Bioactive ACP-Based Polymeric Biocomposites

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We have led the research on polymeric dental materials based on amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) for over two decades. The knowledge gained from systematic structure-composition-property relationship studies of ACP composites yielded a new generation of materials capable of efficiently restoring lost tooth mineral via sustained release of re-mineralizing calcium and phosphate ions (building blocks of both enamel and dentin). Our work has also contributed to a better understanding on how different monomer systems yield unique matrix structures and filler/matrix interactions that affect the critical properties of ACP composites and their overall performance. In this Chapter, we describe ACP filler, polymer and composite fabrication and the sequential physicochemical, mechanical and biological evaluation of ACP composites intended for different dental applications. We also discuss introducing an antimicrobial function in the formulation of ACP composites as a way of expanding their potential application beyond dentistry into area of regenerative hard tissue medicine.