Peptides: Production, bioactivity, functionality, and applications.

Production of peptides with various effects from proteins of different sources continues to receive academic attention. Researchers of different disciplines are putting increasing efforts to produce bioactive and functional peptides from different sources such as plants, animals, and food industry by-products. The aim of this review is to introduce production methods of hydrolysates and peptides and provide a comprehensive overview of their bioactivity in terms of their effects on immune, cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Moreover, functional and antioxidant properties of hydrolysates and isolated peptides are reviewed. Finally, industrial and commercial applications of bioactive peptides including their use in nutrition and production of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals are discussed.

Influência da densidade tubular em diferentes profundidades dentinárias na estabilidade de união de cimentos de iônomero de vidro / Influence of tubular density in diferent dentin depths in bonding stability of glass ionomer cements

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência da densidade tubular em diferentes profundidades dentinárias na estabilidade de união de dois cimentos de ionômero de vidro (CIV) de alta viscosidade. Vinte terceiros molares foram alocados em 6 grupos experimentais, de acordo com a profundidade da dentina - proximal, oclusal superficial ou oclusal profunda, e os CIVs - Fuji IX (GC Corp.) e Ketac(TM) Molar Easy Mix (3M/ESPE). Inicialmente os dentes foram cortados a fim de se obter fatias de aproximadamente 1 mm de espessura de dentina proximal, oclusal superficial e profunda. Em seguida, foi realizado uma análise topográfica das secções das diferentes superfícies e profundidades em microscopia confocal a laser (100X) para obtenção das médias da densidade tubular em cada profundidade. Cânulas de polietileno foram então posicionadas sobre as secções de dentina pré-tratadas e preenchidas pelos CIVs. Os espécimes foram armazenados em água destilada por 24 h e 12 meses a 37°C, em seguida foram submetidos ao ensaio de microcisalhamento (0,5 mm/min). Após o ensaio, foi realizada a análise do padrão de fratura em estereomicroscópio (400X). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à Análise de Variância para dados repetidos, seguido do teste de Tukey (?=5%). Verificamos que a densidade dos túbulos dentinários, em diferentes profundidades de molares permanentes, é inversamente proporcional a resistência de união de cimentos de ionômero de vidro de alta viscosidade. Foi ainda observado em todos os grupos que a resistência de união após 24 horas é maior do que em 12 meses, indicando degradação da interface adesiva ao longo do tempo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dentin tubule density of different depths in the bond stability of two high viscous glass ionomer cements (GIC). Twenty (third) molars were assigned into 6 experimental groups, according to the depth of dentin - proximal, superficial or deep occlusal occlusal and the GICs - Fuji IX (GC Corp.) and Ketac (TM) Molar Easy Mix (3M / ESPE). Initially, the teeth were cut to obtain slices approximately 1 mm thick for approximal, superficial and deep occlusal surfaces. Then it was performed a topographical analysis of sections of different depths surfaces and laser confocal microscopy (100X) to obtain averages of the tubular density at each depth. Polyethylene cannulae were then positioned on the pre-treated dentin sections and filled with GIC. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h and 12 months at 37°C were then subjected to microshear bonding test (0.5 mm / min). After the test, a fracture analysis pattern was performed in stereomicroscope (400X). The data were submitted to ANOVA for repeated measures followed by the Tukey test (? = 5%). We found that the density of dentinal tubules at different depths of permanent molars, is inversely proportional to the bond strength of high viscosity glass ionomer cements. It was observed in all groups which bond strength after 24 hours is higher than in 12 months, indicating degradation of the interface over time.

Bond Strength of High-Viscosity Glass Ionomer Cements is Affected by Tubular Density and Location in Dentin?

