Effect of green gold nanoparticles synthesized with plant on the flexural strength of heat-polymerized acrylic resin

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticle on the flexural strength of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Materials and Methods: PMMA specimens (65 mm × 10 mm × 3.3 mm) containing different sizes (45 nm, 55 nm, and 65 nm) and concentrations (0.05% and 0.2%) of gold nanoparticles were prepared, along with a control group containing no added nanoparticles. Flexural strength of all specimens was measured, and one‑way ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer post hoc multiple comparisons tests were performed to identify statistical differences between groups.

Results: The addition of gold nanoparticles increased the flexural strength of acrylic resin. Significantly greater increases were obtained with lower concentrations (0.05%) when compared to higher concentrations (0.20%).

Conclusion: Differences in concentrations of gold nanoparticles added to PMMA have significantly different effects on PMMA flexural strength, whereas differences in sizes of gold nanoparticles added to PMMA do not significantly affect its flexural strength. Accordingly, adding gold nanoparticles to PMMA may enhance the mechanical properties of denture bases used in clinical practice.

Keywords: Flexural strength, gold, nanoparticles, polymethyl methacrylate