# Antibacterialarial Agents Used in Modifications of Dental Resin Composites: A Systematic Review
###### Abstract  
Introduction: Resin-based composites (RBCs) are very common and often applicable in dentistry. Their disadvantage is susceptibility to secondary caries due to the formation of bacterial biofilm at the interface with the patient's tissues. Antimicrobial additive incorporation into RBCs seems to be a justified method to alleviate the above-mentioned negative phenomenon. The aim of this review is to provide a juxtaposition of strategies and results on the topic of antimicrobial composites. It also provides insights into future research and prospects for clinical applications. Methods: This review summarizes the literature from 2017 to 2024, describing potential antimicrobial agents incorporated into dental composites. The research methodology involved a systematic search using the Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) structure and selecting articles from databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier, which allowed for an in-depth review of substances utilized for the antibacterial modification of RBCs. Results: A total of 159 articles were identified, 43 of which met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: This review is a summary of novel approaches in the field of dental materials science. The results show the variety of approaches to modifying composites for antimicrobial efficacy. It is worth underlining that there is a significant difficulty in comparing the studies selected for this review. This is related to the different modifiers used and the modification of composites with different compositions. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of a standardized approach to the modification of dental materials to give them a biocidal character and simultaneously maintain the stability of their mechanical and chemical properties. biomaterials; dental resin-based composite; biocidal agent; antibacterial dental composite +
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to unnecessary loss of their tissues during the placement of new restorations, as well as generating further costs. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted with the common purpose of developing RBCs that could eliminate secondary caries. Researchers have attempted to modify matrices or fillers using various substances with potential antibacterial effects [6; 7]. The review summarizes the antibacterial agents added to dental composite materials, commercial and experimental. It includes articles published from January 2017 to February 2024 accessible via the Science Direct, PubMed, and Elsevier databases. The introduction of potentially antibacterial agents can improve oral health and raise patients' standard of living. Composite materials with antibacterial properties can prevent the occurrence of complications, consequent on which is the preservation of a healthy smile and lower healthcare costs for patients. A composite material is composed mainly of organic, inorganic, and binding phases. The matrix, otherwise known as the organic phase, is made from a mixture of monomers (usually dimethacrylates) which are enriched with such components as polymerization initiators, inhibitors, and stabilization agents. The matrix allows the transfer of stresses to the reinforcing material; more than that, it keeps the inorganic particles in the right form, which allows the material to maintain its shape. The organic phase defines the chemical and thermal properties of an RBC [8; 9]. The organic phase is reinforced with inorganic phase-particles, usually based on silicon or zirconium (with a micro/nano size). The above phases are bonded together by a chemical reaction through the bonding phase (silanes) [10; 11]. In recent years, new \"bulk-fill\"-type composites have been developed. These materials are used to reduce the time consumed in the application of incremental layers while at the same time providing adequate strength properties and high aesthetics for the prosthetic reconstructions created. To achieve these properties, more reactive photoinitiators and chemically modified monomers are introduced into the formulations [12].