BoneTape: A novel osteosynthetic device for the stabilization of zygomatic fractures.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of BoneTape™, a new resorbable bone fixation device, using a zygomatic fracture model in rabbits. METHODS: The study followed BoneTape™ samples and control (sham) groups over 2-, 6-, and 12-week periods post-zygomaticomaxillary (ZM) osteotomy and zygomaticofrontal (ZF) disarticulation. The osteotomized segments were analyzed for bone healing, inflammatory response, and tissue healing. µCT imaging and histological analysis were used to examine the axial alignment, offset, and quality of new bone formation. RESULTS: BoneTape™ samples demonstrated enhanced maintenance of the initial intraoperative positioning, reduced axial offset, and better alignment when compared with the control group, enabling stable bone healing under physiological loading conditions. Complete union was observed at 12-weeks in both groups. The BoneTape™ group experienced minimal immune and tissue reactions, classically associated with wound healing, and showed an increased number of giant cells at 6 and 12-weeks. CONCLUSION: BoneTape™ represents a promising advancement in osteosynthesis, demonstrating efficacy in maintaining stable zygomatic reconstruction and eliciting minimal immune response in a rabbit model. This study introduces BoneTape™ as a disruptive solution specifically designed for clinical application in cranio-maxillofacial fracture fixation, with the potential to eliminate the use of over-engineered solutions while offering benefits such as ease of application and fewer biologically disruptive steps.

The effectiveness of glass ionomer cement as a fiber post cementation system in endodontically treated teeth.

This study compared the performance of a glass ionomer (GC Gold Label 1, GIC) as a fiber post cementation system for glass fiber posts with a self-adhesive resin cement (Relyx U200, RUC) and a conventional resin cement system (Scotchbond Muli-Purpose and Relyx ARC, RAC). Thirty endodontically treated canines were randomly divided in three groups (n = 10), according to the fiber post cementation system: (RAC)-Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Relyx X ARC; (RUC)-Relyx U200 and (GIC)-GC Gold Label 1 Luting & Lining. Rhodamine was incorporated into the cementation system prior to the fiber post cementation. After glass fiber post cementation, roots were incubated in artificial saliva for 6 months. After that, specimens from the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the post space were prepared and analyzed using a push-out bond strength test and confocal laser microscopy. ANOVA one way and Tukey tests showed that GIC and RUC demonstrated similar push-out bond strength values, independently of the post space third (p > .05); however, values were greater than those shown by RAC (p < .05). For dentin penetrability, GIC and RUC also had similar results (p > 0.05) and lower than RAC (p < 0.05). Inside the root canal, the cementation system using glass ionomer cement (GC Gold Label 1 Luting & Lining) has similar push-out bond strength to the self-adhesive resin cement (Relyx U200) and these were higher than the conventional resin (Relyx ARC), despite its higher dentin penetrability.

Antimicrobial Activity of Amphiphilic Triazole-Linked Polymers Derived from Renewable Sources.

Conventional engineered polymers are strong, stable, and can interact desirably within the human body in implants and medical devices. However, bacterial colonization of medical devices and implants constructed from these materials results in numerous hospital acquired infections (HAI) and deaths each year. Polytriazole based plastics containing triazole rings and fatty acid derivatives have been synthesized from biological sources without catalysts or solvents. In this study, three amphiphilic polytriazoles with varying triazole density and hydrophilic/hydrophobic segments demonstrated broad spectrum, contact antimicrobial properties against both Gram positive and negative bacteria. SEM analysis of bacteria killed by these polymers evidence membrane damage, indicating that these polymers act by direct contact with bacterial membranes. Surface hydrophobicity of these polymers increased with increasing triazole group density, which also improved the antimicrobial efficacy. This work demonstrates that amphiphilic polytriazoles have antimicrobial properties and that future utilization of triazole modified polymers may produce self-sterilizing materials which resist bacterial contamination and formation of antibiotic resistant organisms, ideal characteristics for medically relevant biomaterials.