Biological Response to Nanosurface Modification on Metallic Biomaterials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: New biomaterials for biomedical applications have been developed over the past few years. This work summarizes the current cell lines investigations regarding nanosurface modifications to improve biocompatibility and osseointegration. RECENT FINDINGS: Material surfaces presenting biomimetic morphology that provides nanoscale architectures have been shown to alter cell/biomaterial interactions. Topographical and biofunctional surface modifications present a positive effect between material and host response. Nanoscale surfaces on titanium have the potential to provide a successful interface for implantable biomedical devices. Future studies need to directly evaluate how the titanium nanoscale materials will perform in in vivo experiments. Biocompatibility should be determined to identify titanium nanoscale as an excellent option for implant procedures.

Mouthwashes: an in vitro study of their action on microbial biofilms and cytotoxicity to gingival fibroblasts.

This study evaluated the in vitro antibiofilm effect of 5 different commercial mouthwashes (Cepacol Traditional, Colgate Plax Fresh Mint, Listerine Cool Mint, Oral-B Complete, and Sensodyne) on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cytotoxic effect of the mouthwashes on gingival fibroblasts was also analyzed. A colorimetric assay with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to investigate the viability of biofilms after 48 hours and gingival fibroblasts after 24 hours. The biofilms were exposed to the mouthwashes for 2 different lengths of time: T1, the time recommended by the manufacturer (30 or 60 seconds); and T2, double the recommended time (60 or 120 seconds). All antiseptic mouthwashes caused a significant reduction of biofilm (P < 0.05) as well as a significant reduction of viable gingival fibroblasts (P < 0.05) with both exposure times (T1 and T2). It can be concluded that the commercial mouthwashes demonstrated effective antibiofilm activity; they were more effective on bacteria than on C albicans. A significant cytotoxic effect on gingival fibroblasts was also observed.

Efficacy of different techniques for removal of calcium hydroxide-chlorhexidine paste from root canals.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different techniques for removal of combined calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and chlorhexidine paste from root canals. Fifty single-rooted human teeth were prepared by oscillatory and rotary systems and filled with a paste of Ca(OH)2 and 2% chlorhexidine gel. After incubation for 14 days, the specimens were divided into 5 groups (n = 10), and the medication was removed by 1 of 5 different procedures. In group 1 (control), removal procedures involved a master apical file, foraminal debridement, and 5 mL of saline solution applied with the NaviTip irrigation needle. Group 2 was treated the same as group 1, but in addition 0.5 mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was used for 3 minutes. In group 3, ultrasonic agitation was performed for 1 minute. Group 4 was treated as group 2, but the NaviTip FX needle was used for irrigation. In group 5, a master apical file, foraminal debridement, and 3-minute application of 5 mL of citric acid were used. After the root-cleaning procedures, the crowns were removed at the cementoenamel junction, and the roots were split longitudinally into halves. The success of intracanal medicament removal was observed under stereoscopic microscope and scanning electron microscope. Remnants of Ca(OH)2 were found in all experimental groups, regardless of the removal technique used. There was no statistically significant difference in cleanliness in the apical third of the root canal among groups 1, 2, and 3. Group 4 showed the best and group 5 the worst results with statistically significant differences. Overall, the NaviTip FX irrigation needle technique was more efficient in removing a Ca(OH)2-chlorhexidine paste from the root canal.

Conventional and whitening toothpastes: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and effect on the enamel surface.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of whitening and common toothpastes, and the surface roughness of tooth enamel submitted to brushing with both toothpastes. METHODS: Samples of whitening toothpastes [Colgate Whitening (CW) and Oral-B Whitening (OBW)] and regular (non-whitening) toothpastes (Colgate and Oral-B) were extracted in culture medium. Gingival human fibroblasts (FMM-1) were placed in contact with different dilutions of culture media that had been previously exposed to such materials, and the cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. The genotoxicity was assessed by the micronucleus formation assay in Chinese hamster fibroblasts (V79). The cell survival rate and micronuclei number were assessed before and after exposure to the toothpaste extracts. For the surface roughness evaluation, 20 bovine tooth specimens, divided into four groups according to toothpastes, were submitted to 10,000 brushing cycles. The results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and two-way ANOVA tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: MTT assay showed that Colgate was significantly less cytotoxic than CW, Oral-B and OBW at all dilutions (P < 0.01). CW was the most cytotoxic toothpaste (P < 0.01). The whitening toothpastes showed the highest numbers of micronuclei compared to the untreated control (UC) (P < 0.01). Colgate and Oral-B toothpastes were not genotoxic compared to UC (P = 0.326). The OBW toothpaste was statistically significantly abrasive to the enamel surface (P < 0.01). The whitening toothpastes and Oral-B were cytotoxic to the cells. The whitening toothpastes were more genotoxic to cells in vitro than the common toothpastes, and genotoxicity was more pronounced in the OBW toothpaste.

