Assessment of Selected Surface and Electrochemical Properties of Boron and Strontium-Substituted Hydroxyapatites.

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field of science that has been developing very intensively over the last dozen or so years. New ways of treating damaged tissues and organs are constantly being sought. A variety of porous structures are currently being investigated to support cell adhesion, differentiation, and proliferation. The selection of an appropriate biomaterial on which a patient's new tissue will develop is one of the key issues when designing a modern tissue scaffold and the associated treatment process. Among the numerous groups of biomaterials used to produce three-dimensional structures, hydroxyapatite (HA) deserves special attention. The aim of this paper was to discuss changes in the double electrical layer in hydroxyapatite with an incorporated boron and strontium/electrolyte solution interface. The adsorbents were prepared via dry and wet precipitation and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and desorption methods. The specific surface area was characterized, and the surface charge density and zeta potential were discussed.

Strontium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coating Improves Osteo/Angiogenesis for Ameliorative Graft-Bone Integration via the Macrophage-Derived Cytokines-Mediated Integrin Signal Pathway.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) artificial ligaments, renowned for their superior mechanical properties, have been extensively adopted in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgeries. However, the inherent bio-inertness of PET introduces formidable barriers to graft-bone integration, a critical aspect of rehabilitation. Previous interventions, ranging from surface roughening to chemical modifications, have aimed to address this challenge; however, consistently effective techniques for inducing graft-bone integration remain scarce. Our study employed advanced surface-coating methodologies to introduce strontium-doped hydroxyapatite (SrHA) onto PET ligaments. Detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations revealed a uniform and integrative coating of SrHA on PET fibers. Furthermore, spectroscopic analysis confirmed the steady release of strontium ions from the coated surface under physiological conditions. In-depth cellular studies proved that extracellular strontium emanating from SrHA-coated PET (PET@SrHA) ligaments actively steers the M2 macrophage polarization. Additionally, macrophages (Mφs) manifested a heightened secretion of prohealing cytokines when exposed to PET@SrHA. Subsequent investigations showed that these cytokines acted as mediators, activating integrin signaling pathways among macrophages, vascular endothelial cells, and osteoblasts. As a direct consequence, an increased rate of angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation was observed, vital for graft-bone integration following ACL reconstruction with PET@SrHA ligaments. From a biochemical standpoint, our results pinpoint strontium ions as influential immunomodulators, sculpting the graft-bone interface's immune environment. This insight presents the SrHA-coating technique as a viable therapeutic strategy, holding sound promise for improving angiogenesis and osseointegration outcomes during ACL reconstruction using PET-based grafts.

Effects of void defects on the mechanical properties of biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles: A molecular dynamics investigation.

Porous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics are widely used in bone tissue engineering, and the mechanical properties of BCP implants must be reliable. However, the effects of pore structure (e.g., shape and size) on the mechanical properties are not well understood. In this study, we used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the influence of pore shape and size on the mechanical behavior of BCP nanoparticles. BCP void models with cylindrical and cuboid pores ranging from 2 to 16 nm in diameter were constructed, and the elastic moduli were calculated. In addition, uniaxial tensile and compressive tests were performed on the models. We found that the pore size had a more significant impact on the mechanical properties of BCP than pore shape. Further, the elastic moduli decreased nonlinearly with increasing pore size. In addition, the tensile and compressive strength also decreased with the increase in pore size, but the ductility improved. Furthermore, deformation and fracture were more likely to occur near the pores and at the phase interfaces as a result of high atomic local strain in the calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite area. The results of this work reveal the effects of pore parameters on the mechanical properties of porous BCP at the nanometer level, which may aid the design of improved porous and multiphase CaP-based biomaterials for bone regeneration.

Study of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics of tilapia fish bones by age.

