Comparative evaluation of fracture toughness and antifungal properties of polymethyl methacrylate and polyetheretherketone incorporated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles in different concentrations - An in vitro study.

Aim: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the fracture toughness and antifungal properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyether etherketone (PEEK) materials incorporated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles at two different concentrations (2% and 3%).

Settings and design: A total of 42 PMMA specimens and 42 PEEK specimens were fabricated, with each group consisting of 7 specimens and a total of 6 groups, and each group was subjected to tests for fracture toughness and antifungal property.

Materials and methods: The PMMA specimens were fabricated by incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles in 2 and 3 percentages into the polymer, followed by making the specimens in the lost wax technique, and PEEK specimens were fabricated by incorporating the nanoparticles into the pellets in 2 and 3 percentages, followed by filament extrusion, and this filament was used for three-dimensional printing the specimens in required dimensions. Once the specimens were fabricated, these were tested for fracture toughness using urinary tract mycosis and antifungal properties using the green synthesis method. Later, statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance.

Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. The Shapiro-Wilk test was applied to each group for assessment of data normality. One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test was done.

Results: Fracture toughness of PMMA with 3% of TiO2 was highest among the PMMA group, being 1.62 ± 0.64 MPa m1/2 and PEEK with 3% of TiO2 is highest among the PEEK group being 4.91 ± 0.30 MPa m1/2 when compared to 0% and 2% groups. Similarly, for anti-Candida, the results were better in the group with 3% of TiO2 PMMA (154.86 ± 3.13 CFU/100 mL) and 3% of TiO2 PEEK (131.14 ± 2.73 CFU/100 mL) compared to other groups.

Conclusion: Both fracture toughness and anti-Candida properties were improved when incorporated with TiO2 nanoparticles, these properties enhanced as the concentration of nanoparticles increased within the limitations of the study.