Enhancing denture retention with bioinspired octopus-like suction cup designs of various shapes and distributions: An in vitro maxillary model

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Current methods of evaluating denture retention lack clinical relevance because of simplified testing conditions and limited design innovation. Bioinspired features such as octopus-like suction cups (SCs) offer a promising solution but remain underinvestigated. A more realistic in vitro model incorporating a peripheral seal (PS), artificial saliva, and these novel designs is needed to better assess and enhance denture retention. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of preload forces, PS simulation, and spatially distributed octopus-inspired SC surface modifications on the retention of maxillary complete dentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigation was conducted in 2 phases. In Phase I, 12 3-dimensionally (3D) printed maxillary dentures were divided into 2 groups (n=6) to assess the effect of a simulated PS. Group NO PS (control) lacked a PS, while Group PS incorporated a silicone-based PS created using a printed mold. Retention was measured using a vertical pull-off test under 2 preload forces (4 N and 10 N) with artificial saliva. In Phase II, 50 dentures were assigned to 5 groups (n=10): Smooth (smooth surface), PSC (palatal SCs), Peri-SC (peripheral SCs), Peri-NSC (peripheral negative suction cups), and Adhesive-smooth (smooth surface with adhesive). All dentures were tested using the same PS simulation and preload conditions with triplicate retention measurements. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc tests (α=.05). RESULTS: Retention significantly increased in the presence of a PS at both preload levels (P