Ionogel impregnated glass ionomer cement and the effect of nanoparticle additives

Abstract

This study focused on improving the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC) by incorporating ionic liquid-based nanogel additives called ionogels. Ionogels were synthesized using the ionic liquid, 3,3′-(butane-1,4-diyl)bis(1-vinyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium) bromide and a crosslinker, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate via free radical solution polymerization. The size of the ionogels was controlled by adding a high concentration of chain transfer agent (20 mol%) and using a solvent-to-monomer ratio of 4 : 1. Modified glass ionomer cements were prepared by incorporating ionogels into polyalkenoic acid formulations at different weight ratios followed by mixing with calcium fluoroalumino silicate glass powder. Additives such as L-tartaric acid and MgO nanoparticles with ionogels were evaluated for the working time, setting time, and mechanical properties of the corresponding GIC. Ionogel incorporation enhanced the compressive strength of the GIC up to 2 weight percentage (wt%). The data show that one wt% titanium hydroxide nanoparticles with one wt% ionogel improved the compressive strength of the glass ionomer cement to 128.70 MPa. The biocompatibility evaluations of the ionogel-modified glass ionomer cement were confirmed according to ISO 10993-5. Intraperitoneal injection of saline and cotton seed oil extract of ionogel-impregnated GIC showed normal behaviour. Consistent body weights were maintained during the experimental period, confirming that ionogel-impregnated GIC is safe to use.