Cytotoxicity of Brazilian plant extracts against oral microorganisms of interest to dentistry.

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of strains resistant to conventional antibiotics, it is important to carry studies using alternative methods to control these microorganisms causing important infections, such as the use of products of plant origin that has demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity besides biocompatibility. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts of Equisetum arvense L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Punica granatum L. and Stryphnodendron barbatimam Mart. against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata, and to analyze the cytotoxicity of these extracts in cultured murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). METHODS: Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts was evaluated by microdilution method based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), M7-A6 and M27-A2 standards. The cytotoxicity of concentrations that eliminated the microorganisms was evaluated by MTT colorimetric method and by quantification of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α) using ELISA. RESULTS: In determining the minimum microbicidal concentration, E. arvense L., P. granatum L., and S. barbatimam Mart. extracts at a concentration of 50 mg/mL and G. glabra L. extract at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, were effective against all microorganisms tested. Regarding cell viability, values were 48% for E. arvense L., 76% for P. granatum L, 86% for S. barbatimam Mart. and 79% for G. glabra L. at the same concentrations. About cytokine production after stimulation with the most effective concentrations of the extracts, there was a significant increase of IL-1ß in macrophage cultures treated with S. barbatimam Mart. (3.98 pg/mL) and P. granatum L. (7.72 pg/mL) compared to control (2.20 pg/mL) and a significant decrease of TNF-α was observed in cultures treated with G. glabra L. (4.92 pg/mL), S. barbatimam Mart. (0.85 pg/mL), E. arvense L. (0.83 pg/mL), and P. granatum L. (0.00 pg/mL) when compared to control (41.96 pg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: All plant extracts were effective against the microorganisms tested. The G. glabra L. extract exhibited least cytotoxicity and the E. arvense L. extract was the most cytotoxic.

Enhancing the Hydrophobicity and Antibacterial Properties of SiCN-Coated Surfaces with Quaternization to Address Peri-Implantitis.

Peri-implantitis is a major cause of dental implant failure. This disease is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implant, and, while the cause is multi-factorial, bacteria is the main culprit in initiating an inflammatory reaction. Dental implants with silicon carbonitride (SiCN) coatings have several potential advantages over traditional titanium implants, but their antibacterial efficiency has not yet been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-bacterial potential of SiCN by modifying the surface of SiCN-coated implants to have a positive charge on the nitrogen atoms through the quaternization of the surface atoms. The changes in surface chemistry were confirmed using contact angle measurement and XPS analysis. The modified SiCN surfaces were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and compared with a silicon control. The cultured bacterial colonies for the experimental group were 80% less than the control silicon surface. Fluorescent microscopy with live bacteria staining demonstrated significantly reduced bacterial coverage after 3 and 7 days of incubation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize the coated surfaces after bacterial inoculation, and the mechanism for the antibacterial properties of the quaternized SiCN was confirmed by observing ruptured bacteria membrane along the surface.

Bactericidal effects of two parameters of Er:YAG laser intracanal irradiation: ex-vivo study.

The success of endodontic treatment depends on the complete elimination of microorganisms from the root canal system, thus the search for new procedures to eliminate them is justified. The aim of this study was to assess bacterial reduction after intracanal irradiation with the Er:YAG laser. The canals of 70 extracted human maxillary canines were prepared up to file #40 using 1% NaOCl, irrigated with 17% EDTA, and then washed with physiological solution activated by ultrasound. The roots were sterilized by autoclaving, inoculated with 10 µl of a suspension containing 1.5 × 10(8) CFU/ml of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and incubated at 37°C for 72 h. The canals were irradiated with the Er:YAG laser using two energy settings: 60 mJ and 15 Hz, and 100 mJ and 10 Hz. The remaining bacteria were counted immediately and 48 h after laser irradiation. The results showed a high bacterial reduction at both time points. With 60 mJ and 15 Hz there was an immediate reduction of 99.73% and the reduction was 77.02% after 48 h, and with 100 mJ and 10 Hz there was an immediate reduction of 99.95% and the reduction was 84.52% after 48 h. Although the best results were observed with 100 mJ of energy, the difference between the two settings was not statistically significant. The count performed 48 h after irradiation showed that E. faecalis were able to survive, and can grow even from small numbers.

