In vitro evaluation of color characterization, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial activity of 3D-printed provisional dental resin incorporated with Ficus carica (Fig) seed extract

Background of the study

Ficus carica known for its bioactive phytochemicals and antimicrobial potential; however, studies evaluating its outcome on the color, mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of 3D-printed provisional dental resins are lacking. So this study evaluate the effect of Ficus carica seed extract incorporation on the color assessment, flexural strength, compressive strength, microhardness and antimicrobial activity of 3D-printed provisional crown and bridge resin.

Materials and methods

A total of 240 samples were prepared, with 60 samples allocated to four groups based on 0 %, 1.5 %, 2.5 %, and 5 % of Ficus carica seed extract incorporated into 3D provisional resin. Color analysis was evaluated using a spectrophotometer at baseline. Mechanical properties including flexural strength, compressive strength, and Vickers microhardness were assessed according to standardized protocols. Antimicrobial activity was tested against C albicans, S aureus, and P gingivalis by measuring zones of inhibition and calculating colony-forming units (CFU/mL). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Color property improved, with ΔE decreasing from 0.5042 ± 0.186 (control) to 0.0700 ± 0.026 in the 5 % group, remaining within clinically acceptable limits. The Group D (5 %) showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties compared to the control (p < 0.001). Mean compressive strength increased from 65.92 ± 1.02 MPa (control) to 76.09 ± 0.57 MPa in the 5 % group. Flexural strength improved from 55.77 ± 0.49 MPa to 69.53 ± 0.60 MPa, and microhardness increased from 11.17 ± 0.50 VHN to 14.02 ± 0.31 VHN. Antimicrobial activity demonstrated a dose-dependent increase, with the 5 % group showing the highest inhibition zones and greatest reduction in microbial counts across all tested organisms.

Conclusion

Ficus carica seed extract incorporation especially at 5 % enhances the mechanical strength, color, and antimicrobial efficacy of 3D-printed provisional crown and bridge resin.