Risk assessment of predicted serum concentrations of bisphenol A in children and adults following treatment with dental composite restoratives, dental sealants, or orthodontic adhesives using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to manufacture bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA). BisGMA has been used for decades in dental composite restoratives, sealants, and adhesives. Based on published studies, exposure to low concentrations of BPA are possible from dental and orthodontic devices. The serum BPA concentrations arising from such devices and oral doses were predicted using a PBPK model in children and adult females based on 1) published extraction data for cured and uncured 3M ESPE Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable, 3M ESPE Filtek Bulk Fill Restorative, and 3M ESPE Clinpro Sealant and 2) published 20% ethanol/water and water rinsate data following orthodontic application with 3M ESPE Transbond MIP Primer and 3M ESPE Transbond XT Adhesive. Predicted oral exposure to BPA arising from these dental and orthodontic devices is low (median <10 ng/treatment) and predicted serum BPA concentrations were also low (<10-4 nM). Even the maximum predicted exposure in this study (533.2 ng/treatment) yields a margin of exposure of 7.5 relative to the EFSA t-TDI (4 µg/kg-day) and is only 2.8% of the daily BPA exposure for the US population in a 58-kg woman (15,660 ng/day). Therefore, the exposure to BPA arising from the 3M ESPE dental and orthodontic devices evaluated in this study is negligible relative to daily BPA exposure in the general population and these potential BPA sources do not constitute a risk to patients.

Cigarette smoke: effects on water sorption and solubility of restorative dental composites.

Although scientific evidence has shown the effects of tobacco on changes in the color of composite resins, the association between tobacco exposure and the physical properties of composite resins has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cigarette smoke products on water sorption and solubility of microfilled, microhybrid, and nanofilled composite resins (Durafill VS, Filtek Z250, and Filtek Z350 XT, respectively). Ten discs were prepared of each material and divided into 2 groups (n =5), according to cigarette smoke exposure. Specimens were first desiccated until a constant mass was obtained (M1). Then half of the samples were immersed in deionized water while the other half were exposed daily to tobacco smoke, then washed and stored in deionized water. After 21 days, the resin discs were measured (M2) and placed in desiccators until constant mass was achieved (M3). Water sorption and solubility were calculated and the data was statistically analyzed. Water sorption revealed significant differences among the composite resins. The Filtek Z350 XT exhibited the highest water sorption, followed by Durafill VS and Filtek Z250. Cigarette smoke significantly increased water sorption for all products, but only the solubility of Durafill VS showed a significant difference. Filtek Z250 demonstrated significantly lower solubility than Durafill VS, and Filtek Z350 XT had intermediate values. These results indicated that water sorption and solubility varied among the products, and tobacco smoke may alter the physical properties of resin-based materials.

Genotoxic biomonitoring of flowable and non-flowable composite resins in peripheral blood leukocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Composite restorative materials represent one of the most important groups of materials in contemporary dental practice. However, their incomplete polymerization may lead to monomer-induced genotoxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of three flowable (Filtek Supreme XT Flow, Tetric EvoFlow, Gradia Direct Flo) and three non-flowable dental composite materials (Filtek Z250, Tetric EvoCeram, Gradia Direct Posterior). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotoxicity assessment of composite materials was carried out in vitro in human peripheral blood leukocytes using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis technique (comet assay). Prepared materials were eluted in saline solution for 1 h, 1 day and 5 days. Thereafter leukocyte cultures were treated with different concentrations of eluates obtained from each of the tested dental composite materials. Kruskall-Wallis non-parametric test was used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The tested materials did not show genotoxic effects after exposure of leucocytes to 1 h eluates. Culture treated with 1 day eluates of all tested materials, only at a highest concentration (10(-2)), affected the measured cytogenetic parameters. Of all tested materials, only Filtek Z250 and Filtek Supreme XT Flow did not exhibit a genotoxic effect in cultures that were under the influence of 5 day eluates. CONCLUSION: Tested materials exhibited limited genotoxic activity in peripheral blood leukocytes. Since the effect was observed only in leukocyte cultures treated by 1-day eluates at the highest concentration (10(-2)) and it decreases in cultures exposed to 5 day eluates, it should not pose a significant risk to the human genome.

