Bioinspired catechol chemistry for dentin remineralization: A new approach for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: Dentin remineralization is of considerable clinical interest for dentin hypersensitivity and developing biomimetic analogs that can regulate hydroxyapatite (HAp) nucleation and growth remains a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the potential for dentin remineralization using the following biomimetic in situ prepared poly(catechols): poly(dopamine), poly(DOPA), poly(caffeic acid) and a synthesized DOPA-peptide possessing collagen and calcium-binding domains (DOPA-Ahx-(Gly)3-(Glu)5). METHODS: Dentin samples were immersed in a freshly prepared phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing the respective catechol and laccase. After the reaction, they were immersed in calcium and phosphate remineralization solution, which was changed every day for 10 days. Samples of intact and demineralized dentin were used as control groups and kept in deionized water under the same experimental conditions. The remineralized dentin was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Micro-energy dispersion X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (µEDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). RESULTS: The application of different poly(catechols) and DOPA-peptide promoted crystal nucleation and the formation of HAp, which partially covered both the dentin surface and dentinal tubules walls. SIGNIFICANCE: By mimicking the role of charged non-collagenous proteins in vivo, polymers consisting of catechol groups showed the ability to modify demineralized dentin surface properties, promoting mineral formation. The use of poly(catechols) may be encouraged for the development of a therapeutic technique for dentin hypersensitivity.

New details of assembling bioactive films from dispersions of amphiphilic molecules on titania surfaces.

Tailoring the surface properties of materials for biomedical applications is important to avoid clinical complications. Forming thin layers of amphiphilic molecules with apolar regions that facilitate attractive intermolecular interactions, can be a suitable and versatile approach to achieve hydrophobic surface modification and provide functional antibacterial properties. Aiming to correlate layer structure and properties starting from film formation, octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) and dimethyloctadecyl (3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) ammonium chloride (DMOAP) layers were adsorbed onto smooth titania surfaces. Then the films were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and their interactions with aqueous environments were characterized by contact angle and zeta potential measurements. In addition, antibacterial assays were performed using E. coli and S. mutants to reveal the antibacterial properties effected by the surface modification. Immediately after sputter deposition, titania was hydrophilic; however, after air storage and adsorption of DMOAP or ODPA, an increase in the water contact angle was observed. XPS investigations after layer formation and after antibacterial tests revealed that the attachment of layers assembled from ODPA on titania substrates is considerably stronger and more stable than that observed for DMOAP films. Heat treatment strongly affects DMOAP layers. Furthermore, DMOAP layers are not stable under biological conditions.

Effect of Heavy Metals Contamination from Cigarette Smoke on Sound and Caries-Like Enamel.

In this study, we sought to evaluate the influence of cigarette smoke and pH cycling on the chemical composition and surface/cross-sectional enamel microhardness. A total of 40 dental blocks obtained from bovine incisors were divided into four groups (n=10): no treatment (control); exposure to cigarette smoke (CS); exposure to pH cycling (PC); and exposure to cigarette smoke and pH cycling (CS-PC). The samples were analyzed by synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence, bench mode X-ray fluorescence, as well as surface microhardness (SMH) and cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH) testing. The SMH results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. The CSMH results were evaluated using split-plot ANOVA and Tukey's test. A high amount of Cd and Pb and traces of Ni and As were observed in enamel and dentin after exposure to cigarette smoke (CS and CS-PC). The SMH and CSMH of CS were statistically higher when compared with the control. The PC and CS-PC showed lower SMH and CSMH. We conclude that exposure to cigarette smoke promoted heavy metal deposition in enamel/dentin. In addition, it increased the enamel microhardness but did not promote a protective effect on the in vitro development of caries. The clinical significance of this work is that there is significant bioaccumulation of heavy metals from cigarette smoke on the surface and in the enamel and dentin.

Effect of energy density and delay time on the degree of conversion and Knoop microhardness of a dual resin cement.

AIM: In the present study, we evaluated the influence of the photo-curing delay time and energy density on the degree of conversion and the Knoop microhardness of a resin cement. METHODS: Seventy-eight samples were assigned to 13 groups (n = 6), one of which received no light curing (control). The samples were made of a dual-cured resin cement (RelyX ARC) with the aid of a Teflon matrix, submitted to one of the following energy densities (J/cm²): 7, 14, 20, and 28. Delay times were immediate (0), 1 min, or 2 min. After 24 h, the degree of conversion and microhardness were measured at three segments: cervical, medium, and apical. Data were submitted to three-way anova and Tukey's and Dunnett's tests, the latest of which was used to compare the control to the experimental groups. RESULTS: No interaction was observed between delay time and energy density regarding the degree of conversion. The cervical segment showed the highest values, while the apical showed the lowest. Microhardness values concerning the cervical segment in all groups were statistically different from that obtained for the control. CONCLUSION: A high-irradiance light-curing unit allows for a reduced irradiation exposure time with a short delay time, aimed at tooth restorations using a dual-cured resin cement.

Effect of light curing protocol on degree of conversion of composites.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of two light-cured composites with different protocols of light curing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety two specimens (n = 8) were prepared (5 mm × 2 mm) according to experimental groups: two composite resins (Filtek Supreme and four seasons); three light curing protocols [20 s with the tip of the light curing unit (LCU) device touching composite surface (C); 20 s with the tip of the LCU at 8 mm distant from composite surface (D); and tip of the LCU at 8 mm distant from composite surface and polymerization time required to obtain a radiant exposure of 16 J/cm(2) (DS)]. Four LCUs (Bluephase 16i, Ultralume LED 5, XL 3000 and Optilux 501C) were used. DC of the bottom and top surface of specimens were measured using a FTIR spectrometer. Data were statistically analyzed by 3-way split splot ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The results showed that DC of the top surface was higher than the bottom at all experimental conditions (p < 0.0001). Overall, the curing at 8 mm of distance did not affect conversion rate on the top surface (p > 0.05), but bottom surfaces showed DC reduction (p < 0.05). The highest monomer conversion values were observed for C and DS situations. CONCLUSION: The distance between the LCU and material surface and radiant exposure can affect the DC. Polymerization at distance should be performed with curing units with higher light power and/or extended exposure time.