Impact of Silicon Carbide Coating and Nanotube Diameter on the Antibacterial Properties of Nanostructured Titanium Surfaces.

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the influence of the nanotube diameter and the presence of a silicon carbide (SiC) coating on microbial proliferation on nanostructured titanium surfaces. An experiment used 72 anodized titanium sheets with varying nanotube diameters of 50 and 100 nm. These sheets were divided into four groups: non-coated 50 nm titanium nanotubes, SiC-coated 50 nm titanium nanotubes, non-coated 100 nm titanium nanotubes, and SiC-coated 100 nm titanium nanotubes, totaling 36 samples per group. P. gingivalis and T. denticola reference strains were used to evaluate microbial proliferation. Samples were assessed over 3 and 7 days using fluorescence microscopy with a live/dead viability kit and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At the 3-day time point, fluorescence and SEM images revealed a lower density of microorganisms in the 50 nm samples than in the 100 nm samples. However, there was a consistently low density of T. denticola across all the groups. Fluorescence images indicated that most bacteria were viable at this time. By the 7th day, there was a decrease in the microorganism density, except for T. denticola in the non-coated samples. Additionally, more dead bacteria were detected at this later time point. These findings suggest that the titanium nanotube diameter and the presence of the SiC coating influenced bacterial proliferation. The results hinted at a potential antibacterial effect on the 50 nm diameter and the coated surfaces. These insights contribute valuable knowledge to dental implantology, paving the way for developing innovative strategies to enhance the antimicrobial properties of dental implant materials and mitigate peri-implant infections.

Design of Ti64/Ta Hybrid Materials by Powder Metallurgy Mimicking Bone Structure.

This work reports on the fabrication of a novel two-layer material composed of a porous tantalum core and a dense Ti6Al4V (Ti64) shell by powder metallurgy. The porous core was obtained by mixing Ta particles and salt space-holders to create large pores, the green compact was obtained by pressing. The sintering behavior of the two-layer sample was studied by dilatometry. The interface bonding between the Ti64 and Ta layers was analyzed by SEM, and the pore characteristics were analyzed by computed microtomography. Images showed that two distinct layers were obtained with a bonding achieved by the solid-state diffusion of Ta particles into Ti64 during sintering. The formation of ß-Ti and α' martensitic phases confirmed the diffusion of Ta. The pore size distribution was in the size range of 80 to 500 µm, and a permeability value of 6 × 10-10 m2 was close to the trabecular bones one. The mechanical properties of the component were dominated mainly by the porous layer, and Young's modulus of 16 GPa was in the range of bones. Additionally, the density of this material (6 g/cm3) was much lower than the one of pure Ta, which helps to reduce the weight for the desired applications. These results indicate that structurally hybridized materials, also known as composites, with specific property profiles can improve the response to osseointegration for bone implant applications.

Ti64/20Ag Porous Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy for Biomedical Applications.

We present a novel Ti64/20Ag highly porous composite fabricated by powder metallurgy for biomedical applications and provide an insight into its microstructure and mechanical proprieties. In this work, the Ti64/20Ag highly porous composites were successfully fabricated by the space holder technique and consolidated by liquid phase sintering, at lower temperatures than the ones used for Ti64 materials. The sintering densification was evaluated by dilatometry tests and the microstructural characterization and porosity features were determined by scanning electron microscopy and computed microtomography. Permeability was estimated by numerical simulations on the 3D real microstructure. Mechanical properties were evaluated by simple compression tests. Densification was achieved by interparticle pore filling with liquid Ag that does not drain to the large pores, with additional densification due to the macroscopical deformation of large pores. Pore characteristics are closely linked to the pore formers and the permeability was highly increased by increasing the pore volume fraction, mainly because the connectivity was improved. As expected, with the increase in porosity, the mechanical properties decreased. These results permitted us to gain a greater understanding of the microstructure and to confirm that we developed a promising Ti64/20Ag composite, showing E of 7.4 GPa, σy of 123 MPa and permeability of 3.93 × 10-11 m2. Enhanced adaptability and antibacterial proprieties due to Ag were obtained for bone implant applications.

Growth hormone effects on healing efficacy, bone resorption and renal morphology of rats: histological and histometric study in rat calvaria.

