Synthesis and evaluation of fluorescent resins with europium-ß-diketonate complex for orthodontic use.

No effective technique exists for removing adhesive remnants following bracket debonding. We propose that fluorescence imaging using europium ions (Eu3+) offers an effective solution for minimizing iatrogenic enamel damage. This study aimed to assess the impact of different mixing ratios of monomer mixtures on the photoluminescence and flexural properties of a newly developed fluorescent adhesive. Four monomer blends with varying urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) to triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) ratios were prepared and polymerized. The blends contained 0.1 wt% of tris(1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedionato)(1,10-phenanthroline) Eu(III), [Eu(DBM)3Phen], as the phosphor. Optical measurements and flexural tests were conducted for each resin specimen. The emission spectra exhibited narrow bands corresponding to the 4f-4f transitions of the Eu3+ ions. The photoluminescence properties remained unaffected by the mixing ratio, whereas the mechanical properties tended to improve with higher UDMA content. We conclude that the Eu(DBM)3Phen-containing resin shows promise as a fluorescent orthodontic adhesive that contributes to preserving enamel health.

Electric Charge Dependence of Controlled Dye-Release Behavior in Glass Ionomer Cement Containing Nano-Porous Silica Particles.

We investigated in controlled dye-release behavior of nanosized silica particles containing nanocavities (Nanoporous silica, NPS). To determine this, NPS were mixed with glass ionomer cement (GIC), which is a medical material used as a matrix. The dye-release behavior was observed using a UV-visible spectrometer. After cationic dye was charged into GIC pellet containing NPS, the pellet could gradually release cationic dye for up to two weeks. To understand the dependence of electric charge on the dye-release behavior, three types of dyes with different charge were also investigated. Dyes having a neutral or negative electric charge were quickly released from the pellet within a couple of days. These results suggest that the nanocavities present in NPS can selectively bind cationic dyes and allow for their gradual release. This result reveals the excellent sustained dye-release property of NPS.

Estimation of Biocompatibility of Nano-Sized Ceramic Particles with Osteoblasts, Osteosarcomas and Hepatocytes by Static and Time-Lapse Observation.

We assessed the biocompatibility of nano-sized ceramic particles with several cells types. Though these particles have less than 100 nm in diameter, they act as submicron-sized particles in saline by aggregation that was estimated using laser diffraction particle size analysis (LDS). they act as submicro-sized particles in saline by aggregation based on laser diffraction particle size analysis (LDS). Several types of cells (osteoblasts, osteosarcoma and hepatocyte cells) were exposed to these particles and their cytocompatibility was estimated. Not only the cytotoxic assay but also their static and dynamic morphology under nanoparticles exposure were investigated. The intercellular uptake of particles was determined using a confocal fluorescence microscope. The particles used in this study did not inhibit cellular activity or growth even when their concentrations were high. Only copper oxide particles caused acute cytotoxicity depending on the particle size. The cytotoxicity assay, dynamic behavior of the nanoparticle-exposed cells and their examination under a confocal fluorescence microscope suggests that the irritative reaction was induced by contact between the cells and particles, whereas eluted copper ions are not dominant factor. These results indicate that nano-sized particles used in this study have excellent biocompatibility except copper oxide ones.

Photophysical properties and biocompatibility of Photoluminescent Y2O3:Eu nanoparticles in polymethylmetacrylate matrix.

In this study, we produced europium-doped yttoria (Y2O3:Eu) nanoparticles and investigated their photoluminescent properties and biocompatibility. The Y2O3:Eu nanoparticles showed excellent photoluminescent properties and cytocompatibility. We also analyzed the photophysical properties of the nanoparticles in PMMA films. When the Y2O3:Eu nanoparticles were incorporated in the polymer film, they showed a strong red emission spectrum, similar to that seen with the particles alone. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurements indicated that the particles were distributed homogeneously in the PMMA film. Such materials could be applied not only to optoelectronic devices but also to biomedical applications such as bioimaging tools or luminescent medical/dental adhesive materials.