In vitro long-term degradation of aesthetic restorative materials in food-simulating media.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term food-simulating media storage on degradation of restorative materials through roughness measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty cylindrical specimens of each material (Filtek Z250, Esthet X, Filtek Flow, Dyract AP and Vitremer) were prepared, stored for 24 h, and polished. The surface roughness analysis was conducted using Surfcorder (SE1700) roughness-measuring instrument. Three traces were recorded on each specimen at three different locations. The specimens were randomly distributed into five groups (n = 12) according to the storage media: (water, ethanol, Coca-Cola®, citric acid and lactic acid). Roughness measurements were recorded after 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months. The storage solutions were weekly changed. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant increase on roughness means for Filtek Z250, Filtek Flow and Vitremer over time, regardless the storage media. Significant increase on surface roughness was observed for Esthet X after 1 month of storage in Coca-Cola® and after 3 months of storage in citric acid and for Dyract AP after 6 months in water. There were no significant differences on surface roughness between resin composites and compomer. Resin-modified glass ionomer showed a significantly higher surface roughness mean than the other materials. CONCLUSIONS: Food-simulating media affects the surface roughness of the materials. Biodegradation is material-, solution- and time-dependent.

Development and calibration of biochemical models for testing dental restorations.

Currently, resin composites are the most popular materials for dental restoration in clinical practice. Although the properties of such materials have been improved significantly, together with better clinical techniques used for their placement, early restoration failure still occurs too frequently. As clinical studies take years to complete, and new resin composites are being produced at ever increasing pace, laboratory assessment using accelerated but representative tests is necessary. The main types of failure in resin-composite restoration are tooth/restoration fracture and secondary caries, which are caused by a combination of mechanical and biochemical challenges. In this study, a biofilm model (S. mutans) and a chemical model (lactic-acid buffer) for producing artificial caries in bovine dentin are developed and calibrated against in situ data. Using a power law relationship between the demineralization depth and challenge duration, scale factors that convert the in vitro durations to the equivalent clinical durations are determined for different pH values for each model. The scale factors will allow the synchronization of biochemical and mechanical challenges in terms of their rates of action to potentially test resin-composite restoration in an accelerated but clinically representative manner. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Although the properties of resin composites for dental restoration have been improved significantly, early restoration failure still occurs too frequently. As clinical studies take years to complete, accelerated laboratory testing is necessary. Resin-composite restoration fail mainly through fracture and secondary caries, caused by a combination of mechanical and biochemical challenges. In this study, a biofilm and a chemical model for producing artificial caries in bovine dentin are calibrated against in situ data. Using a power law relationship between demineralization depth and challenge duration, scale factors are determined for different pH for each model. The scale factors will allow the synchronization of biochemical and mechanical challenges in testing resin-composite restoration in an accelerated but clinically representative manner.

Assessment of oral ciprofloxacin impaired gut barrier integrity on gut bacteria in mice.

Gut bacteria and gut barrier plays important roles in body homeostasis. Ciprofloxacin (CPFX) is widely used to treat bacterial infections. However, whether high dosage of CPFX has side effects on gut barrier integrity is still unclear. Our results indicated that the High CPFX treatment (1 mg/ml) caused weight loss, nervousness, anorexia, and increased apoptosis cells in gut, but less influence was observed in the Low CPFX group (0.2 mg/ml). Meanwhile, the High CPFX treatment impaired tight junction molecules Ocln/ZO-1 level and down-regulated antibacterial genes expression (reg3γ, pla2g2α and defb1). Further, the High CPFX treatment increased pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß in intestinal tract, decreased IL-17A of duodenum but increased IL-17A of colon at day 37. In addition, the gut bacterial diversity and richness behaved significantly loss regarding CPFX treatment, especially in the High CPFX group during the experiment. Indole exhibited sharply decline in both Low and High CPFX groups at day 7, and the High CPFX mice needed longer time on restoring indole level. Meanwhile, CPFX treatment strongly decreased the concentrations of butyric acid and valeric acid at day 1. Correlation analysis indicated that the linked patterns between the key bacteria (families Bacteroidales_S247, Ruminococcaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae) and metabolites (indole and butyric acid) were disturbed via the CPFX treatment. In conclusion, the High CPFX treatment impaired the gut barrier with the evidence of reduced expression of tight junction proteins, increased apoptosis cells and inflammatory cells, decreased the bacterial diversity and composition, which suggesting a proper antibiotic-dosage use should be carefully considered in disease treatment.

Isocyanate-terminated urethane-based methacrylate for in situ collagen scaffold modification.

