Defect-Rich SnO2 Nanofiber as an Oxygen-Defect-Driven Photoenergy Shield against UV Light Cell Damage.

Usually, most studies focus on toxic gas and photosensors by using electrospinning and metal oxide polycrystalline SnO2 nanofibers (PNFs), while fewer studies discuss cell-material interactions and photoelectric effect. In this work, the controllable surface morphology and oxygen defect (VO) structure properties were provided to show the opportunity of metal oxide PNFs to convert photoenergy into bio-energy for bio-material applications. Using the photobiomodulation effect of defect-rich polycrystalline SnO2 nanofibers (PNFs) is the main idea to modulate the cell-material interactions, such as adhesion, growth direction, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) density. The VO structures, including out-of-plane oxygen defects (op-VO), bridge oxygen defects (b-VO), and in-plane oxygen defects (ip-VO), were studied using synchrotron analysis to investigate the electron transfer between the VO structures and conduction bands. These intragrain VO structures can be treated as generation-recombination centers, which can convert various photoenergies (365-520 nm) into different current levels that form distinct surface potential levels; this is referred to as the photoelectric effect. PNF conductivity was enhanced 53.6-fold by enlarging the grain size (410 nm2) by increasing the annealing temperature, which can improve the photoelectric effect. In vitro removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be achieved by using the photoelectric effect of PNFs. Also, the viability and shape of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs-BM) were also influenced significantly by the photobiomodulation effect. The cell damage and survival rate can be prevented and enhanced by using PNFs; metal oxide nanofibers are no longer only environmental sensors but can also be a bio-material to convert the photoenergy into bio-energy for biomedical science applications.

Fracture Characteristics of Commercial PEEK Dental Crowns: Combining the Effects of Aging Time and TiO2 Content.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is an emerging thermoplastic polymer with good mechanical properties and an elastic modulus similar to that of alveolar bone. PEEK dental prostheses for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems on the market often have additives of titanium dioxide (TiO2) to strengthen their mechanical properties. However, the effects of combining aging, simulating a long-term intraoral environment, and TiO2 content on the fracture characteristics of PEEK dental prostheses have rarely been investigated. In this study, two types of commercially available PEEK blocks, containing 20% and 30% TiO2, were used to fabricate dental crowns by CAD/CAM systems and were aged for 5 and 10 h based on the ISO 13356 specifications. The compressive fracture load values of PEEK dental crowns were measured using a universal test machine. The morphology and crystallinity of the fracture surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and an X-ray diffractometer, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test (α = 0.05). Results showed no significant difference in the fracture load value of the test PEEK crowns with 20% and 30% TiO2 after 5 or 10 h of aging treatment; all test PEEK crowns have satisfactory fracture properties for clinical applications. Fracture surface analysis revealed that all test crowns fractured from the lingual side of the occlusal surface, with the fracture extending along the lingual sulcus to the lingual edge, showing a feather shape at the middle part of the fracture extension path and a coral shape at the end of the fracture. Crystalline analysis showed that PEEK crowns, regardless of aging time and TiO2 content, remained predominantly PEEK matrix and rutile phase TiO2. We would conclude that adding 20% or 30% TiO2 to PEEK crowns may have been sufficient to improve the fracture properties of PEEK crowns after 5 or 10 h of aging. Aging times below 10 h may still be safe for reducing the fracture properties of TiO2-containing PEEK crowns.

Influence of Aging on the Fracture Characteristics of Polyetheretherketone Dental Crowns: A Preliminary Study.

Although polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is becoming more widely used in dentistry applications, little is known about how aging will affect this material. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of an aging treatment on fracture characteristics of PEEK dental crowns. Additionally, the impact of the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) into PEEK was examined. Two types of commercial PEEK discs were used in this study, including TiO2-free and 20% TiO2-containing PEEK. The PEEK dental crowns were fabricated and aging-treated at 134 °C and 0.2 MPa for 5 h in accordance with the ISO 13356 specification before being cemented on artificial tooth abutments. The fracture loads of all crown samples were measured under compression tests. Results demonstrated that adding TiO2 enhanced the fracture load of PEEK crowns compared to TiO2-free PEEK crowns before the aging treatment. However, the aging treatment decreased the fracture load of TiO2-containing PEEK crowns while increasing the fracture load of TiO2-free PEEK crowns. The fracture morphology of TiO2-containing PEEK crowns revealed finer feather shapes than that of the TiO2-free PEEK crowns. We concluded that adding TiO2 increased the fracture load of PEEK crowns without aging treatment. Still, the aging treatment influenced the fracture load and microscopic fracture morphology of PEEK crowns, depending on the addition of TiO2.

