Christopher Lai

Christopher Lai


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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13 December 2022 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CLChristopher Lai
Christopher Lai
ANAshten Nguyen
Ashten Nguyen
LYLynna Ye
Lynna Ye
JHJessica Hao
Jessica Hao
HKHyun Koo
Hyun Koo
Fusun OzerFusun Ozer
Fusun Ozer
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), an acrylic resin used in orthodontic appliances and removable dentures for its biocompatibility and esthetics, may harbor bacteria on its surface. The present study investigated a new PMMA formula with Gantrez: an antibacterial copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic acid (PVM/MA). Samples were tested for mechanical properties (surface hardness, flexural strength, water sorption, and water solubility) and effects against Streptococcus mutans. Six groups (0%-control, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% Gantrez) of n = 12 were fabricated for physical property tests and analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Prism 6. From these results, three groups (0%, 5%, and 10% Gantrez) were selected for antibacterial tests, and data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Adding 5% and 10% Gantrez into PMMA significantly decreased S. mutans adhesion. There was no significant difference between the control vs. 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% Gantrez (p > 0.05) for surface hardness, the control vs. 5% Gantrez (p > 0.05) for flexural strength, and the control vs. 5 and 10% Gantrez for water sorption and water solubility. Overall, incorporating 5% Gantrez into PMMA may be a promising solution to reduce bacterial adhesion without changing the acrylic resin’s physical properties.