Methacrylates are common constituents of resin-based biomaterials. These materials cure by polymerization of methacrylate monomers, but incomplete polymerization causes leakage and patient exposure to the electrophile monomers.

Polymer-based dental restorative materials are designed to polymerize in situ. However, the conversion of methacrylate monomer to polymer is never complete, and leakage of the monomer occurs. It has been shown that these monomers are toxic in vitro; hence concerns regarding exposure of patients and dental personnel have been raised.