Blood Coagulation on Titanium Dioxide Films with Various Crystal Structures on Titanium Implant Surfaces.

Background: Titanium (Ti) is one of the most popular implant materials, and its surface titanium dioxide (TiO2) provides good biocompatibility. The coagulation of blood on Ti implants plays a key role in wound healing and cell growth at the implant site; however, researchers have yet to fully elucidate the mechanism underlying this process on TiO2. Methods: This study examined the means by which blood coagulation was affected by the crystal structure of TiO2 thin films (thickness < 50 nm), including anatase, rutile, and mixed anatase/rutile. The films were characterized in terms of roughness using an atomic force microscope, thickness using an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and crystal structure using transmission electron microscopy. The surface energy and dielectric constant of the surface films were measured using a contact angle goniometer and the parallel plate method, respectively. Blood coagulation properties (including clotting time, factor XII contact activation, fibrinogen adsorption, fibrin attachment, and platelet adhesion) were then assessed on the various test specimens. Results: All of the TiO2 films were similar in terms of surface roughness, thickness, and surface energy (hydrophilicity); however, the presence of rutile structures was associated with a higher dielectric constant, which induced the activation of factor XII, the formation of fibrin network, and platelet adhesion. Conclusions: This study provides detailed information related to the effects of TiO2 crystal structures on blood coagulation properties on Ti implant surfaces.

Influence of maxillary antrolith on the clinical outcome of implants placed simultaneously with osteotome sinus floor elevation: A retrospective radiographic study.

BACKGROUND: Large antroliths and those located adjacent to the sinus floor can affect clinical interventions and increase the difficulty of implant placement performed simultaneously with osteotome sinus floor elevation surgery. PURPOSE: This retrospective study investigated the clinical outcomes of implants placed simultaneously with osteotome sinus floor elevation subjacent to maxillary antroliths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty implants inserted subjacent to or intruding into the antrolith after sinus floor elevation were evaluated in 18 patients. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to measure antrolith size and membrane thickness at sites of osteotome sinus floor elevation. Periapical radiographs were used to assess the height of grafted bone. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was performed to correlate the occurrence of antroliths with patient background characteristics and dental outcomes, based on a sample population of 239, among whom 33 presented antroliths. RESULTS: The 20 implants remained clinically stable over a mean follow-up period of 42.4 months. The mean thickness of the sinus membrane at osteotome sites was 5.4 ± 3.3 mm. None of the cases presented sinus membrane perforation or sinus symptoms following osteotome intervention. The mean gain in the height of grafted sinus bone was 4.0 ± 1.4 mm at the last follow-up. The occurrence of antroliths was higher among females and the elderly (>49 years old). The multivariable GEE analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio for the occurrence of antroliths with root canal fillings was significantly lower than those without root canal fillings (odds ratio = 0.33; 95% confidence interval = 0.11-0.96). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that osteotome sinus floor elevation is a surgical procedure with a risk <17%. Thorough planning based on CBCT and careful management during surgery can eliminate the negative effects of antroliths on implant performance.

Combining Sandblasting, Alkaline Etching, and Collagen Immobilization to Promote Cell Growth on Biomedical Titanium Implants.

Our objective in this study was to promote the growth of bone cells on biomedical titanium (Ti) implant surfaces via surface modification involving sandblasting, alkaline etching, and type I collagen immobilization using the natural cross-linker genipin. The resulting surface was characterized in terms topography, roughness, wettability, and functional groups, respectively using field emission scanning electron microscopy, 3D profilometry, and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We then evaluated the adhesion, proliferation, initial differentiation, and mineralization of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Results show that sandblasting treatment greatly enhanced surface roughness to promote cell adhesion and proliferation and that the immobilization of type I collagen using genipin enhanced initial cell differentiation as well as mineralization in the extracellular matrix of hMSCs. Interestingly, the nano/submicro-scale pore network and/or hydrophilic features on sandblasted rough Ti surfaces were insufficient to promote cell growth. However, the combination of all proposed surface treatments produced ideal surface characteristics suited to Ti implant applications.

