Functionalized prosthetic interfaces using 3D printing: Generating infection-neutralizing prosthesis in dentistry

The significant incidence of fungal infections in dental prostheses that has a major impact on quality of oral and overall general health remains to be adequately addressed. Given the advances in 3D printing technologies, the current work attempted to repurpose a commonly used dental polymer, Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) for 3D printing along with functionalization of the tissue surface using a controlled release Polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres containing Amphotericin-B (AmB) for anti-fungal therapy. The results demonstrate the ability of 3D printed dentures to retain comparable mechanical properties to conventional fabrication methods. Further, the PCL-PMMA surface was capable of releasing the drug over sustained time periods and was able to actively reduce Candida albicans colonization in a biomass assay. While further optimization of this platform technology is warranted, this work demonstrates the feasibility of functionalized surfaces of 3D-printed prosthesis that can provide a potent tool for various clinical therapies including splints, stents, orthopedic casts and prosthesis among others.