In Vivo Biocompatibility and Interfacial Stability of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes and Nanofilled Resin Composites: A Bioanalytical Study of Polymer-Host Interactions Under Dynamic Loading

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Anjusha Divakar,

  • Remmiya Mary Varghese,

  • Gayathri Murugan,

  • B. Kaviya,

  • Sowjanya Gunukula,

  • Taniya maqsood,

  1. Resident, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. MDS, Private practitioner, Department of Periodontology, Makizham Clinic , 1st street, Ramnagar North , Madipakkam Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Senior Lecturer, Department of Periodontics Best dental science college and hospital, 22 kovalan Nagar 3rd Street Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. DDS, MHA, BDS, Department of General Dentistry , Private Practice D. No: 74-8-10/3, H No. 65 Lakshmipathi Nagar Rd, Patamata, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  6. MDS , Private consultant, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics , Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Abstract

The widespread application of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and nanofilled resin composites in biomedical devices requires rigorous assessment of their biocompatibility under mechanical stress. While nanofilled composites utilize filler particles (<100 nm) to enhance surface properties and wear resistance, the biological response to these materials in a hydrolytic, enzymatic environment remains a critical area of investigation.

Objective: To analyze the in vivo bio-molecular response at the interface of TPU aligners and nanofilled composite attachments, specifically assessing the release of inflammatory enzymes (MMP-8 and MMP-9) as markers of material-induced host response.

Methods: This retrospective bioanalytical study analyzed N=40 gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from subjects exposed to a specific TPU system (SmartTrack™) and nanofilled composite (Filtek™ Supreme). Samples were quantified using a high-sensitivity Multiplex Bead Immunoassay to detect Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), which serve as indicators of collagenolytic activity triggered by potential monomer leaching or surface degradation byproducts.

Results: Bioanalytical profiling revealed a significant material-host interaction in susceptible phenotypes. Despite the high polishability of the nanofilled composite, the “Breakdown” group exhibited a marked surge in MMP-8 concentration (320.4 ± 85.6 ng/mL) following 1 month of material exposure and mechanical loading (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The data suggests that while modern nanofilled composites and TPUs exhibit superior mechanical properties, the polymer-tissue interface is not biologically inert.

Keywords: Biopolymers Nanocomposites, Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU), Polymer Degradation, Biocompatibility, Resin-Matrix Composites, Material-Tissue Interface

How to cite this article:
Anjusha Divakar, Remmiya Mary Varghese, Gayathri Murugan, B. Kaviya, Sowjanya Gunukula, Taniya maqsood. In Vivo Biocompatibility and Interfacial Stability of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes and Nanofilled Resin Composites: A Bioanalytical Study of Polymer-Host Interactions Under Dynamic Loading. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Anjusha Divakar, Remmiya Mary Varghese, Gayathri Murugan, B. Kaviya, Sowjanya Gunukula, Taniya maqsood. In Vivo Biocompatibility and Interfacial Stability of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes and Nanofilled Resin Composites: A Bioanalytical Study of Polymer-Host Interactions Under Dynamic Loading. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236712


