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: “Plaque OR Biofilm AND Surface chemistry”,” Plaque OR Biofilm AND Surface-free energy”,” Plaque OR Biofilm AND roughness”, ”Surface characteristics AND Composites”, ”Biofilm AND Surface characteristics”. Results: Surface properties of resin-based composite materials as well as surface treatments can strongly affect bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, although the “ideal” 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 “vicious cycle” 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.