When damaged or fractured collagen-rich hard tissues are repaired by resin material, the collagen matrix may be used as a scaffold, after removal of the natural minerals, for resin monomers to penetrate and polymerize in-situ. Formation of a collagen-polymer hybrid biocomposite via mechanical hybridization provides a stable and strong link between endogenous tissue and the prosthesis for successful clinical integration. However, the heterogeneity between hydrophobic resin polymers and hydrophilic collagen presents a challenge to the quality of hybrid biocomposite. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential benefits of a collagen-reactive monomer (CRM, an isocyanate-terminated urethane-based methacrylate) with covalent affinity to collagen as "chemical link" to enhance in-situ resin hybridization within a collagen scaffold. Here, the CRM ligand with active isocyanate group may be chemically grafted onto the collagen receptor via covalent and hydrogen bonds. Dentin-derived collagen chemical modified by CRM shows improved mechanical property, thermostability and enzymatic stability. Moreover, CRM inhibited both exogenous and endogenous collagenase activities. The modification of collagen by chemical grafting of resin monomers improved its mechanical and physicochemical properties and demonstrated the potential of CRM for use in promoting chemical adhesion and creating a much stronger and durable bonding interface. Formation of a chemical bond between polymer and collagen scaffold in-situ improves the mechanical performance of collagen and may create a much stronger and durable collagen-polymer hybrid material. Addition of CRM into adhesives might effectively prolong the longevity of clinical resin-bonded restorations.

Regulation of the intracellular distribution, cell surface expression, and protein levels of AMPA receptor GluR2 subunits by the monocarboxylate transporter MCT2 in neuronal cells.

The neuronal monocarboxylate transporter, MCT2, is not only an energy substrate carrier but it is also purported to be a binding partner for the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor GluR2 subunit. To unravel a putative role of MCT2 in the regulation of GluR2 subcellular distribution, Neuro2A cells and primary cultures of mouse cortical neurons were co-transfected with plasmids containing sequences to express the fluorescent proteins mStrawberry (mStb)-fused MCT2 and Venus-fused GluR2. Subsequently, their subcellular distribution was visualized by fluorescence microscopy. GluR2 was led to form perinuclear and dendritic clusters together with MCT2 when co-transfected in Neuro2A cells or in neurons, following the original distribution of MCT2. MCT2 co-transfection had no effect on the intracellular distribution of several other post-synaptic proteins, although it partially affected the intracellular distribution of GluR1 similarly to GluR2. Both cell surface and total protein expression levels of GluR2 were significantly reduced by co-expression with MCT2. Finally, partial perinuclear and dendritic co-localization between MCT2 and Rab8, a member of the small GTPase family involved in membrane trafficking of AMPA receptors, was also observed in co-transfected neurons. These results suggest that MCT2 could influence AMPA receptor trafficking within neurons by modulating GluR2 sorting between different subcellular compartments.

Human neutrophils degrade methacrylate resin composites and tooth dentin.

Cholesterol esterase-like (CE) activity from saliva and esterase from cariogenic bacteria hydrolyze ester linkages of dental methacrylate resins. Collagenolytic, matrix metalloproteinase-like (MMP) activities from dentin and bacteria degrade collagen in demineralized tooth dentin. Human neutrophils in the oral cavity contain factors that are hypothesized to have CE and MMP activities that could contribute to the degradation of methacrylate resins and dentinal collagen. OBJECTIVES: To measure the CE and MMP activities from human neutrophils and their ability to degrade dental methacrylate resin composite and dentinal collagen. Neutrophils' CE and MMP activities were measured using nitrophenyl-esters or fluorimetric MMP substrates, respectively. Neutrophils' degradation of resin composite and dentinal collagen was quantified by measuring release of a universal 2,2-Bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (bisGMA)-derived resin composite degradation byproduct, bishydroxy-propoxy-phenyl-propane (bisHPPP), or a collagen degradation by-product, hydroxyproline, respectively using ultra performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Neutrophils' CE activity increased the release of bisHPPP from bisGMA monomer compared to control after 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). Neutrophils degraded polymerized resin composite and produced higher amounts of bisHPPP than buffer after 48 h of incubation (p < 0.05). Neutrophils show generic MMP, gelatinase, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and collagenase, MMP-1 and MMP-8 activities that were stable or increased over the first 24 h (p < 0.05). Neutrophils degraded demineralized dentin more than buffer-only groups, indicated by higher amounts of hydroxyproline (p < 0.05). The ability of neutrophils to degrade both dental resin composite and tooth dentin, suggest neutrophil's potential role in root caries, and in recurrent carries by accelerating the degradation of resin-dentin interfaces, and compromising the longevity of the restoration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Neutrophils are part of the innate immune system and are constantly entering the oral cavity through the gingival sulcus, in direct contact with the tooth, restoration, restoration-tooth margins and pathogenic bacteria. The current study is the first to characterize and quantify degradative activities from neutrophils toward methacrylate resin and demineralized dentin, the two main components of the restoration-tooth interface, suggesting that this interface could be negatively influenced by neutrophils, potentially contributing to increase in caries formation and progression, and premature restoration failure. This study provides a significant finding to the biomaterials and oral health fields by identifying a potential weakness in current restorative procedures and materials used to manage gingival proximal and cervical gingival or sub-gingival carious lesions.