Toxicity and effect of whitening toothpastes on enamel surface.

This in vitro study evaluated the biocompatibility and abrasivity of whitening and conventional toothpastes. Samples of conventional (non-whitening) - Edel White Infant (EWI) - and whitening toothpastes - Edel White Whitening (EWW), Edel White CAREFORTE (EWC), Colgate Total 12 Ò Professional (C), and Oral-B Whitening (OB) - were dissolved in culture medium (0.2 g sample weight per mL). Human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) were placed in contact with different dilutions of culture media that had been previously exposed to these toothpastes. Cytotoxicity was then assessed using the methyl tetrazolium test (MTT) and the cell survival rate was determined. Genotoxicity was assessed by the micronucleus test (MNT) and the number of micronuclei was determined before and after exposure to the toothpaste solutions. The enamel surface roughness was evaluated in specimens of bovine teeth (n = 10 per group) before and after 10,000 brushing cycles, using the investigated toothpastes. The results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). According to the MTT assay, EWW and OB presented significant cytotoxicity (p < 0.01), but no genotoxic (MNT) effects (p > 0.05). C toothpaste was statistically significantly abrasive to the enamel surface (p < 0.01). The findings of this study may be helpful for individualized selection of commercial toothpastes, as some whitening toothpastes present significant cytotoxicity and conventional toothpaste cause significant surface changes.

Novel Coatings to Minimize Corrosion of Titanium in Oral Biofilm.

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects produced by polymicrobial biofilm (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus salivarius) on the corrosion behavior of titanium dental implants. Pure titanium disks were polished and coated with titanium nitride (TiN) and silicon carbide (SiC) along with their quarternized versions. Next, the disks were cultivated in culture medium (BHI) with P. gingivalis, S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and S. salivarius and incubated anaerobically at 37 °C for 30 days. Titanium corrosion was evaluated through surface observation using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, the Ti release in the medium was evaluated by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). SEM images showed that coated Ti disks exhibited lower corrosion compared to non-coated disks, except for the quartenized TiN. This was confirmed by AFM, where the roughness was higher in non-coated Ti disks. ICP showed that Ti levels were low in all coating disks. These results indicate that these SiC and TiN-based coatings could be a useful tool to reduce surface corrosion on titanium implant surfaces.

Nanostructured Surfaces to Promote Osteoblast Proliferation and Minimize Bacterial Adhesion on Titanium.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of titanium nanotubes to promote the proliferation of human osteoblasts and to reduce monomicrobial biofilm adhesion. A secondary objective was to determine the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) on these nanostructured surfaces. Anodized titanium sheets with 100-150 nm nanotubes were either coated or not coated with SiC. After 24 h of osteoblast cultivation on the samples, cells were observed on all titanium sheets by SEM. In addition, the cytotoxicity was evaluated by CellTiter-BlueCell assay after 1, 3, and 7 days. The samples were also cultivated in culture medium with microorganisms incubated anaerobically with respective predominant periodontal bacteria viz. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia as monoinfection at 37 °C for 30 days. The biofilm adhesion and coverage were evaluated through surface observation using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrate that Ti nanostructured surfaces induced more cell proliferation after seven days. All groups presented no cytotoxic effects on human osteoblasts. In addition, SEM images illustrate that Ti nanostructured surfaces exhibited lower biofilm coverage compared to the reference samples. These results indicate that Ti nanotubes promoted osteoblasts proliferation and induced cell proliferation on the surface, compared with the controls. Ti nanotubes also reduced biofilm adhesion on titanium implant surfaces.

Peroxide penetration from the pulp chamber to the external root surface after internal bleaching.

PURPOSE: To quantify the amount of peroxide penetration from the pulp chamber to the external surface of teeth during the walking bleaching technique. METHODS: Seventy-two bovine lateral incisors were randomly divided over five experimental groups and one control (n = 12 per group): (1) 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP); (2) 35% carbamide peroxide (CP); (3) sodium perborate (SP); (4) (HP+SP); (5) (CP+SP) and (6) Control (CG), deionized water. All groups were treated according to the walking bleach technique. After 7 days at 37 degrees C in an acetate buffer solution, 100 microl violet leukocrystal coloring and 50 microl peroxidase was added, producing a blue stain that could be measured in a spectrophotometer and then converted into peroxide microg/ml. RESULTS: G5 exhibited the greatest penetration, while G2 and G3 produced the lowest values. All bleaching agents penetrated from the pulp chamber to the external root surface. There was a direct correlation between the presence of oxidative agents and penetration potential. Sodium perborate in distilled water was less oxidative and appeared to be the least aggressive bleaching agent.