Effects of thickness of different types of high-translucency monolithic multilayer precolored zirconia on color accuracy: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: High-translucency monolithic multilayer precolored zirconia provides acceptable esthetics and eliminates chipping of the veneering porcelain. However, the color is not always consistent with the standard Vita shade guide, and the color saturation may vary with the thickness of the zirconia. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to characterize the effect of thickness on the color accuracy of high-translucency monolithic multilayer precolored zirconia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plate-shaped (20×20 mm) Vita A2 shade high-translucency monolithic multilayer precolored zirconia specimens of 3 types (SHT Multilayer, AT Multilayer, and 3D Multilayer) in 4 thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm) were fabricated (N=120, n=10). A spectrophotometer was used to measure the color attributes (CIELab) against gray or A2 substrates to evaluate the color accuracy based on differences in color (ΔE) (versus the Vita shade guide) and chroma. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Pearson correlation, 2-way ANOVA, and post hoc Scheffé test (α=.05). RESULTS: Against gray substrates, thickness was significantly positively correlated with all color attributes. Against A2 substrates, L∗ values increased with an increase in thickness; however, a∗, b∗, and chroma values remained stable. Zirconia with a thickness of 1.0 mm exhibited the lowest ΔE, regardless of the type, except for AT Multilayer against A2 substrates, where the lowest ΔE was achieved at 0.5 mm. At thicknesses ≥1.0 mm, the ΔE between the 2 substrates was imperceivable. CONCLUSIONS: Thickness affected the color accuracy of different high-translucency monolithic multilayer precolored zirconia types. It appears that the optimal thickness in terms of color accuracy is 1.0 mm. These results could be used as a reference for the selection and preparation of abutments in clinical applications.

Using Genipin to Immobilize Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 on Zirconia Surface for Enhancing Cell Adhesion and Mineralization in Dental Implant Applications.

Our objective in this study was to promote cell responses through the immobilization of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on roughened zirconia (ZrO2) through using the natural cross-linker genipin in dental implant applications. Field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze the surface characterizations, including the topography, chemistry, and functional groups, respectively, of the test specimens. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were used to detect cell responses (adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization). The surface characterizations analysis results revealed that genipin was effective in immobilizing BMP-2 on roughened zirconia surfaces. BMP-2 proved effective in promoting the adhesion and mineralization of hMSCs on roughened zirconia. The surface modification proposed has potential in zirconia dental implant applications.

Surface changes and bacterial adhesion on implant abutment materials after various clinical cleaning procedures.

BACKGROUND: Supportive treatments are essential to long-term dental implant success; however, professional cleaning procedures may alter the surfaces of implant abutments and lead to adverse biological responses. This study aimed to evaluate four clinically used cleaning procedures by examining surface changes and subsequent bacterial adhesion on abutment materials. METHODS: Discs of titanium and zirconia were polished and divided into five groups: titanium curette treatment, carbon fiber reinforced plastic curette treatment, ultrasonic scaling with carbon fiber tip treatment, air polishing with glycine powder, and control group without any treatment. After instrumentation, the arithmetical mean roughness (Ra), hydrophilicity, and surface free energy were recorded. The bacterial adhesion was evaluated after 1 h of Streptococcus mitis incubation by optical microscope and quantified by turbidity test. RESULTS: Among the titanium samples, titanium curette treatment group showed significant surface morphology changes, increased Ra, hydrophilicity, surface free energy, and higher optical density of adhered bacteria. As for the zirconia samples, the differences in surface morphology, Ra, and bacterial adhesion between groups were nonsignificant. CONCLUSION: Comparing to titanium, zirconia was less susceptible to surface changes after tested cleaning procedures. Titanium curette should be used with care on titanium abutments.

A unique hybrid-structured surface produced by rapid electrochemical anodization enhances bio-corrosion resistance and bone cell responses of ß-type Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn alloy.

Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn (Ti2448), a new ß-type Ti alloy, consists of nontoxic elements and exhibits a low uniaxial tensile elastic modulus of approximately 45 GPa for biomedical implant applications. Nevertheless, the bio-corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of Ti2448 alloys must be improved for long-term clinical use. In this study, a rapid electrochemical anodization treatment was used on Ti2448 alloys to enhance the bio-corrosion resistance and bone cell responses by altering the surface characteristics. The proposed anodization process produces a unique hybrid oxide layer (thickness 50-120 nm) comprising a mesoporous outer section and a dense inner section. Experiment results show that the dense inner section enhances the bio-corrosion resistance. Moreover, the mesoporous surface topography, which is on a similar scale as various biological species, improves the wettability, protein adsorption, focal adhesion complex formation and bone cell differentiation. Outside-in signals can be triggered through the interaction of integrins with the mesoporous topography to form the focal adhesion complex and to further induce osteogenic differentiation pathway. These results demonstrate that the proposed electrochemical anodization process for Ti2448 alloys with a low uniaxial tensile elastic modulus has the potential for biomedical implant applications.

Enhanced Biocompatibility in Anodic TaO x Nanotube Arrays.

This study first investigates the biocompatibility of self-organized TaO x nanotube arrays with different nanotube diameters fabricated by electrochemical anodization. All as-anodized TaO x nanotubes were identified to be an amorphous phase. The transition in surface wettability with TaO x nanotube diameters can be explained based on Wenzel's model in terms of geometric roughness. In vitro biocompatibility evaluation further indicates that fibroblast cells exhibit an obvious wettability-dependent behavior on the TaO x nanotubes. The 35-nm-diameter TaO x nanotube arrays reveal the highest biocompatibility among all samples. This enhancement could be attributed to highly dense focal points provided by TaO x nanotubes due to higher surface hydrophilicity. This work demonstrates that the biocompatibility in Ta can be improved by forming TaO x nanotube arrays on the surface with appropriate nanotube diameter and geometric roughness.

Synthesis of Mg-Fe-Cl hydrotalcite-like nanoplatelets as an oral phosphate binder: evaluations of phosphorus intercalation activity and cellular cytotoxicity.

The patients with end-stage of renal disease (ESRD) need to take oral phosphate binder. Traditional phosphate binders may leave the disadvantage of aluminum intoxication or cardiac calcification. Herein, Mg-Fe-Cl hydrotalcite-like nanoplatelet (HTln) is for the first time characterized as potential oral phosphate binder, with respect to its phosphorus uptake capacity in cow milk and cellular cytotoxicity. A novel method was developed for synthesizing the Mg-Fe-Cl HTln powder in different Mg(2+): Fe(3+) ratios where the optimization was 2.8:1. Addition of 0.5 g Mg-Fe-Cl HTln in cow milk could reduce its phosphorus content by 40% in 30 min and by 65% in 90 min. In low pH environment, the Mg-Fe-Cl HTln could exhibit relatively high performance for uptaking phosphorus. During a 90 min reaction of the HTln in milk, no phosphorus restoration occurred. In-vitro cytotoxicity assay of Mg-Fe-Cl HTln revealed no potential cellular cytotoxicity. The cells that were cultured in the HTln extract-containing media were even more viable than cells that were cultured in extract-free media (blank control). The Mg-Fe-Cl HTln extract led to hundred ppm of Mg ion and some ppm of Fe ion in the media, should be a positive effect on the good cell viability.

Primary human nasal epithelial cell response to titanium surface with a nanonetwork structure in nasal implant applications.

In nasal reconstruction applications, the response of cells to titanium (Ti) implants is largely determined by the surface characteristics of the implant. This study investigated an electrochemical anodization surface treatment intended to improve the response of primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpC) to Ti surfaces in nasal implant applications. We used a simple and fast electrochemical anodization treatment, i.e., applying anodic current, to produce a titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanonetwork layer on the Ti surface with average lateral pore size below 100 nm, depending on the current applied. The TiO2 nanonetwork layer exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity and protein adsorption ability compared with untreated Ti surfaces. In addition, the spreading morphology, cytoskeletal arrangement, and proliferation of HNEpC on the nanonetwork layer indicated excellent cell response characteristics. This research advances our understanding regarding the means by which a TiO2 nanonetwork layer can improve the response of HNEpC to Ti surfaces in nasal implant applications.

Oxygen plasma immersion ion implantation treatment enhances the human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells responses to titanium surface for dental implant application.

