Niobium silicate particles as bioactive fillers for composite resins.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the influence of niobium silicate (SiNb) particles in the physicomechanical and biological properties of an experimental composite resin. Methods The SiNb particles were incorporated (50 wt%) into a polymeric matrix formulated with 70 wt% Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate and 30 wt% Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate to formulate an experimental composite resin. A control group was formulated with barium silicate glass (SiBa) as filler for the same polymeric matrix. The composite resins were tested for their refractive index, polymerization kinetics, flexural strength, radiopacity, softening in solvent, pH, cytotoxicity and mineral deposition. Results The SiBa group presented refractive index results between 1.50 and 1.52 and the SiNb between 1.43−1.45. No statistically significant difference in the degree of conversion, flexural strength, and softening in solvent was observed between different groups. Radiopacity was lower for SiNb, while the addition of these particles increased cell viability. The pH was increased for all groups after immersion. The mineral deposition analysis resulted in increased deposition above specimens after the immersion in SBF. Significance Niobium silicate particles may be used as an alternative inorganic filler to achieve an adequate balance between physical-chemical and biological properties for the development of bioactive composite resins.