Indian scientists have developed a new technique in 3D printing and dental restoration that is a step forward in dentistry.
Known as Photoinduced Radical Polymerization (PRP), this light-activated chemical process is a promising viable and cost-effective alternative to 3D printing and dental fillings.
The photoinduced radical polymerization (PRP) process is a new method that combines two advanced techniques to create stronger, longer-lasting materials.
It works by using light to trigger a reaction that bonds molecules together, forming a solid material without the need for heat. This process depends on a special ingredient called a “photoinitiator”, which, when it absorbs light, triggers the reaction.
By bypassing the need for heat, this technique is safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly, making it useful in areas such as dentistry, 3D printing and more.
The investigationled by Dr Ajoy Kapat, Assistant Professor at Shiv Nadar University’s School of Natural Sciences, focuses on a new ‘co-initiator’ that improves the efficacy of PRP, making it an environmentally friendly option with versatile applications.
PRP is gaining popularity due to its simplicity, low energy requirements and environmentally friendly approach.
Unlike conventional methods, PRP does not require solvents or heat, making it a safe and viable option for modern applications.
This process, activated by light, helps form polymers, or materials made of long chains of molecules, vital in areas such as dental restoration and high-precision 3D printing.
Dr. Kapat and his team designed a new co-initiator that aids the PRP reaction. “Photoinduced Radical Polymerization combines polymerization tools and photocatalytic techniques,” explained Dr. Kapat.
“It’s a highly efficient, light-activated process that requires no heating. Plus, it’s a solvent-free process, making it a green alternative.”
HOW DID IT CHANGE THE DENTAL INDUSTRY?
In recent decades, various organic photoinitiators have been developed for such reactions, but they are often accompanied by limitations such as high catalyst loading and the formation of toxic byproducts.
The team’s new co-initiator, in combination with camphor quinone, addresses these issues, showing excellent reactivity under mild conditions and in the presence of oxygen.
This innovation is already finding applications in the dental industry, where the need for durable, aesthetically pleasing materials is crucial.
Traditional dental fillings often suffer from problems such as volumetric shrinkage and discoloration due to the presence of toxic byproducts.
According to Dr. Kapat, light-curing composites, which are based on PRP, are quickly becoming popular in modern dentistry because of their quick polymerization time, taking only 20 to 40 seconds.
Older methods for tooth fillings often used chemicals called aromatic amines, which could produce toxic byproducts and cause tooth discoloration over time.
The new system developed by the team avoids these chemicals, using only a minimal amount (0.1%) of safer materials to create strong, deep fillings up to 3cm thick. This method has also been proven to maintain color stability for more than two years.
This advance, Dr. Kapat believes, will be attractive to dentists, offering a safer and more reliable solution for mass filling dental cavities.
Beyond dentistry, the PRP procedure has potential for a variety of industries. “This process could be used in the manufacture of adhesives, photolithography, microelectronics and solvent-free paints, as well as the coating of furniture and vehicles,” Dr Kapat added.
With applications ranging from dental restoration to flexible electronics, this research opens the door to a sustainable future in polymer-based manufacturing.
