ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Development of bioactive PMMA resins: impact of Zn-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles on antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical behavior

A. Benali, M. Elansary, N. Bentarhlia, M. Belaiche, Y. Mouhib, I. Guetni, F. Zaoui, K. El Mabrouk, and L. Bahije

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Unit, E.N.S Rabat, Energy Research Centre. Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

E-mail: moustapha_bouzegou@um5.ac.ma

Received: 31 March 2026  Accepted: 24 April 2026

Abstract:

This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical properties in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) through the incorporation of Ti_1-xZn_xO₂ nanoparticles (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05), synthesized via the sol–gel method. The nanoparticles were added to the PMMA matrix at weight concentrations of 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%. Characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinement, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy with EDX (TEM–EDX), and mechanical tests including Vickers hardness, flexural strength, and impact resistance. Structural analyses confirmed the anatase phase and good dispersion of nanoparticles (7–23 nm). FTIR indicated chemical interactions with the PMMA matrix. Some formulations, particularly with x = 0.01 at 0.4 wt%, showed improvements in hardness and impact resistance, although none exceeded the performance of pure PMMA. Flexural strength mainly remained unchanged. Controlled incorporation of Ti_1-xZn_xO₂ nanoparticles allows modulation of PMMA’s mechanical behavior. Antibacterial assays against oral pathogens (S. aureus, S. mutans) showed significant inhibitory activity, with MIC values between 1.56 and 2.68 mg/mL. These findings suggest that while these nanocomposites offer promising antimicrobial benefits for dental prosthetics, further optimization of filler dispersion is essential to maximize mechanical reinforcement.

Keywords: Sol–gel synthesis; Nanocomposite; Mechanical properties; Zn-doped TiO2 nanoparticles; Dental applications; Antibacterial activity

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-04957-5

Chemical Papers 80 (8) 9361–9378 (2026)