Natural shell-based bioceramics from marine sources in dental applications: biological and mechanical properties: Biokeramik alami berbahan dasar cangkang dari sumber laut dalam aplikasi kedokteran gigi: sifat biologis dan mekanisnya

Alqarama Mahardhika Thalib (Department of Dental Material Science and Technology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Asmawati Amin (Oral Biology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Bahruddin Thalib (Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Ignes Liyanto (Professional Students of Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Lenni Indriani (Department of Dental Material Science and Technology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)

MDJ (Makassar Dental Journal)
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026): Volume 15 Issue 2 August 2026

Seashells are a natural biomaterial that is abundant, environmentally friendly and biocompatible, and therefore have potential as dental bioceramics, although their use remains limited. This review presents the latest scientific evidence regarding the biological and mechanical properties of seashells, as a basis for as-sessing their potential as an alternative bioceramic in dental applications. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines, with a literature search con-ducted in Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect (2015-2025). Inclusion criteria comprised in vitro, in vivo, or comparative studies evaluating the biological, me-chanical, or physical properties of marine shell bioceramics for dental applications. The studies demonstrated high biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity, me-chanical properties equivalent to or better than those of commercial materials, and physical properties that remain competitive. It was concluded that marine shell-based bioceramics show promise as a sustainable alternative dental material with competitive biological and mechanical properties.