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), consisting of bioceramics such as HAp + ß-TCP and Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 + Ca3(PO4)2, is a popular choice for optimizing performance due to its superior biological reabsorption and osseointegration. In this study, BCP was produced by calcining the bones of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in net cages and slaughtered at an age ranging from 15 to 420 days. The bones were cleaned and dried, calcined at 900 °C for 8 h, and then subjected to high-energy grinding for 3 h to produce BCP powders. After the calcination process, the crystalline phase's hydroxyapatite (HAp) and/or beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) were present in the composition of the bioceramic. The age-dependent variation in phase composition was confirmed by complementary vibrational spectroscopy techniques, revealing characteristic peaks and bands of the bioceramic. This variation was marked by an increase in HAp phase and a decrease in ß-TCP phase. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) from 25 to 1400 °C showed the characteristic mass losses of the material, with a greater loss observed for younger fish, indicating the complete removal of organic components at temperatures above 600 °C. Comparison of the results obtained by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement with Raman spectroscopy showed excellent agreement. These results showed that with temperature and environment control and adequate fish feeding, it is possible to achieve the desired amounts of each phase by choosing the ideal age of the fish. This bioceramic enables precise measurement of HAp and ß-TCP concentrations and Ca/P molar ratio, suitable for medical orthopedics and dentistry.

In vitro corrosion and cytocompatibility of Mg-Zn-Ca alloys coated with FHA.

In the field of orthopedics, it's crucial to effectively slow down the degradation rate of Mg alloys. This study aims to improve the degradation behavior of Mg-Zn-Ca alloys by electrodepositing fluorohydroxyapatite (FHA). We investigated the microstructure and bond strength of the deposition, as well as degradation and cellular reactions. After 15-30 days of degradation in Hanks solution, FHA deposited alloys showed enhanced stability and less pH change. The strong interfacial bond between FHA and the Mg-Zn-Ca substrate was verified through scratch tests (Critical loads: 10.73 ± 0.014 N in Mg-Zn-0.5Ca alloys). Cellular studies demonstrated that FHA-coated alloys exhibited good cytocompatibility and promoted the growth of MC3T3-E1 cells. Further tests showed FHA-coated alloys owed improved early bone mineralization and osteogenic properties, especially in Mg-Zn-0.5Ca. This research highlighted the potential of FHA-coated Mg-Zn-0.5Ca alloys in orthopedics applications.

On the Ion Implantation Synthesis of Ag-Embedded Over Sr-Substituted Hydroxyapatite on a Nano-Topography Patterned Ti for Application in Acetabular Fracture Sites.

Introduction: There is an ongoing need for improved healing response and expedited osseointegration on the Ti implants in acetabular fracture sites. To achieve adequate bonding and mechanical stability between the implant surface and the acetabular fracture, a new coating technology must be developed to promote bone integration and prevent bacterial growth. Methods: A cylindrical Ti substrate mounted on a rotating specimen holder was used to implant Ca2+, P2+, and Sr2+ ions at energies of 100 KeV, 75 KeV and 180 KeV, respectively, using a low-energy accelerator to synthesize strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite at varying conditions. Ag2+ ions of energy 100 KeV were subsequently implanted on the as-formed surface at the near-surface region to provide anti-bacterial properties to the as-formed specimen. Results: The properties of the as-formed ion-implanted specimen were compared with the SrHA-Ag synthesized specimens by cathodic deposition and low-temperature high-speed collision technique. The adhesion strength of the ion-implanted specimen was 43 ± 2.3 MPa, which is well above the ASTM standard for Ca-P coating on Ti. Live/dead cell analysis showed higher osteoblast activity on the ion-implanted specimen than the other two. Ag in the SrHA implanted Ti by ion implantation process showed superior antibacterial activity. Discussion: In the ion implantation technique, nano-topography patterned surfaces are not concealed after implantation, and their efficacy in interacting with the osteoblasts is retained. Although all three studies examined the antibacterial effects of Ag2+ ions and the ability to promote bone tissue formation by MC3T3-E1 cells on SrHA-Ag/Ti surfaces, ion implantation techniques demonstrated superior ability. The synthesized specimen can be used as an effective implant in acetabular fracture sites based on their mechanical and biological properties.

Acemannan coated, cobalt-doped biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles for immunomodulation regulated bone regeneration.