This study evaluated the influence of tubular density of different dentin depths and location on the bond strength of high-viscosity glass ionomer cements (GIC). A total of 20 molars were selected and assigned into six experimental groups, considering two different high-viscosity GICs-Fuji IX (FIX) or Ketac Molar (KM), and dentin location-proximal, occlusal superficial, or occlusal deep dentin (n=10). Teeth were cut and a topographical analysis of four sections per group was performed to obtain data about the tubular density of each different dentin location and depths by laser scanning confocal microscopy (100×). Polyethylene tubes were placed over the pretreated surfaces and filled with one of the GICs. Microshear bond strength (µSBS) test was performed after storage in distilled water (24 h at 37°C). Failure modes were evaluated using a stereomicroscope (400×). Multilevel regression analysis was performed to compare the results at a significance level set at 5%. The tubule density was inversely proportional to the bond strength for both GICs (p<0.05). Adhesive/mixed failure prevailed in all experimental groups. Proximal (30036.5±3433.3) and occlusal superficial 29665.3±1434.04 dentin shows lower tubule density, resulting in a better GIC bonding performance (proximal: FIX-3.61±1.05; KM-3.40±1.62; occlusal superficial: FIX-4.70±1.85; KM-4.97±1.25). Thus, we can concluded that the lowest tubule density in proximal and occlusal superficial dentin results in a better GIC bond strength performance.

Calcium silicate cement-induced remineralisation of totally demineralised dentine in comparison with glass ionomer cement: tetracycline labelling and two-photon fluorescence microscopy.

Two-photon fluorescence microscopy, in combination with tetracycline labelling, was used to observe the remineralising potentials of a calcium silicate-based restorative material (Biodentine(TM) ) and a glass ionomer cement (GIC:​Fuji​IX) on totally demineralised dentine. Forty demineralised dentine discs were stored with either cement in three different solutions: phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with tetracycline, phosphate-free tetracycline, and tetracycline-free PBS. Additional samples of demineralised dentine were stored alone in the first solution. After 8-week storage at 37 °C, dentine samples were imaged using two-photon fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Samples were later embedded in PMMA and polished block surfaces studied by 20 kV BSE imaging in an SEM to study variations in mineral concentration. The highest fluorescence intensity was exhibited by the dentine stored with Biodentine(TM) in the PBS/tetracycline solution. These samples also showed microscopic features of matrix remineralisation including a mineralisation front and intra- and intertubular mineralisation. In the other solutions, dentine exhibited much weaker fluorescence with none of these features detectable. Raman spectra confirmed the formation of calcium phosphate mineral with Raman peaks similar to apatite, while no mineral formation was detected in the dentine stored in cement-free or PBS-free media, or with GIC. It could therefore be concluded that Biodentine(TM) induced calcium phosphate mineral formation within the dentine matrix when stored in phosphate-rich media, which was selectively detectable using the tetracycline labelling.

Characterization of dental interfaces with electron tomography.

Understanding the interface between dental materials and tooth is critical in the prevention of secondary caries. Assessing this interface with high-resolution clarity has traditionally been challenging. This work highlights electron tomography, carried out in the transmission electron microscope, as a novel technique to obtain both three-dimensional and nanometer scaled information on dental materials in contact with dentin. In this study, commercial calcium aluminate and glass ionomer based luting agents in contact with human dentin were prepared for electron microscopy via focused ion beam milling. Imaging with high-angle annular dark field provided compositional contrast, and combined with tilting over large angular ranges, enabled the reconstruction of the three-dimensional interface between tissue and cement. The characteristics of the interface were observed with this extra dimensionality and superior resolution, providing evidence for the viability of this technique in interfacial studies of dental materials.

In vivo biocompatibility versus degree of conversion of resin-reinforced cements in different time periods.

This study focused on test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the degree of conversion and biocompatibility of different resin reinforced glass ionomer cements (RRGICs). Forty-eight male Wistar rats were used, distributed into four groups (n = 12), as follows: Group C (Control, polyethylene), Group FOB (Fuji Ortho Band), Group UBL (Ultra band Lok), and Group MCG (Multicure Glass), in subcutaneous tissue. The events of edema, necrosis, granulation tissue, multinuclear giant cells, young fibroblasts, and collagen formation were analyzed at 7, 15, and 30 days. The degree of conversion was evaluated by the Fourier method. Biocompatibility and degree of conversion were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, and ANOVA and Tukey's test, respectively (P < 0.05). It was observed that, there was significant difference between Groups FOB and UBL for the presence of young fibroblasts at 15 days (P = 0.034) and between the Control and MCG Groups for the presence of multinucleated giant cells at 30 days (P = 0.009). Monomer conversion increased progressively until day 30, with significant difference between Group FOB and Groups UBL and MCG (P = 0.013) at 15 days. The null hypothesis was partially accepted, Fuji Ortho Band showed a less monomer conversion and a smaller number of young fibroblasts in the time of 15 days.