Previous reports demonstrated the utility of systemic application of growth hormone (GH) in the treatment of bone defects. Very few studies correlated bone repair efficacy with hepatic and renal side effects promoted by locally-delivered GH. The objectives of this study were to assess the bone repair properties along with hepatic and renal adverse effects promoted by local application of GH in a rat model. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided (4 groups; n = 8/group), as follows: (i) AB (autogenous bone + local application of saline solution [SS]), (ii) AB+ (autogenous bone + SS local application + SS irrigation), (iii) AB/GH+ (autogenous bone + SS local application + GH irrigation) and (iv) AB/GHL+ (autogenous bone + GH local application + GH irrigation). Critical-sized defects (diameter = 5.0 mm) were surgically created by a single operator in the calvaria of rats. Defects were filled with ground autogenous bone. Defects pertaining to AB+ and AB/GH+ received a mixture of autogenous bone and a SS-saturated (0.02 mL) collagen sponge covered with bovine cortical membrane. Defects in group AB/GHL+, were filled with the same biomaterials saturated with GH (0.02 mL). SS (0.1 mL) or GH (0.1 mL, equivalent to 0.4 IU) were applied locally on alternate days (8 weeks) in animals in groups AB, AB+ and AB/GH+ or AB/GHL+, respectively. Bone repair properties was determined in hematoxylin/eosin-stained slices using traditional histologic and histomorphometric techniques along with optical microscopy and digital image analysis. Statistical differences among groups was determined using Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Histology results indicated that AB and AB+ displayed greater presence of autogenous bone as compared to AB/GH+ and AB/GHL+. Histomorphometric results indicated significantly higher osteoid matrix formation in AB and AB+ when compared to AB/GHL+ (p = 0.009). Kidneys and livers were found to have their glomeruli preserved in AB and AB+. Strong glomeruli necrosis and large areas of protein deposition were found in AB/GH+. Abnormal small-sized glomeruli were found in AB/GHL+. The utilization of autogenous bone graft associated with local application and irrigation with GH was shown to not improve the bone repair in calvarial critical-sized defects in a rat model.

Folate- and glucuronate-functionalization of layered double hydroxides containing dysprosium and gadolinium and the effect on oxidative stress in rat liver mitochondria.

Zinc/aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles were prepared by alkaline precipitation in the presence of dysprosium and dysprosium/gadolinium cations. The particles formed were stable against exchange reactions with folate or glucuronate ions since these organic ions exclusively functionalized the external surface of the layered double hydroxides. While the dysprosium derivatives reached magnetization susceptibilities between 2.06 × 10-5 and 2.20 × 10-5 cm3/g, the samples simultaneously containing dysprosium and gadolinium decreased to a range between 1.08 × 10-5 and 1.73 × 10-5 cm3/g. This last sample was tested as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent and demonstrated a reduction in T1 and T2 relaxation times in a linear dependence with the LDH concentration. The oxidative stress assays in rat liver mitochondria demonstrated the low toxicity of the composition simultaneously containing dysprosium and gadolinium as well as the functionalization product with glucuronate ions, suggesting the potential of these particles to design alternative MRI contrast agents.

Designing structural features of novel benznidazole-loaded cationic nanoparticles for inducing slow drug release and improvement of biological efficacy.

Several polymers have been investigated for producing cationic nanocarriers due to their ability to cross biological barriers. Polycations such as copolymers of polymethylmethacrylate are highlighted due to their biocompatibility and low toxicity. The purpose of this study was to produce small and narrow-sized cationic nanoparticles able to overcome cell membranes and improve the biological activity of benznidazole (BNZ) in normal and cancer cells. The effect of composition and procedure parameters of the used emulsification-solvent evaporation method were controlled for this purpose. The experimental approach included particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (ATR- FTIR), drug loading efficiency, and physical stability assays. Spherical and stable (over six weeks) sub 150nm cationic nanoparticles were optimized, with the encapsulation efficiency >80%. The used drug/copolymer ratio modulated the slow drug release, which was adjusted by the parabolic diffusion mathematical model. In addition, the ability of the cationic nanoparticles improve the BNZ uptake in the normal kidney cells (HEK 293) and the human colorectal cancer cells (HT 29) demonstrate that this novel BNZ-loaded cationic has great potential as a chemotherapeutic application of benznidazole.

Modelación y simulación de la arteria aorta a partir de datos clínicos utilizando un modelo fraccional viscoelástico y el método del elemento finito / Modeling and simulation of the aorta from clinical data using a fractional viscoelastic model and finite element method

Los modelos y simulaciones de los efectos biomecánicos presentes en la arteria aorta, le proporcionan al especialista de la salud una herramienta computacional, que puede ser empleada en la prevención y el tratamiento de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Es por esto que en la presente investigación se desarrolla un modelo matemático con la finalidad de implementarlo en simulaciones tridimensionales digitales que permitan analizar el comportamiento mecánico de arterias. Primero se describe la metodología utilizada en la construcción de la geometría de la arteria basada en imágenes provenientes de una tomografía axial computarizada, los ensayos experimentales necesarios para la obtención de los parámetros mecánicos requeridos por el modelo y por último su orden fraccional. Con lo que se obtiene una simulación mediante elementos finitos donde se identifican las zonas de mayor concentración de esfuerzos y el campo de desplazamientos. Para poder obtener estos resultados se empleó una formulación novedosa basada en modelos viscoelásticos de orden fraccional donde además se obtuvieron, a través del módulo complejo, los valores requeridos para la simulación.

