Fabrication of strontium-releasable inorganic cement by incorporation of bioactive glass.

OBJECTIVES: Bioactive glass (BG) is widely used as a bioactive material for various clinical applications, and effective and efficient elemental release and an increase in mechanical strength are expected with further development. The purpose of this study is to clarify the physicochemical and biological characteristics of Sr-doped BG-incorporated glass ionomer cements. METHODS: Sr-doped BGs (45SiO2-6P2O5-24.5Na2O-(24.5-x)CaO-xSrO) (wt%), where × = 0, 6, 12, were prepared, and the particle size, crystallinity, and elemental release profiles were evaluated. The Sr-doped BGs were then incorporated into a glass ionomer cement at a weight ratio of 1:4, and the physicochemical properties (compressive strength, bending strength, hardness, and elemental release profile) were investigated. Cell attachment, cell proliferation, and osteoblastic differentiation were used to evaluate the biological characteristics. RESULTS: The Sr-doped BGs were amorphous phases with a homogeneous particle size and exhibited sustained release of Ca, Si, and Sr. The BG-incorporated cements were able to release these elements while retaining the same mechanical properties as those of the pure glass ionomer cement. In addition, no cytotoxicity of osteoblasts or differences in the cell attachment or proliferation were observed for the BG-incorporated cements. In contrast, the Sr-doped BG-incorporated cements promoted the alkaline phosphatase activities of the osteoblasts without the need for any media supplements for osteoblastic differentiation. SIGNIFICANCE: Sr-releasable inorganic cements with high mechanical properties were successfully fabricated by incorporating Sr-doped BGs in glass ionomer cement. These bioactive materials are promising candidates for bone grafting materials, bone cements, and pulp capping materials.

Fatigue behavior and crack initiation of CAD/CAM resin composite molar crowns.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term fatigue behavior using an in vitro step-stress accelerated life test (SSALT), and to determine the crack initiation point using in silico finite element analysis for computer-aided designed and manufactured (CAD/CAM) molar crowns fabricated from three commercial CAD/CAM resin composite blocks: Cerasmart (CS; GC, Tokyo, Japan), Katana Avencia Block (KA; Kuraray Noritake Dental, Niigata, Japan), and Shofu Block HC (HC; Shofu, Kyoto, Japan). METHODS: Fifty-one mandibular first molar crowns luted on a resin core die were embedded in acrylic resin and covered with a polyvinyl chloride tube. Single compressive tests were performed for five crowns. SSALT was conducted for 36 crowns using three profiles and reliabilities at 120,000 cycles, and a Weibull analysis was conducted. The maximum principal strain of each CAD/CAM resin composite crown model was analyzed by three-dimensional finite element analysis. RESULTS: Fracture loads of CS and KA (3784±144N and 3915±313N) were significantly greater than that of HC (2767±227N) (p<0.05). Fracture probabilities at 120,000 cycles were 24.6% (CS), 13.7% (KA), and 14.0% (HC). Maximum principal strain was observed around the mesiolingual cusps of CS and KA and the distobuccal cusp of HC. SIGNIFICANCE: CAD/CAM resin composite molar crowns containing nano-fillers with a higher fraction of resin matrix exhibited higher fracture loads and greater longevity, suggesting that these crowns could be used as an alternative to ceramic crowns in terms of fatigue behavior.

Antibacterial activity of resin composites containing surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler.

OBJECTIVE: A surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler is a technology of interest for providing bio-functions to restorative materials. Resin composites containing S-PRG filler have been reported to show less plaque accumulation and reduced bacterial attachment. In this study, experimental resin composites containing S-PRG filler at various concentrations were fabricated, and the inhibitory effects on bacterial growth on their surface and the association of ions released from S-PRG filler with antibacterial activity were evaluated. METHODS: Five kinds of experimental resin composites containing S-PRG filler at 0, 13.9, 27.3, 41.8, or 55.9 (vol.%) were fabricated. Streptococcus mutans was cultured on the cured discs for 18h to examine the growth of bacteria in contact with the surface of the experimental resins. The concentrations of Al(3+), BO3(3-), F(-), Na(+), SiO3(2-), or Sr(2+) released from each experimental resin into water were measured. The standardized solutions of each ion were prepared at the concentrations determined to be released from the experimental resin, and their inhibitory effects of single ion species on S. mutans growth were evaluated by using each standardized solution. RESULTS: Resin composites containing S-PRG filler at 13.9 (vol.%) or greater inhibited S. mutans growth on their surface. When S. mutans was incubated in the presence of six kinds of ions at the concentrations released from the resin composite containing S-PRG filler at 55.9 (vol.%), a significant reduction in bacterial number was observed for BO3(3-), F(-), Al(3+), and SiO3(2-). Among these four ions, BO3(3-) and F(-) demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effect on S. mutans growth. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that resin composites containing S-PRG filler inhibit the growth of S. mutans on their surface. BO3(3-), F(-), Al(3+) and SiO3(2-) released from S-PRG filler have the ability to inhibit S. mutans growth, and the inhibitory effects are mainly attributed to release of BO3(3-) and F(-).