Enterococcus faecalis Hydrolyzes Dental Resin Composites and Adhesives.

INTRODUCTION: After root canal treatment, the dentin-sealer interface undergoes degradation, allowing for interfacial microbial biofilm proliferation and treatment failure. Saliva and cariogenic bacteria showed esterase-like activities (ie, cholesterol esterase [CE]-like and/or pseudocholinesterase [PCE]-like) that degrade methacrylate-based resin materials and/or the restoration-tooth interface, increasing microbial interfacial proliferation. Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive bacterium that is commonly detected in persistent endodontic infections. The aim of this study was to measure E. faecalis esterase-like, CE-like, and PCE-like activities and to assess the ability of the bacterium to degrade methacrylate-based resin composite (RC) and total-etch (TE) and self-etch (SE) adhesives. METHODS: CE-like and PCE-like activities from E. faecalis were measured using nitrophenyl and butyrylthiocholine substrates, respectively. The ability of E. faecalis to degrade resin composite, total-etch and self-etch adhesives was examined by quantifying the release of a universal resin degradation by-product (ie, Bis[hydroxypropoxy]-phenyl propane [BisHPPP]) using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: E. faecalis showed CE-like (1.23 ± 0.13 U/µg dry bacteria) but no PCE-like activity. After 30 days and/or 14 days of incubation, the amount of BisHPPP released was significantly higher in the presence of bacteria versus media for TE and RC but not SE (P < .05). The amount of BisHPPP released after 30 days of incubation with bacteria was highest for TE (23.69 ± 1.72 µg/cm2) followed by RC (3.43 ± 1.20 µg/cm2) and lowest for SE (0.86 ± 0.44 µg/cm2) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: E. faecalis possesses esterase-like degradative activity toward dental methacrylate resin restoration materials, which could accelerate the degradation of the dentin-methacrylate resin interface, increasing bacterial biofilm proliferation and penetration into the root canal system.

A comparative evaluation of the staining capacity of microhybrid and nanohybrid resin-based composite to indian spices and food colorants: An In vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Resin composite restorative materials can mimic the natural color and shade of the tooth. However, exogenous colorants from food and drinks can stain them due to adsorption. The influence of Indian food colorants and spices on resin composite restorations has not been evaluated extensively. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the staining capacity of microhybrid and nanohybrid resin-based composites, to saffron extract, tandoori powder, and turmeric powder. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty samples of microhybrid (Kulzer Charisma) and nanohybrid (3M Filtek Z350) resin composites were prepared using an acrylic template of dimension 5 mm × 3 mm. They were randomly divided into four groups and immersed into solutions of saffron extract, tandoori powder, and turmeric powder. Distilled water was used as the control group. Color values (LFNx01, aFNx01, bFNx01) were measured by colorimeter using the CIE LFNx01aFNx01bFNx01 system before and after 72 h of immersion. Color differences ΔEFNx01ab were statistically analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey (honest significant difference) test were done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: : All the immersion media changed the color of the resin composites to varying degrees. However, turmeric solution showed the maximum mean color variation ΔEFNx01ab of 14.8 ± 2.57 in microhybrid resin composites and 16.8 ± 3.50 in nanohybrid resin composites. CONCLUSION: Microhybrid and nanohybrid resin composites tend to stain to Indian food colorants, especially to turmeric powder.

Time of Application of Sodium Ascorbate on Bonding to Bleached Dentin.

