Study on a Novel Dental Resin Matrix with a Fluorinated Polyurethane Dimethacrylate Monomer.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop a novel fluorinated polyurethane dimethacrylate (FPUDMA) monomer to address key limitations of conventional Bis-GMA monomer, including polymerization shrinkage, hydrolytic degradation, and bacterial adhesion. METHODS: FPUDMA monomer was synthesized via solution polymerization and characterized. Experimental resin matrices were formulated with 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% FPUDMA by weight. Key properties evaluated included surface performance and hydrolysis resistance, degree of conversion, polymerization shrinkage rate, mechanical properties, initial bacterial adhesion, and cytocompatibility. RESULTS: FPUDMA was successfully synthesized with a molecular weight >1000 and exhibited lower viscosity than Bis-GMA. Incorporation of FPUDMA significantly increased surface fluorine content and water contact angle (up to 106° for the 6F group), while reducing water sorption and solubility when FPUDMA content exceeded that of Bis-GMA. DC increased from 46.35% (6B group) to 55.07% (6F group). Polymerization shrinkage decreased by up to 31.41% (6F group). The 3F group exhibited the highest flexural strength (88.38 MPa) and favorable hardness, whereas all FPUDMA-containing groups showed a lower elastic modulus. FPUDMA-containing groups significantly reduced initial bacterial adhesion and maintained good cytocompatibility (cell viability >90%). CONCLUSIONS: The resin matrix containing 30 wt% FPUDMA (3F group) demonstrated the optimal overall performance, supporting its further evaluation in composite resin systems. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The addition of FPUDMA monomer enhanced hydrolytic resistance, degree of conversion, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, while reducing polymerization shrinkage and initial bacterial adhesion in vitro. These findings suggest a potential for enhanced restoration performance, but further in vivo and clinical studies are warranted to confirm long-term benefits.