OBJECTIVES: The present investigation utilized a novel oxygen plasma immersion ion implantation (O-PIII) treatment to create a dense and thin oxide layer on a titanium (Ti) surface for dental implant application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluated the behavior of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on O-PIII-treated Ti. The O-PIII treatments were performed using different oxygen ion doses (T(L): 1 × 10(16); T(M): 4 × 10(16); T(H): 1 × 10(17) ions/cm(2)). RESULTS: Analysis using an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and high resolution X-ray diffractometer (HR-XRD) indicated that the O-PIII-treated specimen T(M) had the highest proportion of rutile phase TiO2 component. The O-PIII-treated specimen T(M) had the greatest protein adsorption capability of the test Ti surfaces using XPS analysis and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that hMSCs had the best cell adhesion on the O-PIII-treated specimen T(M), whereas green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled hMSCs experienced the fastest cell migration based on a wound healing assay. Other assays, including MTT assay, Alizarin red S staining and Western blot analysis, demonstrated that the adhered hMSCs exhibited the greatest cell proliferation, mineralization, and differentiation capabilities on the TM specimen. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidated Ti (primarily rutile TiO2 ) was produced using a facile and rapid O-PIII treatment procedure, which enhances the biocompatibility of the Ti surface with potential implications for further dental implant application.

MRI-compatible Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy used for vascular stents: haemocompatibility and its correlation with protein adsorption.

Nb-60Ta-2Zr is a newly developed MRI-compatible alloy used for vascular stents. In this work, its haemocompatibility was investigated, including platelet adhesion (lactate dehydrogenase activity), platelet activation (P-selectin expression), coagulation and haemolysis. For comparison, parallel assessments for these factors were performed for the niobium, tantalum, 316L stainless steel (316L SS) and L605 Co-Cr alloy (L605). In addition, albumin and fibrinogen were selected to examine the correlation of protein adsorption with platelet adhesion and metal surface properties. The propensity for platelet adhesion and activation on the Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy was at nearly the same level as that for Nb and Ta but was slightly less than those of 316L SS and L605. The mitigated platelet adhesion and activation of the Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy is associated with its decreased adsorption of fibrinogen. The Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy has a longer clotting time and exhibits significantly superior thromboresistance than 316L SS and L605. Moreover, the haemolysis rate of the Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy satisfies the bio-safety requirement of the ISO 10993-4 standard. The favourable haemocompatiblity of the Nb-60Ta-2Zr alloy provides evidence of its good biocompatibility and of its suitability as a candidate stent material.

Improvement in dental porcelain bonding to milled, noncast titanium surfaces by gold sputter coating.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the adherence of dental porcelain to a milled, noncast titanium (Ti) surface with a gold sputter coating to evaluate a possible new practical surface treatment for enhancing the bond strength between Ti and porcelain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Milled, noncast Ti strips were created by computer-aided design and manufacturing processes. The milled, noncast Ti strips were sandblasted with alumina particles and were then sequentially subjected to gold sputter coating treatments of 150- and 300-second duration. Low-fusion dental porcelain was then sintered onto the surface-treated Ti strips. The bond strengths of the Ti/porcelain specimens were evaluated using a three-point bending test (ISO 9693). Surface characterizations of the specimens were carried out with X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. RESULTS: The results indicated that the bond strengths of all the Ti/porcelain groups were greater than the minimum requirement (25 MPa) as prescribed by ISO 9693. The gold sputter coating increased the oxidation resistance (or decreased the oxide content) of the Ti surface during porcelain sintering, which positively affected the bond strength of Ti/porcelain (approximately 36 MPa) compared to the untreated Ti/porcelain specimen (approximately 29 MPa). The fracture morphologies of all the Ti/porcelain groups revealed an adhesive bond failure as the interfacial fracture mode between the Ti and the porcelain. CONCLUSIONS: A practical and simple sandblasting/gold sputter coating treatment of Ti surfaces prior to porcelain sintering significantly strengthens the bond between the milled, noncast Ti and the dental porcelain.

Both enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial activity in Ag-decorated TiO2 nanotubes.

