Self-Assembled Nanostructures from Amphiphilic Sucrose-Soyates for Solubilizing Hydrophobic Guest Molecules.

We studied self-assembly and colloidal properties of poly(ethylene glycol) (pEG) conjugated sucrose soyate polyols (PSSP). These molecular platforms were synthesized by covalently connecting PEGs of different molecular weights (Mn) (12 and 16 ethylene oxide units) to epoxidized sucrose soyate (ESS). The synthesized PSSP products showed amphiphilicity, reduced water surface tension, and exhibited critical Aggregation Concentration (CAC) within the range of 0.3-0.4 mg/mL. We observed that PSSP self-assembles in water in the form of nanoparticles without the need of any cosolvents. These nanoparticles exhibited number-average hydrodynamic diameter of 120 ± 8 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of <0.3, and negatively charged surfaces. We also found out that PSSP nanoparticles can encapsulate and homogeneously distribute a hydrophobic model compound, such as a phthalocyanine dye, Solvent Blue-70 (BL-70), on a metal surface. Collectively, our studies explored and demonstrated the possibility of molecular diversification of biobased starting materials to form amphiphilic nanoparticles with industrially relevant colloidal and surface properties.

Plaque Removal Efficacy of Different Toothbrushes: A Comparative Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the plaque removal efficacy of different toothbrushes and to ascertain the most efficient mechanical mean for daily plaque removal so as to maintain oral health in a preeminent way. STUDY DESIGN: It was a randomized controlled clinical trial consisting of 60 subjects divided into three groups (group I ultrasonic and sonic toothbrush, group II multidirectional toothbrush, and group III manual toothbrush) with 20 in each group. Prebrushing and postbrushing plaque scores were recorded at weekly intervals for four weeks using Turesky modification of Quigley and Hein plaque index. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) existed in mean percent reduction of pre-day 1 to pre-day 28 mean percent reduction in plaque values of the ultrasonic toothbrush group (111.92 ± 25.20), the multidirectional toothbrush group (189.06 ± 52.70), and the manual toothbrush group (42.34 ± 14.77). Similar results were found in post-day 1 to post-day 28 mean percent reduction in plaque values. CONCLUSION: Group II (i.e., multidirectional toothbrush) showed maximum mean percent reduction in prebrushing and postbrushing plaque scores at the end of four weeks when compared with the baseline values followed by ultrasonic toothbrush and manual toothbrush. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Aggarwal N, Gupta S, Grover R, et al. Plaque Removal Efficacy of Different Toothbrushes: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(5):385-390.

Effect of Different Finishing and Polishing Systems on the Surface Roughness of Resin Composite and Enamel: An In vitro Profilometric and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study.

AIM: The aim is to compare and evaluate the different finishing and polishing systems for the change in surface roughness of resin composites and enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To conduct the study, 30 extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected, decoronated, and molded in self-cure acrylic molds. A box-shaped cavity of dimensions 3 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm was prepared in all the teeth. A nanohybrid composite resin (Filtek Z250) was then used to restore the prepared cavities. Thirty samples were divided into two groups, control group (Group A, n = 10) and experimental group (Group B, n = 20). The samples in Group A were cured through the Mylar matrix. The experimental group, i.e., Group B was divided into two subgroups, i.e., Subgroup BX, n = 10 in which Sof-Lex polishing system was used for polishing the tooth surface and Subgroup BF, n = 10 in which Shofu composite polishing system was used. The mean surface roughness (Ra in µm) of the composite restoration as well as for the enamel surface of all the samples before and after polishing was measured with a contact profilometer, and the values were correlated with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-test. The results exhibited a significant decrease in the surface roughness of the resin composite and enamel surface irrespective of the finishing and polishing system used. The mean surface roughness values demonstrated by Mylar matrix was the lowest followed by Sof-Lex polishing system. Shofu polishing system demonstrated the highest surface roughness values. CONCLUSION: Finishing and polishing of composite restoration can achieve a surface roughness similar to that of enamel. Involvement of marginal enamel in finishing and polishing procedures carried out for composite restoration results in smoother enamel surface.