Influence of chemical degradation on the surface properties of nano restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of chemical degradation on the surface roughness (Ra) and hardness (Knoop hardness number [KHN]) of nano restorative materials. METHODS: Disc-shaped specimens (5-mm diameter; 2-mm thick) of Filtek Z350 and TPH Spectrum composites and the Vitremer and Ketac Nano light-curing glass ionomer cements were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. After 24 hours, polishing procedures were performed and initial measurements of Ra and KHN were taken. The specimens were divided into 12 groups (n=10) according to material and storage media: artificial saliva, orange juice, and Coca-Cola. After 30 days of storage, the specimens were reevaluated for Ra and KHN. The pH values of the storage media were measured weekly. Data were tested for significant differences by repeated-measures three-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Composites were found to present lower roughness values and higher hardness values than the ionomeric materials under all storage conditions. After degradation, the KHN of all experimental samples decreased significantly, while the Ra of the ionomeric materials increased, depending on the media, with a markedly negative impact of Coca-Cola and orange juice. There was no difference among the storage media for Filtek Z350 with regard to the KHN values. Nanofillers did not show any influence on the roughness and hardness of resin-modified glass ionomer cements and resin composites concerning their degradation resistance.

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus biofilm formation and metabolic activity on dental materials.

OBJECTIVES: To examine potential correlations between streptococcal biofilm formation and lactate production in streptococcal biofilms formed on the surface of dental materials with different surface characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of a glass-ionomer cement (Ketac Molar) and a ceramic (Empress 2) were incubated with whole saliva and suspensions of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 or Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 33478 for initiating single-species biofilm formation for either 4 or 24 h. The relative amount of adherent, viable cells was determined using a Resazurin and a MTT assay. Metabolic activity was assessed by quantifying lactate production with a modification of the commercial Clinpro Cario L-Pop kit. RESULTS: Both assays identified similar S. sobrinus biofilm formation on the two substrata; for S. mutans, the MTT test showed significantly fewer streptococci on the glass-ionomer cement than on the ceramic. Concerning metabolic activity, for S. sobrinus, significantly higher lactate production was observed for biofilms formed on the glass-ionomer cement in comparison to the ceramic, whereas similar values were identified for S. mutans. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, the results suggest that the pure amount of adherent streptococci does not a priori indicate the metabolic activity of the cariogenic bacteria organized in the respective biofilm. Thus, comparisons between the relative amount of adherent streptococci and their metabolic activity may allow for an improved understanding of the effect of dental material surfaces on the formation and metabolic activity of streptococcal biofilms.

Degradation of polymeric restorative materials subjected to a high caries challenge.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degradation of different resin filling materials after a caries challenge, by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and contact angle (θ) measurement. METHODS: Four different polymeric restorative materials (a resin composite, a polyacid-modified resin composite, an ormocer and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement) were tested. Five samples (30 mm × 6 mm × 2 mm) of each material were formed in a Teflon mold, following the manufacturer's instructions. After pH cycles, the solutions were injected in an HPLC. The θ was obtained, before and after pH cycle, by a goniometer at 60% air humidity and 25°C. A distilled water drop (0.006 ml) was put on the material surface, and after 6 min, 10 measures were obtained at 20s intervals. Each sample received 4 drops, one at a time, on different areas. RESULTS: HPLC results showed elution of byproducts in all materials. This was greater in the acid medium. Bis-GMA and TEGDMA were detected in TPH Spectrum and Definite residues. Analyses of the contact angle by ANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls's test showed that the surfaces of TPH Spectrum, Dyract AP and Definite were altered, except Vitremer (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: All materials tested degraded on a caries simulated medium, suggesting that a great effort should be made to disseminate oral health information, since a high caries challenge environment (low pH) can lead to dental composite degradation, with potential toxic risks to patients.

