Method: A novel butenolide derivative was synthesized, characterized and used to formulate a resin composite. Compressive strength (CS) and S. mutans viability were used to evaluate the mechanical strength and antibacterial activity of the formed composites. Fuji II LC cement was used as control.
Result: The modified resin composites showed a significant antibacterial activity without substantially decreasing the mechanical strengths. With 5 to 30% addition of the derivative, the composite kept its original CS unchanged but showed a significant antibacterial activity with a 16-68% reduction in the S. mutans viability. The modified composite also showed a similar antibacterial function to lactobacillus. The bromine-containing derivative-modified composite was lower in CS than its chlorine counterpart but showed a similar antibacterial function. Furthermore, the antibacterial function of the modified composite was not affected by human saliva. The aging study indicates that the composite may have a long-lasting antibacterial function.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it appears that this experimental antibacterial resin composite may potentially be developed into a clinically attractive dental restorative due to its high mechanical strength and antibacterial function.