RESUMEN
Drug delivery devices which can control the release of drugs on demand allow for improved treatment to a patient. These smart drug delivery devices allow for the release of drugs to be turned on and off as needed, thereby increasing the control over the drug concentration within the patient. The addition of electronics to the smart drug delivery devices increases the functionality and applications of these devices. Through the use of 3D printing and 3D-printed electronics, the customizability and functions of such devices can also be greatly increased. With the development in such technologies, the applications of the devices will be improved. In this review paper, the application of 3D-printed electronics and 3D printing in smart drug delivery devices with electronics as well as the future trends of such applications are covered.
RESUMEN
Customized manufacturing of a miniaturized device with micro and mesoscale features is a key requirement of mechanical, electrical, electronic and medical devices. Powder-based 3D-printing processes offer a strong candidate for micromanufacturing due to the wide range of materials, fast production and high accuracy. This study presents a comprehensive review of the powder-based three-dimensional (3D)-printing processes and how these processes impact the creation of devices with micro and mesoscale features. This review also focuses on applications of devices with micro and mesoscale size features that are created by powder-based 3D-printing technology.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: We are introducing novel glass-ionomer cement (GIC) dually-modified with chitosan (CH) in the liquid phase and titanium-dioxide nano-powder (TiO2 /NP) in the powder phase. The aim was to investigate the effect of this dual-modification on the antibacterial properties against S. mutans biofilms and on the bulk and surface mechanical properties. METHODS: Commercially available powder/liquid restorative GIC was used in this study. The GIC specimens were modified with 3% (w/w) TiO2 /NP, 10% (v/v) CH solution, or dually-modified with TiO2 /CH. The non-modified GIC was used as a control. The biofilms formations were characterized by SEM, live/dead assay using confocal-microscopy, colony-forming unit counts, and MTS assay. The bulk and surface mechanical properties were characterized in terms of flexural and compressive strengths and surface hardness, respectively. RESULTS: With the dual-modification, a significant improvement in the antibacterial properties was found both qualitatively and quantitatively. The synergetic effect of the dual-modification was also reflected on the enhancement of the flexural and compressive strengths. However, no difference was found in surface hardness. CONCLUSIONS: The modification of GIC powder with TiO2 /NP showed to be more effective in enhancing the mechanical properties. However, the enhancement in the antibacterial properties was more evident with CH incorporation in GIC liquid. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study introduced novel glass ionomer cement dually-modified with TiO2 NP and chitosan with superior mechanical and antibacterial properties for potential applications in restorative and preventive dentistry. The modification of GIC powder with TiO2 NP showed to be more effective in enhancing the mechanical properties. However, the enhancement in the antibacterial properties was more evident with CH incorporation in GIC liquid. Although of the promising synergetic effect of the dual-modification of GIC with TiO2 NP/CH, further clinically-related studies are recommended. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:146-156, 2017).
