No description available.

Studies regarding the feasibility of ovalbumin (OVA) as a bone scaffold material have found its cost, availability, interaction with cells, and ability to degrade in the body into safe byproducts to be ideal for such an application. However, weak mechanical properties cause hesitation in the use of OVA as a scaffolding material in much stronger native tissue. To enhance the mechanical strength of the OVA scaffolds without compromising in vitro cellular performance, Ca-P crystals were grown on unmodified OVA and phosphonated OVA (p-OVA) samples via biomineralization processes using 5x-concentrated simulated body fluid (5x SBF). Electron microscopy (ESEM/EDS) data confirm the formation of Ca-P crystals on the surface of OVA and p-OVA scaffolds. Mechanically, rheology data measured a minimum of a three-fold increase in each mineralized scaffold's complex shear modulus over unmineralized counterparts. Degradation in a PBS+collagenase XI environment showed that mineralization extended total time to degradation. It was also shown that the formation of the Ca-P crystals had no negative effects on in vitro cell studies. To measure cellular response, a live/dead assay was conducted to confirm cell viability after 24 hours. In conclusion, improvements were made to mechanical strength without compromising in vitro cell-scaffold response. While it remains unknown whether the increase in strength is adequate for use as a bone scaffold, future work should focus on gathering necessary information to study OVA scaffolds in animal models for eventual consideration as a bone graft substitute material. / Master of Science

Biodegradable polyesters, such as poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), have been used to fabricate porous bone scaffolds to support bone tissue development. These scaffolds allow for cell seeding, attachment, growth and extracellular matrix production in vitro and are replaced by new bone tissue when implanted into bone sites in vivo. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) and μ-tricalcium phosphate (μ-TCP) ceramics have been incorporated into PLGA bone scaffolds and have been shown to increase their osteoconductivity (support cell attachment). Although HAP, μ-TCP, and biodegradable polyesters are osteoconductive, there is no evidence that these scaffold materials are osteoinductive (support cell differentiation). Calcium and phosphate ions, in contrast, have been postulated to be osteogenic factors that enhance osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Recently, a zirconia-hybridized pyrophosphate stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (Zr-ACP) has been synthesized which permits controlled release of calcium and phosphate ions and thus is hypothesized to be osteoinductive. Incorporation of Zr-ACP into a highly porous poly(DL lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold could potentially increase the osteoinductivity of the scaffold and therefore promote osteogenesis when implanted in vivo. To determine the osteoinductivity of Zr-ACP, a MC3T3-E1 mouse calvarial-derived osteoprogenitor cell line was used to measure cell response to Zr-ACP. To accomplish this objective, Zr-ACP was added to cell culture at different stages in cell maturation (days 0, 4 and 11). DNA synthesis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteopontin synthesis and collagen synthesis were determined. Results indicate that culture in the presence of Zr-ACP significantly increased cell proliferation, ALP activity and osteopontin synthesis but not collagen synthesis. To determine the feasibility of incorporating Zr-ACP into a PLGA scaffold, PLGA/Zr-ACP composite foams (5% or 10% (w/v) polymer:solvent with 25 wt% or 50 wt% Zr-ACP) were fabricated using a thermal phase inversion technique. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a highly porous structure with pores ranging in size from a few microns to about 100 μm. The amorphous structure of the Zr-ACP was maintained during composite fabrication as confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements. Composite scaffolds also showed significantly greater compressive yield strengths and moduli as compared to pure polymer scaffolds. The results of this study indicate that Zr-ACP enhances the osteoblastic phenotype of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro and can be incorporated into a porous PLGA scaffold. Porous PLGA/Zr-ACP composites are promising for use as bone scaffolds to heal bone defects. / Master of Science

No description available.

This research is directed toward understanding the effect of nanoparticle attributes and polymer morphology on the properties of the nanocomposites with analogous nanoparticle chemistry. In order to develop this understanding, polymer nanocomposites containing calcium phosphate nanoparticles of different specific surface areas and shapes were fabricated and characterized through thermal and thermomechanical techniques. Nanoparticles were synthesized using reverse microemulsion technique. For nanocomposites with different surface area particles, the mobility of amorphous polymer chains was restricted significantly by the presence of particles with an interphase network morphology at higher loadings. Composites fabricated with different crystallinity matrices showed that the dispersion characteristics and reinforcement behavior of nanoparticles were governed by the amount of amorphous polymer fraction available. The study conducted on the effect of nanoparticle shape with near-spherical and nanofiber nanoparticles illustrated that the crystallization kinetics and the final microstructure of the composites was a function of shape of the nanoparticles. The results of this research indicate that nanoparticle geometry and matrix morphology are important parameters to be considered in designing and characterizing the structure-property relationship in polymer nanocomposites.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Calcium phosphate-filled restorative materials were developed to provide calcium (Ca) and phosphate (PO4) ions, which have been proposed to enhance remineralization of demineralized tooth structure. Recently, tricalcium phosphate (TCP)-filled restorative materials were introduced as an alternative to amorphous calcium phosphate. The TCP filler has a more crystalline structure than ACP and is therefore potentially stronger. The aim of the present study was to examine TCP-filled restorative resins at different concentration levels at different time intervals to characterize the concentrations of Ca and PO4 ions released, and to measure the water sorption (WS) of these resins. An in vitro study was conducted by formulating resin composite using TCP as the filler mixed with EBPADMA, HmDMA, and HEMA as the resin matrix. One-hundred- sixty samples were prepared, 40 samples of each filler concentration (30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, and 60 percent) by weight. From each filler concentration, 5 samples of each of the 8 time points (time intervals of 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 7 d, 14 d, and 21 d) were immersed in 100-ml deionized water. Calcium and PO4 ions were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy and light spectroscopy, respectively. Water sorption (WS) was measured according to ISO 4049 specification and then the WS and the diffusion coefficient were calculated. The significance level was set at p = 0.001. The results indicated that Ca and PO4 ion release increased with increasing filler level at a rate faster than being linear. In addition, WS results were very high and failed to meet the ISO 4049 specification requirement. Diffusion coefficient results were also high. One-way ANOVA test for only 21-day data revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in filler level percent, and two-way ANOVA testing revealed that there is a statistically significant interaction between time and filler level percent on the Ca, PO4 released and WS. It can be concluded that the concentrations of Ca and PO4 released and WS were affected by composition of the monomers, filler level and type, dispersion, and the absence of coupling agent. Although this TCP-filled restorative material may release Ca and PO4, it cannot serve as a restorative material due to high WS values. Further study is needed to improve the material and evaluate its ability in promoting remineralization of the tooth structure in order for it to serve its purpose.

An increase in degenerative bone disease in an ageing population, combined with a rise in the number of patients suffering from bone defects caused by physical trauma, makes the repair of bone an issue of growing clinical relevance. Current treatments such as autografts and allografts have major drawbacks, including donor site morbidity, limited availability, disease transmission and immune rejection. To overcome these issues synthetic bone grafts have been developed to mimic the mineral phase of bone. Given the significant roles of silicon in bone growth and development there has been great interest in introducing silicon into synthetic bone grafts to enhance their bioactivity. Calcium phosphate based silicate containing grafts have demonstrated enhanced bioactivity, improved physical properties, enhanced protein adsorption and greater bone formation, when compared to non-silicated calcium phosphates such as hydroxyapatite. However, is not clear whether the increased bone formation associated with these materials is the result of greater osteoblast activity or a rise in numbers of osteoblasts resulting from activation and differentiation of stem/ progenitor cells. To answer this question, multipotent stem cells were cultured on silicate substituted calcium phosphate (Si-CaP) and hydroxyapatite (HA). Si-CaP promoted greater cell adhesion and enhanced proliferation when compared to HA. Cells differentiated along the osteogenic lineage on both substrates as evidenced by up regulation of osteoblast specific genes and proteins. However, cells on Si-CaP showed earlier and greater gene expression of all osteoblast genes examined, and greater protein production as detected by immunohistochemistry. Integrin gene expression analysis revealed up regulation of α an d β subunits on both substrates during differentiation. Integrins α5 and β1 expression were greater on Si-CaP than on HA, suggesting preferential binding of fibronectin. The implication of these findings for tissue engineering is clear, suggesting these substrates may be utilized to control stem cell fate in vivo and in vitro without the need for osteogenic supplementation. Furthermore, the increased rate of differentiation seen on Si-CaP may enable the development of novel substrates for osteogenic differentiation of MSC, which may have significant impact in regenerative medicine.

A complexidade de desenvolver novas tecnologias para aplicações em reconstituição óssea se deve à necessidade de combinar várias propriedades químicas e físicas para que o material proporcione o desempenho almejado. Particularmente, em aplicações que visam osteogênese, os enxertos sintéticos devem ser bioativos, possuir porosidade com volume, geometria e interconectividade de poros controlados, além de ter boas propriedades mecânicas, dentro de limites relativamente rígidos. Por essa razão, o recobrimento de materiais bioinertes com cerâmicas bioativas se tornou o foco da presente pesquisa. O objetivo desse estudo foi desenvolver um novo método de produção de enxertos cerâmicos com macroporosidade funcionalizada, onde a formação e o revestimento dos poros são realizados em uma única etapa. Foi realizado o estudo de recobrimento com vidro bioativo e fosfato de cálcio. Para isso, agentes porogênicos na forma de grânulos (de 600 &#956m a 2 mm de diâmetro) foram sintetizados pelo método da gelificação de uma solução aquosa de alginato de sódio gotejada em solução de nitrato de cálcio (0,5 M), com incorporação de outros elementos para a formação de biovidro ou fosfato de cálcio. Esses grânulos foram conglomerados a um vidro ou alumina em pó, formando um compósito, que foi tratado termicamente para sinterização e formação de poros. No caso da matriz vítrea, a sinterização ocorreu com cristalização simultânea e concorrente. As cerâmicas resultantes foram caracterizadas por microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura, sendo possível observar a formação de macroporos aproximadamente esféricos (de 600 &#956m a 2 mm de diâmetro) revestidos internamente por uma camada de material com possível composição bioativa. / A tough requirement in the manufacture of implants for medicine is to conciliate appropriate mechanical properties and the porosity necessary for bone ingrowth. It is further important to control the fraction, morphology, size, surface to volume ratio and interconnectivity of pores. The difficulty in matching these characteristics is a deterrent for practical applications. High strength materials coated with a bioactive layer can overcome this problem. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop a new method for production of implants with functionalized macro porosity on ceramic. The production of a porous glass-ceramic and the internal coating of the pores with a bioactive material were performed in situ. The bioactive glass coating and calcium phosphate coating were studied. In order to achieve this goal, a porogenic agent in the form of beads (from 600 &#956m to 2 mm diameter) were prepared by the gelation of a water solution of sodium alginate into calcium nitrate solution (0.5 M), and incorporation of other components to yield the Bioglass composition or a calcium phosphate. The beads were further mixed with glass or ceramic powder and the assembly was heat treated for sintering. In the case of glass, the sintering occurred with concurrent crystallization. The obtained ceramics were characterized by optical and scanning electronic microscopy, which indicated that the porogenic beads acted successfully as a sacrificial template to produce functionalized macro pores.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades mecânicas e a liberação de íons de compósitos experimentais contendo DCPD após diferentes períodos de imersão. Nanopartículas de DCPD (10 vol%) foram incorporadas em misturas equimolares de BisGMA e TEGDMA ou BisEMA e TEGDMA. Foram adicionadas também 50% de partículas de vidro de bário (VB), 0,5% de canforoquinona e 0,5% de amina terciária. Como controle, materiais contendo apenas partículas de VB (60%) foram avaliados. O grau de conversão (GC) foi determinado através de near-FTIR (n=3). Através do teste de flexão biaxial foram obtidos resultados de resistência à flexão biaxial (RFB) e módulo de elasticidade (E). Fragmentos dos discos testados em flexão foram selecionados para o teste de microdureza Knoop (KHN). Os espécimes (n=10, 12x01mm) foram fraturados após 1, 30, 60 e 90 dias imersos em solução de NaCl (pH=7,0). Os dados de GC foram submetidos ANOVA de dois fatores (\"monômero\" e \"presença de DCPD\"). Dados de KHN foram analisados através de ANOVA de três fatores (\"monômero\", \"presença de DCPD\" e \"tempo de imersão\"). Comparações múltiplas foram feitas utilizando-se o teste de Tukey. Dados de RFB, E e liberação de íons foram analisados através do teste de Kruskal-Wallis e as comparações múltiplas foram feitas pelo teste de Dunn (alfa=5% em todos os casos). Independentemente da presença de DCPD, materiais contendo BisGMA apresentaram GC estatisticamente maior do que materiais com BisEMA. A substituição de VB por DCDP provocou redução nos valores iniciais de RFB para BisGMA e BisEMA e em E apenas para BisGMA. Materiais com BisGMA apresentaram valores maiores de E e KHN iniciais. Em geral, compósitos com BisGMA apresentaram maiores reduções nas propriedades mecânicas ao final de 90 dias; assim, compósitos contendo BisEMA apresentaram valores finais mais altos de KHN (independente da presença de DCPD) e RFB (apenas para materiais sem DCPD). Após 90 dias, o E e KHN dos materiais com BisGMA foram menores no compósito com DCPD. Ambos compósitos apresentaram valores crescentes de liberação de cálcio ao longo dos 90 dias, não tendo sido detectadas O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades mecânicas e a liberação de íons de compósitos experimentais contendo DCPD após diferentes períodos de imersão. Nanopartículas de DCPD (10 vol%) foram incorporadas em misturas equimolares de BisGMA e TEGDMA ou BisEMA e TEGDMA. Foram adicionadas também 50% de partículas de vidro de bário (VB), 0,5% de canforoquinona e 0,5% de amina terciária. Como controle, materiais contendo apenas partículas de VB (60%) foram avaliados. O grau de conversão (GC) foi determinado através de near-FTIR (n=3). Através do teste de flexão biaxial foram obtidos resultados de resistência à flexão biaxial (RFB) e módulo de elasticidade (E). Fragmentos dos discos testados em flexão foram selecionados para o teste de microdureza Knoop (KHN). Os espécimes (n=10, 12x01mm) foram fraturados após 1, 30, 60 e 90 dias imersos em solução de NaCl (pH=7,0). Os dados de GC foram submetidos ANOVA de dois fatores (\"monômero\" e \"presença de DCPD\"). Dados de KHN foram analisados através de ANOVA de três fatores (\"monômero\", \"presença de DCPD\" e \"tempo de imersão\"). Comparações múltiplas foram feitas utilizando-se o teste de Tukey. Dados de RFB, E e liberação de íons foram analisados através do teste de Kruskal-Wallis e as comparações múltiplas foram feitas pelo teste de Dunn (alfa=5% em todos os casos). Independentemente da presença de DCPD, materiais contendo BisGMA apresentaram GC estatisticamente maior do que materiais com BisEMA. A substituição de VB por DCDP provocou redução nos valores iniciais de RFB para BisGMA e BisEMA e em E apenas para BisGMA. Materiais com BisGMA apresentaram valores maiores de E e KHN iniciais. Em geral, compósitos com BisGMA apresentaram maiores reduções nas propriedades mecânicas ao final de 90 dias; assim, compósitos contendo BisEMA apresentaram valores finais mais altos de KHN (independente da presença de DCPD) e RFB (apenas para materiais sem DCPD). Após 90 dias, o E e KHN dos materiais com BisGMA foram menores no compósito com DCPD. Ambos compósitos apresentaram valores crescentes de liberação de cálcio ao longo dos 90 dias, não tendo sido detectadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre monômeros-base nos períodos de 1, 30 e 90 dias. O compósito contendo BisGMA apresentou liberações de fosfato estatisticamente maiores do que o material com BisEMA para todos os períodos de imersão, exceto após um dia. Após 60 dias a liberação de fósforo foi maior para ambos materiais em comparação aos 30 e 90 dias. Apenas para compósito contendo BisGMA foi verificada uma forte correlação linear entre liberação de cálcio e E (R2=0,990). Com base no exposto, pode-se concluir que: 1) o monômero-base utilizado afetou o GC dos materiais avaliados; 2) a presença de DCPD afetou a RFB inicial dos compósitos; 3) apenas os compósitos contendo BisGMA apresentaram reduções nas propriedades mecânicas após 90 dias; 4) ambos compósitos apresentaram diferenças nas concentrações finais de fosfato, mas não nas concentrações de cálcio liberadas; 5) houve correlação apenas entre liberação de cálcio e E de compósitos contendo BisGMA ao longo do período de imersão. Desta forma, todas as hipóteses nulas testadas devem ser rejeitadas. / The aim of the study was to evaluate the mechanical properties and ion release of experimental composites containing DCPD after different immersion periods. DCPD nanoparticles (10 vol%) were incorporated into equimolar mixtures of either BisGMA and TEGDMA or BisEMA and TEGDMA. Barium glass particles (50 vol%), 0,5% camphorquinone and 0,5% of ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate were also added. Materials containing only barium glass particles (60 vol%) were considered as control groups. Degree of conversion (DC) was determined by near-FTIR (n=3). Biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and elastic modulus (E) were obtained through the biaxial flexural test. Fragments of the disk-shaped specimens tested in flexure were selected to perform the Knoop microhardness test (KHN). Specimens (n=10, 12x1mm) were tested after 1, 30, 60 and 90 days of immersion in NaCl solution (pH = 7.0). DC results were submitted to two-way ANOVA (\"monomer\" and \"presence of DCPD\"). KHN data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA (\"monomer\", \"presence of DCPD\" and \"immersion period\"). Multiple comparisons were made using Tukey test. BFS, E and ion release data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn test (alpha = 5% in all cases). Regardless of the presence of DCPD, materials containing BisGMA presented statistically higher DC than materials containing BisEMA. Barium glass replacement by DCDP caused a reduction of the initial BFS for BisGMA and BisEMA composites and of initial E only for BisGMA. Materials containing BisGMA presented higher values of initial E and KHN. In general, composites containing BisGMA presented higher reductions in mechanical properties after 90 days. Thus, composites containing BisEMA presented higher final values of KHN (regardless of the presence of DCPD) and BFS (only for materials without DCPD). After 90 days, E and KHN values of materials with BisGMA were lower for the composite containing DCPD. Both composites showed increasing calcium release values during the 90 days, and no statistically significant differences were detected between composites with different monomers at 1, 30 and 90 days periods. BisGMA-containing composites showed a statistically higher phosphate release than the material with BisEMA in all immersion periods, except for one day period. After 60 days the phosphate release was higher for both materials when compared to 30 and 90 days period. Only for composite containing BisGMA a strong linear correlation between calcium release and E (R2 = 0.990) was verified. Based on the above, it can be concluded that: 1) the base-monomer affected the DC of the evaluated materials; 2) the presence of DCPD affected the initial BFS of the composites; 3) only BisGMA-containing composites showed reductions in mechanical properties after 90 days; 4) both composites showed differences in the final concentrations of phosphate, but not for the calcium concentrations; 5) there was a correlation only between calcium release and E of BisGMA-containing composites throughout the immersion period. Therefore, all null hypotheses tested were rejected.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi sintetizar partículas de fosfato dicálcico dihidratado (DCPD) funcionalizadas com derivados do dimetacrilato de etileno glicol (EGDMA, DEGDMA, TEGDMA e TETDMA) com o propósito de se obter partículas com baixa aglomeração e aplica-las no desenvolvimento de compósitos resinosos bioativos com propriedades mecânicas compatíveis com suas potenciais indicações clínicas. Métodos: Na Fase 1, partículas funcionalizadas de DCPD foram sintetizadas e caracterizadas com relação à presença do monômero funcionalizante, área superficial, tamanho e morfologia. Na Fase 2, as partículas apresentando as características desejáveis de tamanho e funcionalização foram incorporadas a uma matriz resinosa e os materiais resultantes foram avaliados quanto ao grau de conversão, propriedades mecânicas, liberação de íons e microestrutura. Finalmente, na Fase 3, as partículas que apresentaram os melhores resultados na fase anterior foram testadas em formulações incluindo partículas de vidro de bário silanizados segundo os mesmos métodos empregados na Fase 2 e, adicionalmente, tenacidade à fratura e contração volumétrica pós-gel. Os dados foram avaliados através de ANOVA/Tukey ou Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, dependendo das condições de normalidade e homocedasticidade. Resultados: para a fase 1, a composição das partículas foi confirmada pelo DRX. A retenção do monômero foi inversamente proporcional ao tamanho do grupo espaçador, sendo as partículas sintetizadas com DEGDMA as com maior índice de retenção. De modo geral, teores mais elevados de monômeros nas partículas estiveram associados a maiores valores de área superficial. A funcionalização não reduziu a aglomeração. Para a fase 2, o material com 30 vol% de DCPD funcionalizado com DEGDMA 2:1 apresentou resistência à flexão 39% maior do que o DCPD não funcionalizado. O módulo flexural dos materiais contendo DCPD funcionalizado foi 19% - 26% menor do que o material contendo DCPD não funcionalizado. A liberação de íons não foi afetada pela funcionalização, mantendo-se estável durante o período de 28 dias. Para a fase 3, materiais com partículas contendo níveis mais altos de funcionalizante apresentaram