Dental Restorative and Regenerative Materials)
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11 pages, 1559 KiB  
Article
An Oxymetazoline-Based Nasal Solution Removes Bacteria–Blood Debris on Dental Surfaces and Has Antimicrobial Activity Toward Streptococcus mutans
by Robert S. Jones, Morgan Annina Pride and Dhiraj Kumar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031242 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 713
Abstract
Background: An over-the-counter vasoconstrictive nasal solution with oxymetazoline (NS-OXY, 0.05%) has the potential to be used as a dental pulpal hemostatic medicament. A molecular engineering approach examined NS-OXY and its molecular constituent’s antimicrobial and blood biomass removal efficacy. Methods: An ex vivo cavity [...] Read more.
Background: An over-the-counter vasoconstrictive nasal solution with oxymetazoline (NS-OXY, 0.05%) has the potential to be used as a dental pulpal hemostatic medicament. A molecular engineering approach examined NS-OXY and its molecular constituent’s antimicrobial and blood biomass removal efficacy. Methods: An ex vivo cavity model was developed where standardized prepared teeth were exposed overnight to a model dentinal caries pathogen, S. mutans, and then exposed to sheep’s blood for 10 min, which simulated a pulpal exposure. Cavity preparations were rinsed with OXY (0.05%), benzalkonium chloride (BKC-0.025%), NS-OXY (with OXY-0.05% and BKC), ferric sulfate (20%;ViscoStat, FS), and distilled water (DI). For examining the bactericidal effect of NS-OXY, a disk diffusion antimicrobial assay was used where S. mutans was grown (20 h) on brain heart infusion (BHI) w/0.5% glucose agar plates and exposed to the treatment groups. Results: NS-OXY-treated samples had a lower residual bacterial or blood biomass than FS (p = 0.003). The diffusion test showed that NS-OXY, BKC, and FS had zones of inhibition greater than 10 mm, with NS-OXY having higher activity against S. mutans than FS (p = 0.0002), but lower than BKC (p = 0.0082). Conclusions: NS-OXY may be considered as a dental hemostatic agent after traumatic and carious pulpal exposure owing to NS-OXY’s antimicrobial and vasoconstrictive properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Engineering in Dental Restorative and Regenerative Materials)
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