Guided bone regeneration of calcium phosphate-coated and strontium ranelate-doped titanium mesh in a rat calvarial defect model.

PURPOSE: When applied alone, titanium (Ti) mesh may not effectively block the penetration of soft tissues, resulting in insufficient new bone formation. This study aimed to confer bioactivity and improve bone regeneration by doping calcium phosphate (CaP) precipitation and strontium (Sr) ranelate onto a TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layer on the surface of a Ti mesh. METHODS: The TNT layer was obtained by anodizing on the Ti mesh, and CaP was formed by cyclic pre-calcification. The final specimens were produced by doping with Sr ranelate. The surface properties of the modified Ti mesh were investigated using high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. To evaluate the effects of surface treatment on cell viability, osteoblasts were cultured for 1-3 days, and their absorbance was subsequently measured. In an in vivo experiment, critical-size defects were created in rat calvaria (Ф=8 mm). After 5 weeks, the rats were sacrificed (n=4 per group) and bone blocks were taken for micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. RESULTS: After immersing the Sr ranelate-doped Ti mesh in simulated body fluid, the protrusions observed in the initial stage of hydroxyapatite were precipitated as a dense structure. On day 3 of osteoblast culture, cell viability was significantly higher on the pre-calcified Sr ranelate-doped Ti mesh surface than on the untreated Ti mesh surface (P<0.05). In the in vivo experiment, a bony bridge formed between the surrounding basal bone and the new bone under the Sr ranelate-doped Ti mesh implanted in a rat calvarial defect, closing the defect. New bone mineral density (0.91±0.003 g/mm3) and bone volume (29.35±2.082 mm3) significantly increased compared to the other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cyclic pre-calcification of a Ti mesh with a uniform TNT layer increased bioactivity, and subsequent doping with Sr ranelate effectively improved bone regeneration in bone defects.

Evaluation of osseointegration of Ti-6Al-4V alloy orthodontic mini-screws with ibandronate-loaded TiO2 nanotube layer.

Recently, the use of orthodontic mini-screws as an anchorage for orthodontic treatment is increasing, and the degree of osseointegration of the mini-screws affects the performance of orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and osseointegration of Titanium 6Aluminum 4Vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy orthodontic mini-screws with an ibandronate-loaded TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layer. The TNT layer was formed on the surface of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy orthodontic mini-screws and loaded with ibandronate. The TNT formed by anodic oxidation formed a completely self-organized and compact structure and was stably released for 7 days after loading with ibandronate. Mini-screws loaded with ibandronate were implanted into both tibias of rats, confirming rapid initial bone regeneration. We demonstrate that the release of stable ibandronate from the TNT layer of Ti-6Al-4V alloy orthodontic mini-screws can effectively improve biocompatibility and osseointegration.

Enhancement of bioactivity and osseointegration in Ti-6Al-4V orthodontic mini-screws coated with calcium phosphate on the TiO2 nanotube layer.

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of cyclic pre-calcification treatment on the improvement of bioactivity and osseointegration of Ti-6Al-4V mini-screws. Methods: The experimental groups were: an untreated group (UT), an anodized and heat-treated group (AH), and an anodized treatment followed by cyclic pre-calcification treatment group (ASPH). A bioactive material with calcium phosphate was coated on the mini-screws, and its effects on bioactivity and osseointegration were evaluated in in vitro and in vivo tests of following implantation in the rat tibia. Results: As a result of immersing the ASPH group in simulated body fluid for 2 days, protrusions appearing in the initial stage of hydroxyapatite precipitation were observed. On the 3rd day, the protrusions became denser, other protrusions overlapped and grew on it, and the calcium and phosphorus concentrations increased. The removal torque values increased significantly in the following order: UT group (2.08 ± 0.67 N·cm), AH group (4.10 ± 0.72 N·cm), and ASPH group (6.58 ± 0.66 N·cm) with the ASPH group showing the highest value (p < 0.05). In the ASPH group, new bone was observed that was connected to the threads, and it was confirmed that a bony bridge connected to the adjacent bone was formed. Conclusions: In conclusion, it was found that the surface treatment method used in the ASPH group improved the bioactivity and osseointegration of Ti-6Al-4V orthodontic mini-screws.

Characteristics of Biodegradable Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel Designed to Improve Osteoinduction and Effect of Additional Binding of Tannic Acid on Hydrogel.

In this study, a hydrogel using single and double crosslinking was prepared using GelMA, a natural polymer, and the effect was evaluated when the double crosslinked hydrogel and tannic acid were treated. The resulting hydrogel was subjected to physicochemical property evaluation, biocompatibility evaluation, and animal testing. The free radicals generated through APS/TEMED have a scaffold form with a porous structure in the hydrogel, and have a more stable structure through photo crosslinking. The double crosslinked hydrogel had improved mechanical strength and better results in cell compatibility tests than the single crosslinked group. Moreover, in the hydrogel transplanted into the femur of a rat, the double crosslinked group showed an osteoinductive response due to the attachment of bone minerals after 4 and 8 weeks, but the single crosslinked group did not show an osteoinductive response due to rapid degradation. Treatment with a high concentration of tannic acid showed significantly improved mechanical strength through H-bonding. However, cell adhesion and proliferation were limited compared to the untreated group due to the limitation of water absorption capacity, and no osteoinduction reaction was observed. As a result, it was confirmed that the treatment of high-concentration tannic acid significantly improved mechanical strength, but it was not a suitable method for improving bone induction due to the limitation of water absorption.