The modeling and simulation of the biomechanical effects present in the aorta, give the health specialist a computational tool that can be used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. For that reason on this research a mathematical model was developed in order to implement digital dimensional simulations to analyze the mechanical behavior of arteries. First, its described the methodology used in the construction of the geometry of the artery based on images from a CT scan, next the necessary experimental tests to obtain mechanical parameters required by the model and finally his fractional order. Obtaining a finite element simulation where the areas of greatest stress concentration and the displacement field are identified. To obtain these results a novel formulation based on fractional order viscoelastic models was used and the values required for simulation were obtained through the complex modulus.

Avaliação da degradação de elásticos ortodônticos intraorais de látex / Force extension relaxation of medium force orthodontic latex elastics

Avaliou-se a taxa de degradação de elásticos ortodônticos de látex de diferentes fabricantes e diâmetros em diversos intervalos de tempo. Grupos de 15 elásticos de força média dos fabricantes AmericanOrthodontics (Sheboygan, Wis, EUA), Tp (La Porte, IN, EUA), Morelli (Sorocaba, SP, Brasil) e Uniden (Sorocaba, SP, Brasil); de diâmetros 3/16, 1/4 e 5/16 foram analisados nos intervalos de 0,1,3,6,12 e 24 horas, totalizando-se 1080 espécimes. Os elásticos foram estirados individualmente à distância de 30mm, respeitando-se o intervalo de um minuto entre cada estiramento. Os materiais foram acondicionados imersos em água deionizada à 37°C. Realizou-se leitura das forças na máquina de ensaios Emic DL 500 (Emic Co, Sao Paulo, Brasil) à velocidade de 30 mm/min, com uma célula de 2Kg (Emic Co, Sao Paulo, Brasil). A leitura de cada elástico consumiu aproximadamente um minuto. Teste Kruskal-wallis com correções por Dunns aferiu significância estatística dos resultados. Foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos analisados, exceto às marcas Morelli e Tp. Foram significativas as inferências das variáveis tempo e marca comercial. Em 0 hora, a relação entre as forças geradas foi Morelli>AO>Uniden>Tp para elásticos 3/16 (p=0,0016) e 1/4 (p=0,0016) e, de Morelli>AO>Tp>Uniden para elásticos 5/16 (p=0,0087). Após 24 horas, as porcentagens de degradação dos elásticos foram AO>Morelli>Uniden>Tp no diâmetro 3/16; AO>Tp>Morelli>Uniden no diâmetro 1/4 e Tp>AO>Uniden>Morelli para elásticos de diâmetro 5/16. O comportamento no intervalo de 0-24 horas demonstrou uma queda acentuada no período de 0-3 horas, um ligeiro aumento em 3-6 horas, seguido de uma queda progressiva no intervalo de 6-24 horas.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the force relaxation of different brands and diameters of latex elastics occurring during different times. Groups of 15 medium forces elastics from manufacturers: American Orthodontics (Sheboygan, Wis, USA), Tp (La Porte, IN, USA), Morelli Orthodontics (Sorocaba, SP, Brazil) and Uniden Orthodontics (Sorocaba, SP, Brazil) with diameters: 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16 inch size were tested at 0,1,3,6,12,24 hours, making a total of 1080 specimens. An apparatus was designed to simulate oral environments during elastics stretching. The forces were read after 1,3,6,12 and 24-hour periods in Emic testing machine (Emic Co, Sao Paulo, Brazil) with 30 mm/min cross-head speed and load cell of 2Kg Emic force (Emic Co, Sao Paulo, Brazil). Kruskal-Wallis and Dunns tests were used to identify statistical significance. Overall, there were statistically differences among the different manufacturers at all observation intervals, except between Morelli and Tp. Significantly variability were seen in Morelli and Uniden force delivery. The relationships among loads at 0-hour time period were as follows: Morelli>AO>Uniden>Tp for 3/16 (p=.0016) and 1/4 elastics (p=.0016) and Morelli>AO>Tp>Uniden for 5/16 elastics (p=.0087). The forces relaxation over the 24-hour time period were AO>Morelli>Uniden>Tp for 3/16 elastics; AO>Tp>Morelli>Uniden for 1/4; and Tp>AO>Uniden>Morelli for 5/16 elastics.The force decay pattern show a notable drop-off of forces during 0-3 hours, a slight increase in force values from 3-6 hours and a progressive force decay was seen over 6-24 hours.