References

  1. Hassan R, Aslam Khan MU, Abdullah AM, Abd Razak SI. A Review on Current Trends of Polymers in Orthodontics: BPA-Free and Smart Materials. Polymers (Basel). 2021 Apr 27;13(9):1409. doi: 10.3390/polym13091409.
  2. Tamburrino F, D’Antò V, Bucci R, Alessandri-Bonetti G, Barone S, Razionale AV. Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Polymers for Aligner Manufacturing: In Vitro Study. Dent J (Basel). 2020 May 10;8(2):47. doi: 10.3390/dj8020047.
  3. Pronob Sanyal, Abduljabbar Khan, Karuna Pawashe, UzmaBelgaumi, Anand Joshi, ShivsagarTewary. Biomedical Applications in Polymer Chemistry Innovations. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):861-868.
  4. Hahn W, Engelke B, Jung K, Dathe H, Fialka-Fricke J, Kubein-Meesenburg D, Sadat-Khonsari R. Initial forces and moments delivered by removable thermoplastic appliances during rotation of an upper central incisor. Angle Orthod. 2010 Mar;80(2):239-46. doi: 10.2319/033009-181.1. PMID: 19905847
  5. Antonarakis GS, Zekeridou A, Kiliaridis S, Giannopoulou C. Periodontal considerations during orthodontic intrusion and extrusion in healthy and reduced periodontium. Periodontol 2000. 2024 Jun 3. doi: 10.1111/prd.12578. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38831560.
  1. Kiliaridis S, Lyka I, Friede H, Carlsson GE, Ahlqwist M. Vertical position, rotation, and tipping of molars without antagonists. Int J Prosthodont. 2000;13(6):480‐486.
  2. Ackerman JL, Proffit WR. Soft tissue limitations in orthodontics: treatment planning guidelines. Angle Orthod. 1997;67(5):327-36. doi: 10.1043/0003-3219(1997)0672.3.CO;2. PMID: 9347106.
  3. Antoun JS, Mei L, Gibbs K, Farella M. Effect of orthodontic treatment on the periodontal tissues. Periodontol 2000. 2017 Jun;74(1):140-157. doi: 10.1111/prd.12194. PMID: 28429487.
  1. Hao Zhou, Ying Yuan, Chengfeng Luo, Qiang Wang, Zhanglong Li, Menghao Chen, Baijuan Gong, Zhimin Li,The role of oral environmental factors in the degradation of resin-dentin interfaces: A comprehensive review,Journal of Dentistry,Volume 159, 2025,105839,ISSN 0300-5712,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105839
  1. Huang B, Cvitkovitch DG, Santerre JP, Finer Y. Biodegradation of resin-dentin interfaces is dependent on the restorative material, mode of adhesion, esterase or MMP inhibition. Dent Mater. 2018 Sep;34(9):1253-1262. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2018.05.008. Epub 2018 May 19. PMID: 29789163.
  1. Serkies KB, Garcha R, Tam LE, De Souza GM, Finer Y. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor modulates esterase-catalyzed degradation of resin-dentin interfaces. Dent Mater. 2016 Dec;32(12):1513-1523. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2016.09.007. Epub 2016 Oct 27. PMID: 27692555.
  1. Breschi L, Martin P, Mazzoni A, Nato F, Carrilho M, Tjäderhane L, Visintini E, Cadenaro M, Tay FR, De Stefano Dorigo E, Pashley DH. Use of a specific MMP-inhibitor (galardin) for preservation of hybrid layer. Dent Mater. 2010 Jun;26(6):571-8. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2010.02.007.
  1. Jaya Christiyan K G, Ashwin Sailesh, C. Karpagavalli, V. Kavimani, A. Vijayalakshmi, J. Sharmila, G.S.V. Seshu Kumar, Richa Khare, K.Sargunan. Characterization of Nano-Clay Reinforced Polymer Composites: Enhancing Performance for Extreme Applications.. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):-.
  2. Goutham, E. R. S., Hussain, S. S., Muthukumar, C., Krishnasamy, S., Kumar, T. S. M., Santulli, C., Palanisamy, S., Parameswaranpillai, J., &Jesuarockiam, N. (2023). Drilling Parameters and Post-Drilling Residual Tensile Properties of Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Composites: A Review. Journal of Composites Science, 7(4), 136. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7040136
  1. Ayrilmis N, Kanat G, YildizAvsar E, Palanisamy S, Ashori A. Utilizing waste manhole covers and fibreboard as reinforcing fillers for thermoplastic composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. 2024;44(17-18):1108-1118. doi:1177/07316844241238507
  2. ShikalgarNiyajDilavar, Ashwin Sailesh, Manas Ranjan Sahoo, DVSSSV Prasad, K. Suresh Kumar, M Vamsi Krishna, R. Anandkumar, Murali. D, G. Nalinashini. Enhancing Mechanical Properties by Parameter Optimization in Fiber and Particle Reinforced Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):75-85.
  3. Santhosh Kannan, M. HemaPriya, B. Vijaya, J. Faney. MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE AND MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF NSM CFRP POLYMER SYSTEM. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01).
Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 23/12/2025
Accepted 14/01/2026
Published 11/02/2026
Publication Time 50 Days
94

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics