Surface properties of resin-based composite materials and biofilm formation : a review of the current literature

Purpose: To evaluate the state of art on the relations between surface properties (surface roughness, topography, surface free energy and chemistry) of resin-based composite materials and microbial adhesion and biofilm formation. Methods: An electronic search using Scopus and PubMed (until May 2015) was conducted applying the following search items: \u201cPlaque OR Biofilm AND Surface chemistry\u201d,\u201d Plaque OR Biofilm AND Surface-free energy\u201d,\u201d Plaque OR Biofilm AND roughness\u201d, \u201dSurface characteristics AND Composites\u201d, \u201dBiofilm AND Surface characteristics\u201d. Results: Surface properties of resin-based composite materials as well as surface treatments can strongly affect bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, although the \u201cideal\u201d surface features have not been identified yet. Moreover, investigations highlighted that cariogenic biofilm formation may alter materials surface properties thus encouraging bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, starting a \u201cvicious cycle\u201d which might compromise restoration longevity. Clinical significance: The comprehension of the complex interactions between oral microorganisms and resin-based composite materials could be of great importance to guide the development of new materials able to modulate microbial adhesion and biofilm formation