Fabrication and Characterization of Biodegradable Gelatin Methacrylate/Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Composite Hydrogel for Bone Tissue Engineering.

In the field of bone tissue, maintaining adequate mechanical strength and tissue volume is an important part. Recently, biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) was fabricated to solve the shortcomings of hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP), and it is widely studied in the field of bone-tissue engineering. In this study, a composite hydrogel was fabricated by applying BCP to gelatin methacrylate (GelMA). It was tested by using a mechanical tester, to characterize the mechanical properties of the prepared composite hydrogel. The fabricated BCP was analyzed through FTIR and XRD. As a result, a different characteristic pattern from hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) was observed, and it was confirmed that it was successfully bound to the hydrogel. Then, the proliferation and differentiation of preosteoblasts were checked to evaluate cell viability. The analysis results showed high cell viability and relatively high bone differentiation ability in the composite hydrogel to which BCP was applied. These features have been shown to be beneficial for bone regeneration by maintaining the volume and shape of the hydrogel. In addition, hydrogels can be advantageous for clinical use, as they can shape the structure of the material for custom applications.

Shear Bond Strength of Al2O3 Sandblasted Y-TZP Ceramic to the Orthodontic Metal Bracket.

As the proportion of adult orthodontic treatment increases, mainly for aesthetic reasons, orthodontic brackets are directly attached to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) restorations. This, study analyzed the shear bond strength (SBS) between various surface treated Y-TZP and orthodontic metal brackets. The Y-TZP specimens were conditioned by 110 µm Al2O3 sandblasting, or sandblasting followed by coating with one of the primers (silane, MDP, or an MDP-containing silane primer). After surface treatment, the orthodontic metal bracket was bonded to the specimen using a resin cement, and then 24 h storage in water and thermal cycling (5000 cycles, 5-55 °C), SBS was measured. Surface roughness was analyzed for surface morphology, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed for characterization of the chemical bond between the Y-TZP and the MDP-based primers (MDP, MDP containing silane primer). It was found that after surface treatment, the surface roughness of all groups increased. The groups treated with 110 µm Al2O3 sandblasting and MDP, or MDP-containing silane primer showed the highest SBS values, at 11.92 ± 1.51 MPa and 13.36 ± 2.31 MPa, respectively. The SBS values significantly decreased in all the groups after thermal cycling. Results from XPS analysis demonstrated the presence of chemical bonds between Y-TZP and MDP. Thus, the application of MDP-based primers after Al2O3 sandblasting enhances the resin bond strength between Y-TZP and the orthodontic metal bracket. However, bonding durability of all the surface-treated groups decreased after thermal cycling.

The effect of different fluoride application methods on the remineralization of initial carious lesions.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of single and combined applications of fluoride on the amount of fluoride release, and the remineralization and physical properties of enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each of four fluoride varnish and gel products (Fluor Protector, FP, Ivoclar Vivadent; Tooth Mousse Plus, TM, GC; 60 Second Gel, A, Germiphene; CavityShield, CS, 3M ESPE) and two fluoride solutions (2% sodium fluoride, N; 8% tin(ii) fluoride, S) were applied on bovine teeth using single and combined methods (10 per group), and then the amount of fluoride release was measured for 4 wk. The electron probe microanalysis and the Vickers microhardness measurements were conducted to assess the effect of fluoride application on the surface properties of bovine teeth. RESULTS: The amount of fluoride release was higher in combined applications than in single application (p < 0.05). Microhardness values were higher after combined applications of N with FP, TM, and CS than single application of them, and these values were also higher after combined applications of S than single application of A (p < 0.05). Ca and P values were higher in combined applications of N with TM and CS than single application of them (p < 0.05). They were also increased after combined applications of the S with A than after single application (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combined applications of fluoride could be used as a basis to design more effective methods of fluoride application to provide enhanced remineralization.

Improvement in the Tensile Bond Strength between 3Y-TZP Ceramic and Enamel by Surface Treatments.

This study examined the effects of 3 mol % yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP) ceramic surface treatments on the tensile bond strength and surface characteristics of enamel. To measure the tensile bond strength, the 3Y-TZP and tooth specimens were manufactured in a mini-dumbbell shape and divided into four groups based on the type of 3Y-TZP surface treatment: polishing (P), 110 µm alumina sandblasting (S), 110 µm alumina sandblasting combined with selective infiltration etching (SS), and 110 µm alumina sandblasting combined with MDP (10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate)-containing silane primer (SP). After surface treatment, the surface roughness, wettability, and surface changes were examined, and the tensile bond strength was measured. The mean values (from lowest to highest) for tensile bond strength (MPa) were as follows: P, 8.94 ± 2.30; S, 21.33 ± 2.00; SS, 26.67 ± 4.76; and SP, 31.74 ± 2.66. Compared to the P group, the mean surface roughness was significantly increased, and the mean contact angle was significantly decreased, while wettability was increased in the other groups. Therefore, surface treatment with 110 µm alumina sandblasting and MDP-containing silane primer is suitable for clinical applications, as it considerably improves the bond strength between 3Y-TZP and enamel.