contração volumétrica maior. A resistência à flexão foi negativamente afetada pela substituição de 15 vol% de partículas de reforço por DCPD, independentemente da funcionalização. O módulo flexural apresentou valores estatisticamente semelhantes após 24 horas, para todos os compósitos experimentais. Após 60 dias, os materiais contendo DEGDMA 1:1 e TEGDMA 1:1 apresentaram valores inferiores aos demais materiais. Compósitos contendo DCPD apresentaram valores de tenacidade à fratura semelhantes ou superiores ao controle (sem DCPD). Não foram observadas diferenças nas concentrações iônicas liberadas pelos compósitos ao longo do experimento. Após 60 dias, a concentração de cálcio foi cerca de 60% da concentração liberada após 15 dias de imersão. Conclusão: Para as fases 1 e 2, o DEGDMA resultou nos mais altos níveis de funcionalização e maior resistência à flexão biaxial entre os materiais contendo DCPD. A liberação de íons não foi afetada pela funcionalização. Para a fase 3, o DEGDMA foi o único material com resistência semelhante ao controle após 60 dias, porém com maior contração. A presença de DCPD melhorou a tenacidade à fratura, independente da funcionalização e ao funcionalizar o DCPD a liberação de íons diminuiu nos primeiros 15 dias. / The aim of this study was to synthesize dicalcium phosphate dihidrate (DCPD) particles functionalized with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate derivatives (EGDMA, DEGDMA, TEGDMA e TETDMA) with the purpose of reducing the particle agglomeration and apply them in the development of resinous composites with mechanical properties compatible with their potential clinical indications. Methods: In Phase 1, functionalized DCPD particles were synthesized and characterized with respect to the presence of the functionalizing monomer, surface area, size and morphology. In Phase 2, the particles having the desired size and functionalization characteristics were incorporated into a resin matrix and the resulting materials were evaluated for the degree of conversion, mechanical properties, ion release and microstructure. Finally, in Phase 3, the particles that showed the best results in the previous phase were tested in formulations including silanized barium glass particles according to the same methods employed in Step 2 and, additionally, post-gel volumetric fracture toughness and contraction. The data were evaluated through ANOVA / Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis / Dunn, depending on the conditions of normality and homoscedasticity. Results: for phase 1, the composition of the particles was confirmed by DRX. The retention of the monomer was inversely proportional to the size of the spacer group, and the particles synthesized with DEGDMA were the ones with the highest retention index. In general, higher monomer content in the particles was associated with higher surface area values. Functionalization didn\'t reduce agglomeration. For phase 2, the 30 vol% DCPD material functionalized with DEGDMA 2: 1 showed flexural strength 39% higher than non-functionalized DCPD. The flexural modulus of the functionalized DCPD containing materials was 19% - 26% less than the non-functionalized DCPD containing material. The release of ions was not affected by the functionalization, remaining stable during the period of 28 days. For phase 3, materials with particles containing higher levels of functionalizer presented greater volumetric contraction. The flexural strength was negatively affected by the substitution of 15 vol% of reinforcing particles by DCPD, regardless of functionalization. The flexural modulus presented statistically similar values after 24 hours for all experimental composites. After 60 days, the materials containing DEGDMA 1: 1 and TEGDMA 1: 1 presented lower values than the other materials. Composites containing DCPD showed fracture toughness values similar to or higher than the control (without DCPD). No differences were observed in the ionic concentrations released by the composites throughout the experiment. After 60 days, the calcium concentration was about 60% of the concentration released after 15 days of immersion. Conclusion: For phases 1 and 2, DEGDMA resulted in higher functionalisation levels and higher biaxial flexural strength among DCPD containing materials. The release of ions was not affected by the functionalization. For phase 3, DEGDMA was the only material with similar resistance to control after 60 days, but with greater contraction. The presence of DCPD improved the fracture toughness, independent of the functionalization and the functionalization of the DCPD, the ion liberation decreased in the first 15 days.