Comparison between conventional and chemomechanical approaches for the removal of carious dentin: an in vitro study.

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and biocompatibility of two agents used for the chemomechanical removal of carious dentin. Sixty extracted carious human teeth were treated with a conventional bur (CBG) or chemomechanical agents - Papacarie Duo (PG) and Brix 3000 (BG). Treatment efficiency and effectiveness were assessed by the working time for carious dentin removal and Knoop microhardness values, respectively. Human pulp fibroblasts (FP6) were used to evaluate cytotoxicity by incorporating MTT dye, and genotoxicity was evaluated with the micronuclei test. The carious tissue was removed in a shorter time with CBG (median = 54.0 seconds) than the time required for chemomechanical agents (p = 0.0001). However, the time was shorter for Brix 3000 (BG) than that for Papacarie Duo (PG), showing mean values of 85.0 and 110.5 seconds, respectively. Regarding microhardness testing, all approaches tested were effective (p < 0.05). The final mean microhardness values were 48.54 ± 16.31 KHN, 43.23 ± 13.26 KHN, and 47.63 ± 22.40 KHN for PG, BG, and CBG, respectively. PG decreased cell viability compared to that of BG, but it presented no genotoxicity. Brix 3000 may be a good option for chemomechanical dentin caries removal due to its reduced removal time and lower cytotoxicity compared to the other treatment options.

Incorporating N-acetylcysteine and tricalcium phosphate into epoxy resin-based sealer improved its biocompatibility and adhesiveness to radicular dentine.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study was designed to evaluate the biocompatibility, adhesiveness, and antimicrobial activity of epoxy resin-based sealer associated with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) or beta-tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles (ß-TCP) as an experimental retro-filling material. METHODS: Cytotoxicity was assessed using 2,3-Bis-(Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulphophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide (XTT) and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays after exposing human periodontal ligament fibroblasts to extracts of the materials for 1, 3, or 7 days. For the adhesive resistance test, root canals (48 single-root teeth) were instrumented with Reciproc #40 files (VDW GmbH, Germany) and obturated. After 7 days, the apices were sectioned and a retrograde cavity prepared and filled with the experimental materials (Mineral trioxide aggregate, Epoxy sealer, Epoxy sealer+NAC, and Epoxy sealer+ß-TCP). For the push-out test, one 2-mm thick slice was obtained from the apical third of each specimen. Antimicrobial activity was performed using agar diffusion method. Biofilms were grown in microplates and exposed to the extracts of retro-filled materials, followed by analysis of growth inhibition on agar plates. RESULTS: Epoxy sealer in association with ß-TCP or NAC showed better bond strength while Mineral trioxide aggregate allowed for the lowest adhesion. Mineral trioxide aggregate, Epoxy sealer+ß-TCP, and Epoxy sealer+NAC showed low cytotoxicity. Epoxy sealer was the most cytotoxic. In antimicrobial activity assays, all materials had no effect on Candida albicans. Addition of NAC improved the antimicrobial property of Epoxy sealer against Enterococcus faecalis compared to unmodified Epoxy sealer (P<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Incorporating ß-TCP or NAC with Epoxy sealer could improve the adhesiveness and biocompatibility for better use in endodontic therapy.

Analysis of Aloe vera cytotoxicity and genotoxicity associated with endodontic medication and laser photobiomodulation.

