Release of dibenzoyl peroxide from polymethyl methacrylate denture base resins: an in vitro evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
Dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO), an initiator in polymethyl methacrylate denture base resins, has been associated with allergic reactions in human patients. This study evaluated the content of BPO in acrylic denture base materials (ADBM) prior and subsequent to recommended and additional post-polymerization, and subsequent to storage in varying solutions. The goal was to determine differences in BPO content in ADBMs, to determine whether differences are seen in BPO release over time and to test different procedures for additional BPO reduction.


METHODS
Three heat-polymerizing, two auto-polymerizing and a microwave polymerizing "hypoallergic" ADBM were investigated. Five samples (Ø414.57mg) were polymerized according to manufacturers' instructions from each of the six acrylic resins for each of the variables to be investigated. For each material the BPO content was measured as delivered by the manufacturer and subsequent to recommended and post-polymerization protocols. The BPO content was also evaluated after storage in distilled water (22 degrees C, 192h), in artificial saliva (35 degrees C, 192h), in ethanol, potassium permanganate and ammonium ferric(II) sulfate solutions (22 degrees C, 48h).


RESULTS
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and indirect iodometry were used to detect BPO concentrations. Significant differences were noted in BPO concentrations between the polymers as delivered from the manufacturer (0.13-1.20%), subsequent to polymerization (0.05-0.32%) and to the various treatment and storage procedures (H and U-tests, p<0.05). The microwave polymerizing ADBM contained the lowest initial level of BPO. No reduction of BPO content was noted after 8 days of storage in artificial saliva or water. The most notable reduction (63-95%) occurred subsequent to post-polymerization cycles.


CONCLUSIONS
BPO was detected in all investigated ADBMs. It is unlikely, under oral conditions, that BPO is released from the investigated ADBMs. The BPO concentration can be reduced effectively by additional post-polymerization.
Boeckler
Arne F
AF
Department of Prosthodontics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 19, 06108 Halle/Saale, Germany. arne.boeckler@medizin.uni-halle.de
Morton
Dean
D
Poser
Sven
S
Dette
Karl-Ernst
KE
D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003819:Denture Bases; D006244:Hardness; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control; D055115:Light-Curing of Dental Adhesives; D008422:Materials Testing; D044367:Phase Transition; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry*; D012464:Saliva, Artificial; D055116:Self-Curing of Dental Resins
D012464:Saliva, Artificial; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide