Biological behavior of human gingival fibroblasts and formation of microbial biofilm on 3D-printed dental resin restorations.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the interaction dynamics among two commercially available 3D printed resins (V and R) presenting different surface topographies and human gingival fibroblasts, as well as oral microorganisms.

METHODS: 3D-printed samples of two commercial resins underwent various polishing treatments. Surfaces characteristics and biological interactions were analyzed with contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), cellular viability assays, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The formation of mono- and polymicrobial biofilms of Streptococcus sanguinis and Candida albicans on the resins was evaluated through SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

RESULTS: AFM and SEM analyses revealed significant differences in surface roughness and hydrophilicity among the treatments. Both the resins demonstrated good biocompatibility, however one altered fibroblastic morphology, a finding supported by the differential expression of ITα-6 and IL-6 genes. Variations in the total biomass of S. sanguinis and C. albicans were observed between untreated controls and treated surfaces.

SIGNIFICANCE: The V resin exhibited superior performance in reducing microbial adhesion and promoting favorable interactions with human gingival fibroblasts in its commercial form, outperforming R resin.