This study aims to evaluate, in vitro, the effect of Aloe vera associated with endodontic medication, with or without laser photobiomodulation (FTL) irradiation in FP6 human pulp fibroblasts. The materials were divided into eight groups: CTR - control; CL - FTL alone; AA - Aloe vera with distilled water; AL - Aloe vera with distilled water and FTL; HA - calcium hydroxide P.A. with distilled water; HL - calcium hydroxide P.A. with distilled water and FTL; HAA - calcium hydroxide P.A. with Aloe vera and distilled water; HAL - calcium hydroxide P.A. with Aloe vera, distilled water, and FTL. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72h and the genotoxicity by micronucleus test assay. This study was performed in triplicate. Data obtained in both tests were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p≤0.05). Group AA presented high genotoxicity and low cytotoxicity. After 24, 48, and 72h, the group HAA significantly reduced the cell viability. Interaction with FTL showed slightly increase cell viability after 24 and 48h in groups CL and HL (p<0.001), despite the high genotoxicity in group CL and low genotoxicity in group HL. Group AL showed higher cell survival rate at 72h (p<0.05) and high genotoxicity (p<0.001). It was concluded that Aloe vera allowed higher cell viability in human pulp fibroblasts in the presence of calcium hydroxide or with FTL separately, but genotoxicity increased in these associations.

Penetration of 38% hydrogen peroxide into the pulp chamber in bovine and human teeth submitted to office bleach technique.

This study evaluated the pulp chamber penetration of peroxide bleaching agent in human and bovine teeth after office bleach technique. All the teeth were sectioned 3 mm apical of the cement-enamel junction and were divided into 2 groups, A (70 third human molars) and B (70 bovine lateral incisors), that were subdivided into A1 and B1 restored by using composite resin, A2 and B2 by using glass ionomer cement, and A3 and B3 by using resin-modified glass ionomer cement; A4, A5, B4, and B5 were not restored. Acetate buffer was placed in the pulp chamber, and the bleaching agent was applied for 40 minutes as follows: A1-A4 and B1-B4, 38% hydrogen peroxide exposure and A5 and B5, immersion into distilled water. The buffer solution was transferred to a glass tube in which leuco crystal violet and horseradish peroxidase were added, producing a blue solution. The optical density of the blue solution was determined by spectrophotometer and converted into microgram equivalents of hydrogen peroxide. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Dunnett, Kruskal-Wallis, and Tukey tests (5%). A higher level of hydrogen peroxide penetrated into the pulp chamber in resin-modified glass ionomer cements in bovine (0.79 +/- 0.61 microg) and human (2.27 +/- 0.41 microg) groups. The bleaching agent penetration into the pulp chamber was higher in human teeth for any experimental situation. The penetration of the hydrogen peroxide depends on restorative materials, and under the conditions of this study human teeth are more susceptible to penetration of bleaching agent into the pulp chamber than bovine teeth.

Are Desensitizing Toothpastes Equally Biocompatible and Effective Against Microorganisms?

The aims of this study were evaluate cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, antimicrobial activity of desensitizing toothpastes compared to a common one and the surface roughness of tooth enamel submitted to brushing with these toothpastes. Samples of three desensitizing toothpastes (Colgate Sensitive, Sensodyne and Oral B Sensitive) and common toothpaste (Colgate) were placed in contact with gingival human fibroblasts. Cytotoxicity and genotoxocity were measured by MTT assay and micronucleus test. Antimicrobial activity of the toothpastes extracts against C. albicans, S. mutans and S. aureus were assessed. For surface roughness evaluation, bovine teeth were submitted to 10.000 brushing cycles. The results were analyzed statically using Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA and Z tests (p<0.05). All toothpastes caused cytotoxic effect to the cells (p<0.05), except Colgate Sensitive. The toothpastes did not increase the number of micronuclei compared to the untreated control group. Colgate eliminated all the evaluated microorganisms at lower concentrations compared to Colgate Sensitive and Oral B Sensitive, which were not able to eliminate S. aureus. Sensodyne did not reach the minimum microbicidal concentration. The surface roughness of tooth enamel increased after brushing with Colgate Sensitive and Oral B Sensitive, however the comparison between groups showed no difference on the enamel surface roughness presented by desensitizing toothpastes when compared with the common one (p>0.05). Based on these results, we can conclude that although none toothpaste has induced genotoxicity, Colgate Sensitive was also not cytotoxic. Colgate was the most effective against the microorganisms, and there were no differences on the enamel surface roughness between the groups.

The Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 as a Possible Adjunct for the Proliferation and Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the biocompatibility of 5 and 10 µg/mL LL-37 in vitro and its effect on the differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) into odontoblast-like cells. METHODS: Cell viability, genotoxicity, nitric oxide production, cell cycle, dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) production, and DSPP gene expression. RESULTS: Concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/mL of LL-37 were not cytotoxic and generally increased cell viability, especially on the third day (P < .05). The tested concentrations did not induce genotoxicity (P < .05). LL-37 did not significantly alter nitrite production at either concentration. Cell cycle analysis revealed that 10 µg/mL of LL-37 arrested cells in G0/G1 (P < .05). The control group exhibited higher numbers of cells in other phases of the cell cycle (P < .05). The expression of the DSPP protein and gene was also higher in the 10 µg/mL of LL-37 group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that LL-37 was biocompatible at these concentrations and increased the number of viable cells, especially during the initial period. The 10 µg/mL concentration arrested the cell cycle and increased expression of the DSPP protein and gene, which indicates that this peptide contributes to odontoblastic differentiation.