The bioactivity and ion release of titanium-containing glass polyalkenoate cements for medical applications.

The ion release profiles and bioactivity of a series of Ti containing glass polyalkenoate cements. Characterization revealed each material to be amorphous with a T(g) in the region of 650-660°C. The network connectivity decreased (1.83-1.35) with the addition of TiO(2) which was also evident with analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Ion release from cements were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy for zinc (Zn(2+)), calcium (Ca(2+)), strontium (Sr(2+)), Silica (Si(4+)) and titanium (Ti(4+)). Ions such as Zn(2+) (0.1-2.0 mg/l), Ca(2+) (2.0-8.3 mg/l,) Sr(2+) (0.1-3.9 mg/l), and Si(4+) (14-90 mg/l) were tested over 1-30 days. No Ti(4+) release was detected. Simulated body fluid revealed a CaP surface layer on each cement while cell culture testing of cement liquid extracts with TW-Z (5 mol% TiO(2)) produced the highest cell viability (161%) after 30 days. Direct contact testing of discs resulted in a decrease in cell viability of the each cement tested.

Amino acid derivative-mediated detoxification and functionalization of dual cure dental restorative material for dental pulp cell mineralization.

Current dental restorative materials are only used to fill the defect of hard tissues, such as dentin and enamel, because of their cytotoxicity. Therefore, exposed dental pulp tissues in deep cavities must be first covered by a pulp capping material like calcium hydroxide to form a layer of mineralized tissue. However, this tissue mineralization is based on pathological reaction and triggers long-lasting inflammation, often causing clinical problems. This study tested the ability of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), amino acid derivative, to reduce cytotoxicity and induce mineralized tissue conductivity in resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), a widely used dental restorative material having dual cure mechanism. Rat dental pulp cells were cultured on untreated or NAC-supplemented RMGI. NAC supplementation substantially increased the percentage of viable cells from 46.7 to 73.3% after 24-h incubation. Cell attachment, spreading, proliferative activity, and odontoblast-related gene and protein expressions increased significantly on NAC-supplemented RMGI. The mineralization capability of cells, which was nearly suppressed on untreated RMGI, was induced on NAC-supplemented RMGI. These improved behaviors and functions of dental pulp cells on NAC-supplemented RMGI were associated with a considerable reduction in the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and with the increased level of intracellular glutathione reserves. These results demonstrated that NAC could detoxify and functionalize RMGIs via two different mechanisms involving in situ material detoxification and antioxidant cell protection. We believe that this study provides a new approach for developing dental restorative materials that enables mineralized tissue regeneration.

Aluminium and fluoride release into artificial saliva from dental restoratives placed in teeth.

This study examined the release of aluminium and fluoride from restorative materials placed in either deciduous or young permanent immature teeth stored in artificial saliva for 1 month. Cavities were prepared in extracted teeth, then filled with a fluoride releasing restorative (glass-ionomer, compomer or composite resin), with and without conditioning as appropriate. The teeth were then stored in artificial saliva for 1 month, after which the amount of aluminium and fluoride released was determined spectrophotometrically. With all materials tested, both aluminium and fluoride were released in all cases. Young immature teeth were associated with lower level of ion release which was attributed to the absorption of ions by the enamel. However, unconditioned samples were usually associated with similar ion release to conditioned ones, suggesting that the loss of mineral phase on conditioning has only a marginal effect on the capacity for ion uptake. The ratio of aluminium to fluoride released varied with the type of tooth, deciduous conditioned teeth generally absorbing proportionately less aluminium than young immature teeth. The overall conclusion is that interaction with ions released by restorative materials is influenced by type of tooth.

Mast cells in tissue response to dentistry materials: an adhesive resin, a calcium hydroxide and a glass ionomer cement.