Effectiveness of non-biodegradable poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-based hydrogel particles as a fibroblast growth factor-2 releasing carrier.

OBJECTIVES: Dental resin-based restorative materials are used in a variety of dental treatment modalities such as root-end filling, perforation sealing, and adhesion of fractured roots. However, the prognosis after such treatments is not necessarily favorable because they fail to promote healing of the surrounding alveolar tissue. In the present study, non-biodegradable poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (polyHEMA)-based hydrogel particles were fabricated as a carrier vehicle for drug delivery that is applied to dental resins. METHODS: The loading and release characteristics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) from the polyHEMA-based hydrogel particles were evaluated over time in culture. The hydrogel particles were immersed into an aqueous FITC-labeled BSA solution and were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). To determine the activity of the FGF-2 released from the particles, the proliferation of osteoblast-like cells cultured with eluates collected from the particles for up to 14 days was determined. RESULTS: CLSM revealed that BSA was adsorbed to the surface of the hydrogel particles. A sustained release of BSA and FGF-2 from the particles was detected for up to 14 days. The eluates from the FGF-2-loaded particles increased the proliferation of the osteoblast-like cells, suggesting that the activity of FGF-2 was maintained for at least 2 weeks within the particles. SIGNIFICANCE: These polyHEMA-based non-degradable hydrogel particles may be useful tools that can be applied to dental restorative materials to achieve sustained delivery of drugs that promote tissue regeneration.

Mechanism of detoxification of the cationic antibacterial monomer 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridiniumbromide (MDPB) by N-acetyl cysteine.

OBJECTIVES: The protective effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against cytotoxicity induced by conventional dental resin monomers have been widely documented. However, its effectiveness to detoxify cationic antibacterial monomers has not yet been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible protective effects of NAC against the cytotoxicity of 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridiniumbromide (MDPB) and explore the role of adduct formation in NAC-directed detoxification. METHODS: The influences of NAC on the cytotoxicity of MDPB were studied in mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells using the MTT assay. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis were performed to investigate the possible chemical reaction between NAC and MDPB. RESULTS: While only slight reduction in the cytotoxicity of MDPB by NAC was observed immediately after mixing with MDPB, remarkable protection against MDPB-induced cell death was detected when the mixture was tested after 24h of pre-incubation. UPLC and LC-MS analysis revealed that chemical binding of MDPB and NAC occurred under neutral conditions after 24h of pre-incubation. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that NAC reduces the toxicity of the cationic antibacterial monomer MDPB, and adduct formation is partially responsible for the detoxification ability of NAC against MDPB-induced cell damage.

Assessment of bactericidal effects of quaternary ammonium-based antibacterial monomers in combination with colloidal platinum nanoparticles.

Pretreatment of dentin using colloidal platinum nanoparticles (CPtN) can enhance the bond strength of dentin adhesives. However, the combination of CPtN, which is negatively charged, with cationic monomer-containing adhesive may reduce the antibacterial activity of the original material. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of CPtN on the bactericidal activity of two cationic antibacterial monomers, 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) and methacryloxylethyl cetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DMAE-CB). The rapid killing effects of the two monomers against planktonic or attached Streptococcus mutans in the presence or absence of CPtN were examined by viable cell counts. The measurement of minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations demonstrated that CPtN up to 2.5 mM has no antibacterial activity. In the absence of CPtN, rapid killing of both planktonic and attached Streptococcus mutans were achieved by the two cationic monomers. Combination with 0.1 mM CPtN did not reduce the bactericidal effects of the two monomers, indicating that CPtN may be used as a pretreatment with antibacterial adhesives.