Thymus vulgaris L. extract has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in the absence of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the biological effects of the T. vulgaris L. extract., such as antimicrobial activity on planktonic cultures and mono- and polymicrobial biofilms, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity and genotoxicity. METHODS: Monomicrobial biofilms of Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and polymicrobial biofilms composed by C. albicans with each bacterium were formed for 48h and exposed for 5min to the plant extract. Murine macrophages (RAW 264.7), human gingival fibroblasts (FMM-1), human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) and cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) were also exposed to the plant extract for 5min and the cell viability were analyzed by MTT, neutral red (NR) and crystal violet (CV) assays. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) produced by RAW 264.7 was quantified by ELISA, after 24h exposure to the plant extract, both in the absence and presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli. Genotoxicity of the plant extract was evaluated by micronucleus formation (MN) in 1000 cells. The results were analyzed by T-Test or ANOVA and Tukey's Test (P≤0.05). RESULTS: All biofilms showed significant reductions in CFU/mL (colony-forming units per milliliter). Cell viability was above 50% for all cell lines. Anti-inflammatory effect on the synthesis of IL-1ß and TNF-α was observed. The MN was similar or lower than the control group in all cells. CONCLUSIONS: T. vulgaris L. extract was effective against all biofilms, promoted high cell viability, anti-inflammatory effect and presented no genotoxicity.

Toxicity and effect of whitening toothpastes on enamel surface

Abstract This in vitro study evaluated the biocompatibility and abrasivity of whitening and conventional toothpastes. Samples of conventional (non-whitening) - Edel White Infant (EWI) - and whitening toothpastes - Edel White Whitening (EWW), Edel White CAREFORTE (EWC), Colgate Total 12 Ò Professional (C), and Oral-B Whitening (OB) - were dissolved in culture medium (0.2 g sample weight per mL). Human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) were placed in contact with different dilutions of culture media that had been previously exposed to these toothpastes. Cytotoxicity was then assessed using the methyl tetrazolium test (MTT) and the cell survival rate was determined. Genotoxicity was assessed by the micronucleus test (MNT) and the number of micronuclei was determined before and after exposure to the toothpaste solutions. The enamel surface roughness was evaluated in specimens of bovine teeth (n = 10 per group) before and after 10,000 brushing cycles, using the investigated toothpastes. The results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). According to the MTT assay, EWW and OB presented significant cytotoxicity (p < 0.01), but no genotoxic (MNT) effects (p > 0.05). C toothpaste was statistically significantly abrasive to the enamel surface (p < 0.01). The findings of this study may be helpful for individualized selection of commercial toothpastes, as some whitening toothpastes present significant cytotoxicity and conventional toothpaste cause significant surface changes.

Effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on root canal dentin wall: a scanning electron microscopic study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation applied perpendicular or parallel to the root canal dentin wall. METHODS: Thirty human teeth were divided into two groups: Group A (20 roots), laser application with circular movements, parallel to the dentin root surface; and Group B (10 roots), roots cut longitudinally and laser applied perpendicular to the root surface. Group A was subdivided into A1 (10 roots), laser application with 100 mJ, 15 Hz and 1.5 W; and A2 (10 roots) with 160 mJ, 15 Hz, and 2.4 W. Group B was subdivided into B1 (10 hemisections) and B2 (10 hemi-sections) with parameters similar to A1 and A2. Four applications of 7-sec duration were performed, with a total exposure of 28 sec. SEM evaluations were made in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds, with 500x and 2000x magnifications. Morphological changes scores were attributed, and the results were submitted to Kruskal Wallis statistical test (5%). RESULTS: Significant statistical differences were found between groups Aand B (p = 0.001). In groups A1 and A2, few areas of dentin melting were observed. In groups B1 and B2, areas of melting dentin covering dentin surface were observed. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that intracanal laser application with circular movements (parallel to the surface) produces limited morphological changes in root canal dentin wall.