Goethite Nanofibers as Bio-Fillers in Dental Composite Resin

Abstract

Composite resins represent an important member of biomaterials family that have been evolving due to
the needs in biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Fillers in a variety of forms and types have been
evaluated and the impact of fillers to improve the performance of the dental composites have been studied
in vast. Various composite resin fillers tested had revealed its own strengths and weaknesses. Bio polymers
when they are reinforced with biofillers can produce novel biocomposites. The biocomposites with the
biofillers will replace and be a substitute for synthetic fibre-reinforced composites. In recent years, natural
bio-fibres have gained attention as suitable reinforcements in polymeric matrices. These bio-fillers possess
high specific strength and can be effectively used for dental composites resin. The most commonly occurring
natural bio-fibres are the teeth of limpets. The teeth of limpets have a distinctive composite nanostructure
which comprises of high-volume fractions of reinforcing goethite nanofibers to provide mechanical integrity.
The limpet tooth is effective at resisting failure to abrasion. The goethite nanofibers are expected to be
significant for novel dental biomaterials with extreme strength and hardness.