Biomaterials are used as scaffolds in bone regeneration to facilitate the restoration of bone tissues. The local immune microenvironment affects bone repair but the role of immune response in biomaterial-facilitated osteogenesis has been largely overlooked and it presents a major knowledge gap in the field. Nanomaterials that can modulate M1 to M2 macrophage polarization and, thus, promote bone repair are known. This study investigates a novel approach to accelerate bone healing by using acemannan coated, cobalt-doped biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles to promote osteogenesis and modulate macrophage polarization to provide a prohealing microenvironment for bone regeneration. Different concentrations of cobalt were doped in biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles, which were further coated with acemannan polymer and characterized. The nanoparticles showed >90% cell viability and enhanced cell proliferation along with osteogenic differentiation as demonstrated by the enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic calcium deposition. The morphology of MC3T3-E1 cells remained unchanged even after treatment with nanoparticles. Acemannan coated nanoparticles were also able to decrease the expression of M1 markers, iNOS, and CD68 and enhance the expression of M2 markers, CD206, CD163, and Arg-1 as indicated by RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and ICC studies. The findings show that acemannan coated nanoparticles can create a supportive immune milieu by inducing and promoting the release of osteogenic markers, and by causing a reduction in inflammatory markers, thus helping in efficient bone regeneration. As per our knowledge, this is the first study showing the combined effect of acemannan and cobalt for bone regeneration using immunomodulation. The work presents a novel approach for enhancing osteogenesis and macrophage polarization, thus, offering a potent strategy for effective bone regeneration.

Osteo-immunomodulatory effects of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles treated with biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics on bone regeneration.

Literature on osteoimmunology has demonstrated that macrophages have a great influence on biomaterial-induced bone formation. However, there are almost no reports clarifying the osteo-immunomodulatory capacity of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). This study comprehensively investigated the effects of EVs derived from macrophages treated with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics (BEVs) on vital events associated with BCP-induced bone formation such as immune response, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis. It was found that compared with EVs derived from macrophages alone (control, CEVs), BEVs preferentially promoted macrophage polarization towards a wound-healing M2 phenotype, enhanced migration, angiogenic differentiation, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Analysis of 15 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) related to immune, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis suggested that BEVs exhibited good immunomodulatory, pro-angiogenic, and pro-osteogenic abilities, which might be attributed to their specific miRNA cargos. These findings not only deepen our understanding of biomaterial-mediated osteoinduction, but also suggest that EVs derived from biomaterial-treated macrophages hold great promise as therapeutic agents with desired immunomodulatory capacity for bone regeneration.

Fabrication of alginate composite hydrogel encapsulated retinoic acid and nano Se doped biphasic CaP to augment in situ mineralization and osteoimmunomodulation for bone regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Bone tissue engineering endows alternates to support bone defects/injuries that are circumscribed to undergo orchestrated process of remodeling on its own. In this regard, hydrogels have emerged as a promising platform that can confront irregular defects and encourage in situ bone repair. METHODS: In this study, we aimed to develop a new approach for bone tissue regeneration by developing an alginate based composite hydrogel incorporating selenium doped biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles, and retinoic acid. The fabricated hydrogel was physiochemically evaluated for morphological, bonding, and mechanical behavior. Additionally, the biological response of the fabricated hydrogel was evaluated on MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. RESULTS: The developed composite hydrogel confers excellent biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity owing to the presence of alginate, and biphasic calcium phosphate, while selenium presents pro osteogenic, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory properties. The hydrogels exhibited highly porous microstructure, superior mechanical attributes, with enhanced calcification, and biomineralization abilities in vitro. SIGNIFICANCE: By combining the osteoconductive properties of biphasic calcium phosphate with multifaceted benefits of selenium and retinoic acid, the fabricated composite hydrogel offers a potential transformation in the landscape of bone defect treatment. This strategy could direct a versatile and effective approach to tackle complex bone injuries/defects and present potential for clinical translation.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling regulates BCP ceramic-induced osteogenesis.

An increasing number of studies demonstrate that biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics can induce bone regeneration. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. This work was proposed to investigate how PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling influenced the osteogenesis mediated by BCP ceramics. The results showed that incubation with BCP ceramics promoted the proliferation of murine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a time-dependent manner. The resulting cell proliferation was then suppressed by the selective inhibition of either PI3K, AKT, or mTOR signaling activation. Next, we confirmed that BCP ceramics up-regulated the phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR in BMSCs, suggesting the ability of BCP ceramics to drive the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in BMSCs. Furthermore, the blockade of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling prevented BCP ceramics-induced osteogenic differentiation and pro-angiogenesis of BMSCs by down-regulating the expression of genes encoding OPN, RUNX2 or VEGF. Moreover, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling blockade suppressed stem cell infiltration and new bone formation in the implants following intra-muscular implantation of BCP ceramics in mice. Therefore, our results suggested that PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling played a critical regulatory role in BCP ceramic-induced osteogenesis.

Synthesis and characterization of calcium phosphate compounds with strontium and magnesium ionic substitutions / Síntetis y caracterización del compuestos de fosfato de calcio con substituto iónico de estroncio y magnesio

Bioceramics offer advantages in the repair and regeneration of hard tissues and are used as bone void fillers and particulate fillers in bone cements with surgical applications. Regeneration and osteosynthesis stimulation via the release of essential ions such as strontium (Sr2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) is a relatively new field. Therefore, there is great interest in investigating various ionic substitutions on crystallographic structure and characteristics for use in osteoporosis prevent and increase bone formation and decrease bone resorption. In this study, we synthesize calcium phosphate samples with Sr2+ and Mg2+ ionic substitutions. The samples are characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Hydroxyapatite, beta tricalcium phosphate, and amorphous phases were observed. Depending on the ionic substitution, the crystal size and crystallinity varied from 22 nm to 130 nm and from 84% to 99.6%, respectively. The Ca/P ratio ranged from 0.72 to 1.82. The results demonstrated the effect of Sr2+ and Mg2+ inclusions in calcium phosphate on important parameters used in several bioceramic applications.

Los biocerámicos ofrecen ventajas en la reparación y regeneración de tejidos duros utilizándose como relleno en cavidades óseas y como relleno particulado en cementos óseos de aplicaciones quirúrgicas. Regeneración y estimulación de la osteosíntesis a través de la liberación de iones esenciales, como el estroncio (Sr) y magnesio (Mg) es un campo relativamente nuevo. Por lo tanto, existe un gran interés en la investigación de diversas sustituciones iónicos sobre la estructura cristalográfica y las características para su uso en la prevención de osteoporosis y aumento de la formación ósea con disminuir la resorción ósea. En este estudio, se sintetizó muestras de fosfato de calcio con sustituciones iónicos Sr y Mg. Las muestras se caracterizaron usando difracción de rayos X, espectroscopia infrarroja por transformada de Fourier, y la espectroscopia de masas con plasma acoplado inductivamente. Se observó hidroxiapatita, fosfato tricálcico beta, y las fases amorfas. Dependiendo de la sustitución iónica, el tamaño del cristal y cristalinidad variaron de 22 nm a 130 nm y de 84% a 99,6%, respectivamente. La relación Ca/P varió desde 0,72 hasta 1,82. Los resultados demostraron el efecto de las inclusiones de Sr y Mg en fosfato de calcio en parámetros importantes que se utilizan en varias aplicaciones de biocerámicos.

Poly (l-lactide acid) improves complete nano-hydroxyapatite bone scaffolds through the microstructure rearrangement

Cracks often occur when nano-hydroxyapatite bone scaffolds are fabricated with selective laser sintering, which affect the performance of scaffolds. In this study, a small amount of poly (l-lactide acid) (PLLA) was added into nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HAP) powder by mechanical blending in order to improve the sintering properties. The nano-HAP powder combined with 1wt percent PLLA was sintered under different laser power (5W, 7.5W, 10W, 12.5W, 15W and 20W). The fabricated scaffolds were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Micro Hardness Tester. The results showed that nano-HAP particles grew up quickly with the laser power increasing, and there were many strip-like cracks on the surface of sintering zone. The cracks gradually reduced until disappeared when the laser power increased to 15W, together with a great improvement of density. Large pores were observed on the specimen when the laser power further increases, accompanied with the decomposition of HAP into β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP). And the optimum parameters were eventually obtained with laser power of 15W, scanning speed of 1000 mm/min, powder bed temperature of 150ºC, laser spot diameter of 2 mm and layer thickness of 0.2 mm. We summarized that the molten PLLA enhanced the particle rearrangement of nano-HAP by capillary force and may absorb thermal stress in laser sintering process, while PLLA would be oxidized gradually until completely excluded from the sintered nano-HAP scaffolds, which was confirmed by FTIR analysis. This study provides a novel method to improve the sintering properties of nano-HAP with no adverse effects which would be used in the application of bone tissue engineering potentially.