In this study, Ag is electron-beam evaporated to modify the topography of anodic TiO2 nanotubes of different diameters to obtain an implant with enhanced antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. We found that highly hydrophilic as-grown TiO2 nanotubes became poorly hydrophilic with Ag incorporation; however they could effectively recover their wettability to some extent under ultraviolet light irradiation. The results obtained from antibacterial tests suggested that the Ag-decorated TiO2 nanotubes could greatly inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro biocompatibility evaluation indicated that fibroblast cells exhibited an obvious diameter-dependent behavior on both as-grown and Ag-decorated TiO2 nanotubes. Most importantly, of all samples, the smallest diameter (25-nm-diameter) Ag-decorated nanotubes exhibited the most obvious biological activity in promoting adhesion and proliferation of human fibroblasts, and this activity could be attributed to the highly irregular topography on a nanometric scale of the Ag-decorated nanotube surface. These experimental results demonstrate that by properly controlling the structural parameters of Ag-decorated TiO2 nanotubes, an implant surface can be produced that enhances biocompatibility and simultaneously boosts antibacterial activity.

Diameter-sensitive biocompatibility of anodic TiO2 nanotubes treated with supercritical CO2 fluid.

This work reports on the diameter-sensitive biocompatibility of anodic TiO2 nanotubes with different nanotube diameters grown by a self-ordering process and subsequently treated with supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) fluid. We find that highly hydrophilic as-grown TiO2 nanotubes become hydrophobic after the ScCO2 treatment but can effectively recover their surface wettability under UV light irradiation as a result of photo-oxidation of C-H functional groups formed on the nanotube surface. It is demonstrated that human fibroblast cells show more obvious diameter-specific behavior on the ScCO2-treated TiO2 nanotubes than on the as-grown ones in the range of diameters of 15 to 100 nm. This result can be attributed to the removal of disordered Ti(OH)4 precipitates from the nanotube surface by the ScCO2 fluid, thus resulting in purer nanotube topography and stronger diameter dependence of cell activity. Furthermore, for the smallest diameter of 15 nm, ScCO2-treated TiO2 nanotubes reveal higher biocompatibility than the as-grown sample.

Bonding of dental porcelain to non-cast titanium with different surface treatments.

This study investigated the bonding of dental porcelain to non-cast Ti surface with different treatments. Mechanically ground non-cast Ti strips, simulating surface conditions produced by CAD/CAM, were Al(2)O(3)-sandblasted, then subjected to different surface treatments, including immersion in HNO(3)-containing acid, NaOH-containing alkaline, and NaOH-containing alkaline then HNO(3)-containing acid. Ti-porcelain specimens preparations and their bend strength measurements were based on ISO 9693. Ti surface treatment changed not only surface roughness but also surface chemistry, leading to influence on bond strength. Bond strengths of all Ti-porcelain groups were higher than ISO 9693 minimum requirement. The sandblasted/acid-treated Ti surface showed the highest bond strength (34.60 MPa) with porcelain; no significant difference in bond strength (27.92-29.63 MPa) was found among other Tiporcelain groups. All Ti-porcelain specimens showed adhesive bond failure. Bonding between non-cast Ti and dental porcelain was strengthened by a simple and practical sandblasting/acid-etching treatment of the Ti surface prior to porcelain sintering.

Blood responses to titanium surface with TiO2 nano-mesh structure.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to enhance the blood responses to titanium (Ti) surfaces used for dental implant application through the formation of a TiO2 nano-mesh surface layer produced by a fast electrochemical anodization treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electrochemical anodization treatments with different anodization currents and temperatures in an alkaline solution were used to create a nano-mesh oxide layer on polished Ti surface. Surface characterizations of the mesh structure were carried out using thin-film X-ray diffractometer, field-emission scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscope. The blood responses, including the blood-clotting ability and platelet adhesion morphology, to the test Ti surfaces were evaluated. The blood-clotting ability, in terms of optical density of blood, was statistically analyzed using a nonparametric method, Kruskal-Wallis test, for the factor of anodization treatment. RESULTS: A multilayer TiO2 nano-mesh structure was rapidly formed on the polished Ti surface using a simple electrochemical anodization treatment in an alkaline solution. The TiO2 nano-mesh had an average mesh size between 34 and 93 nm, depending on the anodization current and temperature. The features on the TiO2 nano-mesh structure on the anodized Ti surface were of a similar size scale as blood proteins, giving the material better blood clot ability (P<0.05) and improved platelet activation and aggregation as compared with an untreated polished Ti surface. CONCLUSIONS: The formation of TiO2 nano-mesh on the Ti surfaces was shown to enhance blood responses, which we expect to promote cell growth in the application of dental implants.