This study examined the effects of different application times of sodium ascorbate (SA) on the bond strength of composite resin to bleached dentin. Specimens with an exposed dentin surface were divided into 3 groups according to the type of bleaching agent used: Group A, mixture of sodium perborate (SP) and distilled water (DW); Group B, mixture of SP and hydrogen peroxide (HP); control group, no bleaching. Each group was classified into 10 subgroups. Subgroups IB and DB underwent immediate bonding and delayed bonding, respectively. 10% SA was applied to 3, 5, 10, and 30 minutes and 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was measured after restoration, and the data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Scheffé's test. Before restoration, the dentin surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). SEM showed that most dentin surfaces were filled with crystals when SA was applied to more than 24 hours. EDS revealed peaks of calcium, carbon, oxygen, and sodium. The application of SA for 5 minutes to 48 hours or for 30 minutes to 24 hours is suggested when a mixture of SP and DW or HP is used, respectively.

Influence of a series of organic and chemical substances on the translucency of resin composites.

The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in the translucency of resin composites following a series of immersion treatments in organic and chemical substances. Color of resin composites was measured according to the CIELAB color scale relative to the standard illuminant D65 over a white and a black background. Translucency parameter (TP) of resin composites was calculated at baseline, and after sequential immersion: Step 1, porcine liver esterase (a substitute for a salivary esterase); Step 2, organic substances (mucin and serum) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a control; Step 3, chemical alteration agents [chlorhexidine (CH) and carbamide peroxide (CP)]; and Step 4, 2% methylene blue. Porcine liver esterase caused small changes in TP (DeltaTP = -0.5 to 0.2). After Step 2, DeltaTP values of three groups were similar in the range of -0.7 to 1.2. After Step 3, DeltaTP values of all groups were small in the range of -1.5 to 2.2. After Step 4, DeltaTP values were high and differences that varied by the resin composite and the immersion protocol were clearly observed (DeltaTP = -13.4 to -2.5). Changes in TP were mainly influenced by resin composite. After Step 4, mucin and serum groups showed generally small changes in TP compared to PBS group. It is a possibility that the high changes in TP after immersion in methylene blue is an indication of dye absorption which might be an indication of the degree of resin composite degradation.

Chlorhexidine Nanocapsule Drug Delivery Approach to the Resin-Dentin Interface.

In this study, we are introducing a new drug-delivery approach to demineralized dentin substrates through microsized dentinal tubules in the form of drug-loaded nanocapsules. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is widely used in adhesive dentistry due to its nonspecific matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory effect and antibacterial activities. Poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules (nano-PCL) loaded with CHX were fabricated by interfacial polymer deposition at PCL/CHX ratios of 125:10, 125:25, and 125:50. Unloaded nanocapsules (blank) were fabricated as control. The fabricated nanocapsules were characterized in vitro in terms of particle size, surface charges, particle recovery, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading. Nanocapsule morphology, drug inclusion, structural properties, and crystallinity were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM/TEM), energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Initial screening of the antibacterial activities and the cytotoxicity of the nanocapsules were also conducted. Nanocapsules, as carried on ethanol/water solution, were delivered to demineralized dentin specimens connected to an ex vivo model setup simulating the pulpal pressure to study their infiltration, penetration depth, and retention inside the dentinal tubules by SEM/TEM. Nanocapsules were Ag labeled and delivered to demineralized dentin, followed by the application of a 2-step etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive. CHX-release profiles were characterized in vitro and ex vivo up to 25 d. Spherical nanocapsules were fabricated with a CHX core coated with a thin PCL shell. The blank nanocapsules exhibited the largest z-average diameter with negatively charged ζ-potential. With CHX incorporation, the nanocapsule size was decreased with a positive shift in ζ-potential. Nano-PCL/CHX at 125:50 showed the highest drug loading, antibacterial effect, and CHX release both in vitro and ex vivo. SEM and TEM revealed the deep penetration and retention of the CHX-loaded nanocapsules inside dentinal tubules and their ability to be gradually degraded to release CHX in vitro and ex vivo. Ag-labeled nanocapsules revealed the close association and even distribution of nanocapsules throughout the resin tag structure. This study demonstrated the potential of introducing this novel drug-delivery approach to demineralized dentin substrates and the resin-dentin interface with nanosized CHX-loaded nanocapsules through the microsized dentinal tubules.

Resin-modified glass ionomer cements: a comparison of water sorption characteristics.