Avaliação da interação do TiF4 com a hidroxiapatita e esmalte bem como o efeito sobre a des-remineralização do esmalte dentário com lesão de cárie artificial in situ / Interaction of TiF4 varnish with enamel and hydroxyapatite and its effect on the de-remineralization of pre-demineralized enamel in situ

Este estudo teve como o objetivo avaliar in vitro o efeito do tratamento com vernizes de tetrafluoreto de titânio (TiF4) e fluoreto de sódio (NaF) (ambos com 0,95%, 1,95% e 2,45% F) sobre 1) a quantidade de F- liberada em água deionizada e saliva artificial, por período de 12h; 2) os tipos de compostos formados pela interação com a hidroxiapatita (neste caso, com soluções ao invés dos vernizes); 3) a porcentagem de elementos presentes na superfície do esmalte bovino e humano, hígidos (H) e desmineralizados (DES); 4) a quantidade de CaF2 sobre a superfície do esmalte bovino e humano, H e DES. Adicionalmente, 5) o efeito dos vernizes de TiF4 e NaF sobre a remineralização do esmalte bovino, em diferentes condições in situ, foi avaliado. Para etapa 1, a liberação de F- foi quantificada por eletrodo de íon específico. Na etapa 2, pó de HAP produzido por precipitação foi tratado com soluções fluoretadas. Os compostos formados foram avaliados por espectroscopia de infravermelho e difração de raios-X. Nas etapas 3 e 4, as superfícies tratadas com os vernizes foram analisadas por MEV- EDAX e por biópsias básicas, respectivamente. Vinte voluntários (n final=17) participaram do ensaio in situ com 3 fases cruzadas, os quais utilizaram aparelhos palatinos contendo amostras de esmalte bovino desmineralizadas tratadas com vernizes de TiF4, NaF ou placebo. As amostras foram submetidas a diferentes condições de des-remineralização (presença ou não de tela plástica; variação da frequência de aplicação de sacarose 20%) e à exposição ao dentifrício fluoretado. O volume mineral e profundidade da lesão foram avaliados por microradiografia transversal (TMR). 1) Os vernizes de TiF4 (1,95 e 2,45% F) liberaram mais fluoreto comparados aos vernizes de NaF tanto em água como em saliva artificial, sendo a diferença significativa nas primeiras 6h de contato (p<0,0001). 2) O TiF4 causou alteração na estrutura da HAP e induziu à formação de novos compostos como TiO2 e Ti (HPO4)2. 3)...

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnishes (both with 0.95%, 1.95%, 2.45% F) treatment on the 1) F- release in deionized water and artificial saliva for 12h period; 2) types of compounds formed by the interaction with hydroxyapatite (in this case, solutions were tested instead of varnishes); 3) percentage of the elements on bovine and human, sound (S) and demineralized (DE), enamel surface; 4) F- uptake (CaF2 deposition) on human and bovine, S and DE, enamel surface. Additionally, 5) the effect of TiF4 and NaF varnishes on bovine enamel remineralization, in different in situ conditions, was assessed. In study 1, the F- release was measured by ion specific electrode. In study 2, HAP powder, produced by precipitation, was treated with fluoride solutions. The compounds formed were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. In studies 3 and 4, the surfaces treated with the varnishes were analyzed by SEM-EDAX and basic biopsies, respectively. Twenty volunteers (final n=17) participated of the in situ study with 3 crossover phases, in which they wore palatal appliances containing bovine demineralized enamel samples treated with TiF4, NaF or placebo varnishes. The samples were subjected to different de-remineralization conditions (presence or absence of plastic mesh and variation in frequency of application of 20% sucrose) and exposure to fluoride dentifrice. Themineral content and lesion depth were evaluated by transverse microradiography (TMR). 1) The TiF4 varnishes (1.95 and 2.45% F) released more F- compared to NaF varnishes in both water and artificial saliva, and significant difference was found in the first 6h (p<0.0001). 2) The TiF4 caused change in the HAP structure and induced the formation of new compounds such as TiO2 and Ti (HPO4)2. 3) The TiF4 varnishes induced the formation of a coating layer rich in Ti and F, with microcracks in its extension, on the enamel...

