Delia-Teodora Ciocan

Dr. Delia-Teodora Ciocan


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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20 July 2026 in Polymers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JAJamal Al Ashkar
Jamal Al Ashkar
NINicoleta Ioanid
Nicoleta Ioanid
DCDelia-Teodora Ciocan
Delia-Teodora Ciocan
RSRuxandra Teodora Stan
Ruxandra Teodora Stan
AKANDREAS KATSONIS
ANDREAS KATSONIS
RVRoxana-Ionela Vasluianu
Roxana-Ionela Vasluianu
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is still the most widely used prosthetic polymer, although its biological inertness and vulnerability to mechanical stress and microbiological colonization are gradually restricting its therapeutic lifespan. This narrative review develops a conceptual framework, three ceramic modifiers corresponding to three distinct biofunctional strategies, to logically guide the design of the next generation of PMMA-based prosthetic dentures. We critically analyze the transformation of hydroxyapatite (HA), silica (SiO2), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) from passive fillers to active functional phases, offering unique, complementary therapeutic advantages. Therefore, HA confers osteoconductive and bone affinity, SiO2 provides surface reactivity, tunable bioactivity, and drug release capacity, while TiO2 provides mechanical reinforcement, chemical stability, and photocatalytic antibacterial activity. These ceramics used in PMMA matrices result in hybrid materials that outperform standard resins in terms of structural, mechanical, and biological performance. Recent research on binary and ternary systems (e.g., HA–TiO2, SiO2–HA, and HA–SiO2–TiO2 in PMMA) has indicated synergistic effects, such as increased osteoblast proliferation, reduced biofilm development, improved fracture toughness, and favorable corrosion resistance in simulated oral environments. A decision matrix is also provided to assist the clinician in selecting the best ceramic for a given clinical function of a prosthetic base or provisional repair. Although polymer–ceramic hybrid systems show remarkable translational potential, there are still obstacles to be addressed in terms of long-term interfacial stability, standardized synthesis processes, and regulatory mechanisms. This review proposes a framework of PMMA as a multimodal biofunctional engineering platform rather than a basic structural polymer and provides a roadmap for the development of intelligent, interactive, and clinically durable prosthetic materials.