The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the amount of water absorbed by six commercially available resin-modified glass ionomer cements and to investigate the possible influence of time and resin content on water sorption. The materials evaluated included Variglass used as a restoration, base and liner; Fuji II LC; Fuji Liner; Vitrebond; Vitremer and Photac-Bond. Z100, a composite resin, was used as control. All specimens were manipulated according to manufacturers' instructions and then subjected to a water sorption test based on the ISO 4049 requirements. Storage in water was further extended to 1 month to evaluate the effects of time and indirectly cement maturity on water sorption. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Duncan's test at 0.05 significance level. Results show that the composite resin control had significantly less water sorption than all the resin-modified polyalkenoate cements evaluated. Variglass when used as a base or restorative had the least water sorption after both 1 week and 1 month storage in water. The degree of water sorption was product dependent and appeared to be influenced by the resin (HEMA) content. The results also reflect a potential relationship between time (cement maturity) and water sorption.

Influence of enzymes and plaque acids on in vitro wear of dental composites.

The purpose of this investigation was to test the effect of an enzymatic and an acidic medium on in vitro wear of dental resin composites and an amalgam. Wear was evaluated in two-body and three-body wear conditions. The third body was a food slurry either in water, an esterase solution or an acid solution at a composition and concentration as found in caries active plaque fluid. In the two-body tests the slurry was left out. Under three-body wear conditions neither the enzyme nor the acids showed any significant (P < 0.05) effect on wear. Enzyme inactivation from a large excess of food constituents in the slurry or the absence of an effect from surface diffusion rates of the acids resulted in the lack of an effect on wear. The two-body/acids wear rates were statistically (P < 0.05) lower than the two-body/water wear rates caused by increased lubrication from the acids between sliding surfaces. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in wear was found in the two-body/enzyme experiments, showing that the enzymatic activity can start directly at the outer surface of the composites.

Swelling/deswelling of anionic copolymer gels.

Studies of dynamic and equilibrium swelling of ionic gels are important in understanding the diffusion of physiologically important fluids in materials for site-specific controlled drug delivery applications. The dynamic and equilibrium swelling properties of dry glassy poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) polymeric networks were studied as a function of pH, ionic strength, nature of the counterion and buffer composition. The mechanism of water diffusion in these gels became more anomalous as the pH of the swelling medium increased and as the ionic strength decreased at a constant pH > or = pKa,gel. The mechanism of water diffusion was Fickian in all unbuffered swelling media at pH 4.0, which is lower than the pKa,gel. The pKa,gel of these gels was between 5.5 and 6. At pH 4.0, the diffusion mechanism was independent of ionic strength. This swelling behaviour is explained in terms of the concept of ion osmotic swelling pressure and ion exchange kinetics.

Antibacterial activity of bactericide-immobilized filler for resin-based restoratives.

This study examined the antibacterial activity of prepolymerized resin filler, in which the bactericide quaternary ammonium was immobilized. The experimental filler was prepared by grinding prepolymerized resin blocks of methacrylate monomers, silica particles, and the antibacterial monomer methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB). The number of Streptococcus mutans after incubation for 18h in contact with the experimental filler with or without protein adsorption by saliva treatment was determined, and adherence of bacteria to the filler surface was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Elution of unpolymerized MDPB from the filler and its influence on bacterial growth were also investigated. The growth of S. mutans was completely inhibited by contact with the experimental filler without saliva treatment. Although the effects were attenuated, the saliva-treated filler still exhibited growth inhibition at >99.9%. Less bacteria attached to the experimental filler than the control filler without MDPB, indicating that the reduction in bacterial number after contact with the experimental filler was not due to bacterial adherence to the particles. Unpolymerized MDPB at 1 microg/ml was eluted from the filler particles but was confirmed to have little effect on bacterial growth. The results indicate that the bactericide-immobilized filler containing MDPB shows significant bacteriostatic effects without releasing antibacterial components, and is useful for incorporation into various resin-based restoratives.

In vitro inhibition of caries around a resin composite restoration containing antibacterial filler.

Class V cavities were prepared and restored with resin composite containing antibacterial filler powder (Apacider-AW, Ap-AW) using experimental restorations. The restored teeth were incubated in vitro with the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans IFO 13955. Ground sections were then prepared and examined using macrophotography. Lesions of the outer and inner wall were noted, and the depths of which the lesions penetrated were measured. We found that, in restorations containing 1-5 wt% Ap-AW, caries penetrated the marginal area, while in restorations containing 10 wt% Ap-AW the margin remained free of caries out to a distance of about 1.1 and 1.8 mm on the occlusal and gingival sides, respectively.