Avaliação da interação do TiF4 com a hidroxiapatita e esmalte bem como o efeito sobre a des-remineralização do esmalte dentário com lesão de cárie artificial in situ / Interaction of TiF4 varnish with enamel and hydroxyapatite and its effect on the de-remineralization of pre-demineralized enamel in situ

Este estudo teve como o objetivo avaliar in vitro o efeito do tratamento com vernizes de tetrafluoreto de titânio (TiF4) e fluoreto de sódio (NaF) (ambos com 0,95%, 1,95% e 2,45% F) sobre 1) a quantidade de F- liberada em água deionizada e saliva artificial, por período de 12h; 2) os tipos de compostos formados pela interação com a hidroxiapatita (neste caso, com soluções ao invés dos vernizes); 3) a porcentagem de elementos presentes na superfície do esmalte bovino e humano, hígidos (H) e desmineralizados (DES); 4) a quantidade de CaF2 sobre a superfície do esmalte bovino e humano, H e DES. Adicionalmente, 5) o efeito dos vernizes de TiF4 e NaF sobre a remineralização do esmalte bovino, em diferentes condições in situ, foi avaliado. Para etapa 1, a liberação de F- foi quantificada por eletrodo de íon específico. Na etapa 2, pó de HAP produzido por precipitação foi tratado com soluções fluoretadas. Os compostos formados foram avaliados por espectroscopia de infravermelho e difração de raios-X. Nas etapas 3 e 4, as superfícies tratadas com os vernizes foram analisadas por MEV- EDAX e por biópsias básicas, respectivamente. Vinte voluntários (n final=17) participaram do ensaio in situ com 3 fases cruzadas, os quais utilizaram aparelhos palatinos contendo amostras de esmalte bovino desmineralizadas tratadas com vernizes de TiF4, NaF ou placebo. As amostras foram submetidas a diferentes condições de des-remineralização (presença ou não de tela plástica; variação da frequência de aplicação de sacarose 20%) e à exposição ao dentifrício fluoretado. O volume mineral e profundidade da lesão foram avaliados por microradiografia transversal (TMR). 1) Os vernizes de TiF4 (1,95 e 2,45% F) liberaram mais fluoreto comparados aos vernizes de NaF tanto em água como em saliva artificial, sendo a diferença significativa nas primeiras 6h de contato (p<0,0001). 2) O TiF4 causou alteração na estrutura da HAP e induziu à formação de novos compostos como TiO2 e Ti (HPO4)2. 3)...

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnishes (both with 0.95%, 1.95%, 2.45% F) treatment on the 1) F- release in deionized water and artificial saliva for 12h period; 2) types of compounds formed by the interaction with hydroxyapatite (in this case, solutions were tested instead of varnishes); 3) percentage of the elements on bovine and human, sound (S) and demineralized (DE), enamel surface; 4) F- uptake (CaF2 deposition) on human and bovine, S and DE, enamel surface. Additionally, 5) the effect of TiF4 and NaF varnishes on bovine enamel remineralization, in different in situ conditions, was assessed. In study 1, the F- release was measured by ion specific electrode. In study 2, HAP powder, produced by precipitation, was treated with fluoride solutions. The compounds formed were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. In studies 3 and 4, the surfaces treated with the varnishes were analyzed by SEM-EDAX and basic biopsies, respectively. Twenty volunteers (final n=17) participated of the in situ study with 3 crossover phases, in which they wore palatal appliances containing bovine demineralized enamel samples treated with TiF4, NaF or placebo varnishes. The samples were subjected to different de-remineralization conditions (presence or absence of plastic mesh and variation in frequency of application of 20% sucrose) and exposure to fluoride dentifrice. Themineral content and lesion depth were evaluated by transverse microradiography (TMR). 1) The TiF4 varnishes (1.95 and 2.45% F) released more F- compared to NaF varnishes in both water and artificial saliva, and significant difference was found in the first 6h (p<0.0001). 2) The TiF4 caused change in the HAP structure and induced the formation of new compounds such as TiO2 and Ti (HPO4)2. 3) The TiF4 varnishes induced the formation of a coating layer rich in Ti and F, with microcracks in its extension, on the enamel...