Efficacy of polyphasic calcium phosphates as a direct pulp capping material.

OBJECTIVES: Polyphasic calcium phosphates (Poly-CaP), a complex of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and soluble calcium phosphates including alpha-tricalcium phosphate and tetracalcium phosphate, demonstrate promoting effects on hard tissue formation by osteoblasts. We hypothesized that a Poly-CaP block with a soluble calcium phosphates phase on one side and an insoluble HAp phase on the other side is useful for vital pulp therapy as it may promote dentin regeneration and provide the surface effective to achieve sealing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Poly-CaP as a direct pulp capping material by examining the Ca-release profile, the in vivo ability to induce reparative dentinogenesis, and the bonding of HAp surface with adhesive systems. METHODS: Poly-CaP prepared by annealing crude HAp disc was immersed in buffer solution at pH 7.4 or 4.0, and the concentration of Ca released was measured until 15 days. The pulp of 9-week-old Wister rat molar was exposed and capped with Poly-CaP or HAp block, and dentin bridge formation and pulpal inflammation was evaluated histopathologically after 2 or 4 weeks. Etch & rinse or self-etching adhesive was bonded to HAp surface, and the interface was observed using SEM. RESULTS: Poly-CaP exhibited continuous release of Ca with significantly greater amount than HAp at both pH conditions (P<0.05, Student's t-test). Animal tests demonstrated formation of complete dentin bridge at higher rate for Poly-CaP compared with HAp after 4 weeks (P<0.05, Steel-Dwass test). Impregnation of resin into etched HAp surface, with production of intimate contact at the bonding interface, was seen for all adhesives. CONCLUSIONS: Poly-CaP is a potentially useful material for direct pulp capping with the advantages to promote dentin bridge formation and to provide tight sealing by adhesives.

Proliferation and differentiation potential of pluripotent mesenchymal precursor C2C12 cells on resin-based restorative materials.

This study investigated the proliferation and differentiation potential of pluripotent mesenchymal cells on three resin-based restoratives using a typical pluripotent mesenchymal precursor cell line, C2C12. C2C12 cells were cultured for 3-21 days on cured specimens of a Bis-GMA/TEGDMA-based composite resin (APX; Clearfil AP-X), a 4-META/MMA-based resin cement (SB; Superbond C&B) or a HEMA-containing resin modified glass-ionomer (LC; Fuji Ionomer Type II LC). To examine the influences on differentiation potential, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the cells cultured on each material was determined. On APX and SB, cells adhered and proliferated well, and no significant influences on ALP activity were observed. In contrast, poor cell proliferation and significant suppression of ALP activity were observed for cells cultured on LC, similar to those cultured on a zinc oxide EBA cement used as a control material. Bis-GMA/TEGDMA-based composite resin and 4-META/MMA-based resin exhibited better biocompatibility for C2C12 cells than HEMA-containing resin modified glass-ionomer, suggesting a potential advantage of the former two resins to show smaller influences on regeneration of periapical or periodontal tissue.

Fluoride released from glass-ionomer cement is responsible to inhibit the acid production of caries-related oral streptococci.

OBJECTIVES: Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are known to have inhibitory effects on bacterial growth, but the biochemical mechanism of this property has not been fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate inhibitory effects of GIC on the acid production of caries-related oral streptococci, and to identify the components responsible for the inhibition. METHODS: An eluate was prepared by immersing set GIC in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 degrees C for 24h. Fluoride and other elements in the eluate were quantified by fluoride ion electrode and atomic absorption photometry, respectively. Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449 and Streptococcus sanguinis NCTC 10556 were used to evaluate the pH fall and the rate of acid production after the addition of glucose in the presence or absence of the eluate. Acidic end products from glucose were also assayed by carboxylic acid analyzer. RESULTS: The eluate contained silicon (1.24+/-0.26 mM), fluoride (0.49+/-0.02 mM) and aluminum (0.06+/-0.00 mM), and inhibited the pH fall and the acid production rate of both streptococci at acidic pH, with a concomitant decrease in lactic acid production. These effects were comparable to those of a potassium fluoride solution containing the same concentration of fluoride as the eluate. SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that the GIC eluate inhibits the acid production of caries-related oral streptococci at acidic pH and that the effect is due to fluoride derived from the GIC. Thus, adjacent to GIC fillings, bacterial acid production and the subsequent bacterial growth may decrease, establishing a cariostatic environment.