Synthetic materials used in dentistry may trigger various inflammatory responses. In order to evaluate biocompatibility, standardized implants of Calcium Hydroxide (CH), Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and Light-activated Dental Adhesive (LDA) were surgically introduced into Wistar rats' back bone. Six (experimental) animal groups, five each, and two Sham (S) groups were studied after 15 and 30 days from surgery. In each animal, the density of mast cells and interstitial fibrosis volume was evaluated by quantitative light microscopy. In addition, the interaction between the disk material and its fibrous capsule was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The density of mast cells per area (N(A)[mast cells]) was lower in CH group than in LDA group. GIC group displayed N(A)[mast cells] results intermediate between CH and LDA groups (p<0.05). The smallest interstitial fibrosis volume density (Vv[f]) was observed in CH group, then in GIC group, while the greatest in LDA group. After 30 days, the fibrosis in LDA group was 30% higher than in CH group (p<0.05). In S group, discreet fibrosis restricted to surgical area was present, with few mast cells near the vessels. Significant interaction between fibrous capsule and the surrounding disk material was most evident in CH group. The implanted materials induced mast cell migration, distinct fibrosis development, suggesting that CH is the most biocompatible material among those tested.

Efeito do jato profilático de bicarbonato de sódio sobre a superfície de materiais restauradores estéticos / The effect of the prophylactic jet on the surface of restorative materials

Foi avaliado, em Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura, o efeito do jato profilático de bicarbonato de sódio sobre os materiais: Durafil, Z100, TPH, Concise, Heliomolar Chelon-fil e Dyract AP, com e sem a proteção do selante de superfície Fortify, por 15, 30 ou 60 segundos. Os autores concluíram que a aplicação do jato altera a superfície dos materiais. A partir de 30 segundos, todos os materiais tiveram o contorno alterado com perda de substância

Comparison of the porosity of hand-mixed and capsulated glass-ionomer luting cements.

The strength of dental glass-ionomer cements will be influenced by defects present within its structure. This study measured the surface area porosity, percentage surface area porosity, and mean surface area of small bubbles (<0.01 mm2) and the surface area porosity, percentage surface area porosity and diameter of large bubbles within 40-microm-thick layers of four cements, using image analysis software. Two hand-mixed cements (Fuji I and KetacCem) and two capsulated cements (Fuji Cap I and KetacCem Maxicap) were viewed under transmitted light at x117.6 magnification. For each selected area (64.75 mm2) of each cement sample, five independent measurements were made of each of these parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that there were no significant differences between the four cements in the small bubble parameters measured, whilst there were significant differences in the surface area porosity, percentage surface area porosity and diameter of the large bubbles. It was concluded that the hand-mixed cements tested had a greater number of larger diameter bubbles compared with the capsulated cements.

Influence of humidity on dimensional stability of a range of ion-leachable cements.

The dimensional changes of a variety of dental restorative materials, occurring during and after setting, were investigated. The materials were tested under four different environmental conditions: 25 degrees C at laboratory humidity, 25 degrees C at 100% humidity, 37 degrees C at laboratory humidity and 37 degrees C at 100% humidity. Two materials setting by an acid-base reaction were also examined when protected with both a conventional varnish and a low-viscosity light-curable resin. The dimensional changes were recorded continuously using linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs) over periods of up to 2 h. The materials investigated showed varying magnitudes of dimensional change. The shrinkage of conventional glass-ionomer cements (Fuji II and Opusfil) were the highest at 37 degrees C in air. This was attributed to the highest rate of water loss in the most desiccating environment. The shrinkage observed for the materials which set, even only in part, by a polymerization reaction will probably be due to the water loss and/or polymerization shrinkage. Exposure of these materials to a high-humidity environment reduced the shrinkage because of the swelling associated with water absorption. Application of the varnish and the protective resin over the cement surfaces also reduced shrinkage in Fuji II due to prevention of water exchange. The apparatus used in this study provided a simple and reliable method for measuring linear dimensional change. Data obtained in this study were comparable, where appropriate, to the values found in the literature.