Author(s):
Hassen Merzouk, Samir Habibi, Benali Boutabout, Noureddine Gherraf
Email(s):
Hassen.merzouk@univ-mascara.dz , habibismr@yahoo.com , bboutabout@yahoo.fr , ngherraf@yahoo.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00047 
Address:
Hassen Merzouk1, Samir Habibi2, Benali Boutabout3, Noureddine Gherraf*4
1University of Mustapha Stambouli, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Mechanic, Mascara 29000, Algeria, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6989-2316.
2University of Sidi BEL Abbes, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Mechanic, BP 89 Sidi Bel Abbes 22000, Algeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4307-2592.
3University of Sidi BEL Abbes , Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Mechanic BP 89 Sidi Bel Abbes 22000, Algeria, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2305-8988.
4Laboratory of Natural Resources and Management of Sensitive Environments, Oum el-Bouaghi University, Algeria, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9635-2275.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 1,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
In recent years, polymers containing catechol groups—originally inspired by the adhesive proteins found in mussels—have drawn growing attention from researchers and biomaterial developers, especially for use in dentistry. These materials exhibit excellent surface adhesion due to the unique properties of catechol groups and their ability to form hydrogen bonds, making them valuable across various applications. Dopamine and its naturally occurring derivative, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), were selected as the foundation for creating a polymerizable monomer. This was achieved through a chemical reaction with methacrylic anhydride to produce dopamine methacrylamide (DMA). The newly synthesized compound was then thoroughly analyzed using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy to confirm its structure. Following this, DMA was combined with ethoxylated di-GMA (EBPDMA) in different ratios to develop formulations suitable for DLP 3D printing. To create catechol-functionalized polymers, free radical polymerization was carried out in DMF using dopamine methacrylamide and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The resulting cross-linked polymer networks were analyzed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), along with FT-IR and 1H-NMR techniques, to better understand their structural characteristics. Finally, the mechanical performance of the developed materials was assessed through a series of tests, including measurements of compressive strength, flexural strength, and hardness, all conducted using a universal testing machine (UTM).
Cite this article:
Hassen Merzouk, Samir Habibi, Benali Boutabout, Noureddine Gherraf. Mechanical Properties and Characterization of a Catechol-Polymer Biocomposite for 3D Printable Dental Applications. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(1):325-2. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00047
Cite(Electronic):
Hassen Merzouk, Samir Habibi, Benali Boutabout, Noureddine Gherraf. Mechanical Properties and Characterization of a Catechol-Polymer Biocomposite for 3D Printable Dental Applications. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(1):325-2. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00047 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-1-47
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