Graphene Oxide and Cannabidiol-Based Hybrid Coatings on PMMA for Biomedical Applications
Addressing PMMA's limitations in biomedical applications through advanced surface modification for enhanced performance.
This study investigates the effect of surface modification on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using SiO₂ coatings, graphene oxide (GO), and cannabidiol (CBD). The goal is to enhance PMMA's physicochemical and mechanical properties for biomedical applications, particularly in the oral cavity. PMMA, while widely used, has limitations in mechanical strength, wear resistance, thermal conductivity, and microbial adhesion. The research employs a sol-gel method to apply SiO₂ coatings under acidic and alkaline conditions, with GO and CBD integrated separately and combined. Comprehensive analyses (TGA, FTIR, XPS, SEM, surface topography, wettability, Shore hardness, and tribological evaluations in artificial saliva) confirm that these modifications beneficially affect PMMA's structure, chemical and mechanical properties, thermal stability, and potentially antibacterial characteristics.
Executive Impact Summary
The integration of SiO₂, Graphene Oxide, and Cannabidiol onto PMMA surfaces significantly enhances its physicochemical and mechanical properties, making it a superior candidate for durable and functional biomedical devices, especially in dental prosthetics.
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Shore D Hardness Increase
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Improved Si-O-C Bonds
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Reduction in CoF (avg)
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Thermal Stability Improvement
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.
Thermal Stability & Chemical Properties
This category focuses on how the modification impacts the material's thermal degradation and chemical composition, crucial for long-term stability and biocompatibility.
15%
Thermal Decomposition Onset Increased
PMMA with SiO2/CBD/GO coatings showed a significant increase in initial thermal decomposition temperature, improving material resilience.
Coating Preparation Process
PMMA Substrate Preparation
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GO Particles Preparation
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CBD Solution Preparation
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Sol-Gel Solution Preparation (Acidic/Alkaline)
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Dip Coating
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Heat Treatment
| Property | Uncoated PMMA | SG9.5/CBD/GO Coated |
|---|---|---|
| Si-O-C Bond Area (Si 2p) | 12.8% | 23.5% (Acidic) |
| High Binding Energy O 1s | 44% | 70% (Acidic) |
| sp² Carbon Component | Not present | 10% (Acidic) |
Surface Morphology & Wettability
This section details how the coatings alter the surface texture and its interaction with liquids, critical for biocompatibility and microbial adhesion.
0.04
Ssk (Skewness)
SG9.5/CBD/GO exhibited a uniform surface profile (Ssk = -0.04 ± 0.01), crucial for reduced microbial adhesion.
Optimized Surface for Reduced Adhesion
The ability to achieve both high and low surface roughness by adjusting coating composition and deposition conditions directly impacts microbial adhesion. Hydrophobic surfaces (like SG3/CBD/GO) tend to promote stronger interactions with hydrophobic microbial cells due to reduced interfacial free energy. This suggests tailored surfaces can mitigate issues like Candida species adhesion, a common problem in dental prosthetics. Key Learning: Surface customization is vital for combating biofouling.
- Surface roughness is a critical factor influencing microbial adhesion.
- Increased roughness provides microtopographical features that enhance cell retention.
- Hydrophobic surfaces can promote stronger interactions with hydrophobic microbial cells.
| Coating Type | Water Contact Angle (°) | Surface Free Energy (mN/m) |
|---|---|---|
| Uncoated PMMA | 76.4 ± 1.7 | 42.3 |
| SG3 (Acidic SiO₂) | 73.5 ± 0.8 | 45.0 |
| SG9.5 (Alkaline SiO₂) | 51.3 ± 2.1 | 56.4 |
| SG3/CBD/GO | 94.6 ± 0.4 | 36.7 |
| SG9.5/CBD/GO | 73.2 ± 2.8 | 38.3 |
Mechanical Properties & Tribology
This section explores how coatings enhance the material's hardness, friction, and wear resistance, directly impacting its durability and functional lifespan.
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Shore D Hardness
SG9.5/CBD/GO achieved the highest Shore D hardness, indicating significantly improved wear resistance.
| Sample | Mean CoF | Std. dev. |
|---|---|---|
| PMMA | 0.74 | 0.10 |
| SG3 | 0.25 | 0.05 |
| SG9.5 | 0.32 | 0.05 |
| SG3/CBD | 0.18 | 0.03 |
| SG9.5/CBD/GO | 0.27 | 0.02 |
Optimized Tribological Performance
The SG9.5/CBD/GO coating demonstrated the most favorable tribological performance in artificial saliva, achieving low and stable friction with minimal wear. This is attributed to the synergistic effects of SiO2 matrix, GO for mechanical reinforcement, and CBD for lubrication. Such improvements are critical for dental prosthetics which experience constant wear and friction in the oral environment, promising extended device lifespan and reduced maintenance. Key Learning: Hybrid coatings offer superior wear resistance in simulated biological environments.
- Low and stable CoF achieved by SG9.5/CBD/GO.
- SiO2 matrix provides stable foundation.
- GO offers mechanical reinforcement.
- CBD contributes to lubrication.
Calculate Your Potential ROI
Estimate the cost savings and efficiency gains for your enterprise by implementing advanced PMMA modifications.
Annual Cost Savings
Annual Hours Reclaimed
Your Implementation Roadmap
A structured approach to integrating advanced PMMA coatings into your product development.
Phase 1: Material Characterization & Optimization
Refine the sol-gel parameters and GO/CBD concentrations for optimal coating properties. Conduct extensive material characterization using advanced analytical techniques.
Phase 2: Biocompatibility & Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing
Perform in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assays. Evaluate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of CBD-containing coatings against common oral pathogens.
Phase 3: Long-Term Durability & Clinical Trials
Assess the long-term wear resistance, mechanical stability, and degradation of coated PMMA in simulated oral environments. Initiate preclinical and clinical trials for dental prosthetic applications.
Phase 4: Regulatory Approval & Commercialization Strategy
Navigate regulatory pathways for biomedical device approval. Develop a commercialization strategy, identifying target markets and partnerships for widespread adoption.
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