[Zoledronic acid incorporated in chitosan/calcium phosphate ceramic: characterization and in vitro response of osteoblast cells].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new local delivery system, zoledronic-acid-loaded chitosan/calcium phosphate ceramic, and to determine its characterization and in vitro response of osteoblast cells. METHODS: Zoledronic-acid-loaded chitosan/calcium phosphate ceramic were prepared by solution casting method at a concentration of 10(-5), 10(-4), and 10(-3) mol/L, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the resulting materials were determined using SEM and FTIR. Drug absorbance was measured using CCK-8 colorimetric assay and alkaline phosphatase assay to detect the effect of drug-loaded materials on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. RESULTS: After ZOL loading, SEM showed that porous calcium phosphate ceramic was coated with chitosan evenly. The IR spectra indicated that drug absorption peaks were shifted and a new one was formed for the drug-loaded biomaterials. The material at the highest concentration could inhibit the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activities of osteoblast cells, but no such effect was found at a drug-loading concentration of 10(-4)-10(-5) mol/L. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that the local delivery system in this study has ability of loading ZOL. The biomaterial with high drug concentrations inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, but not when the drug concentrations are low.

Shear bond strengths between alumina-toughened zirconia cores and veneering ceramics and their susceptibility to aging.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) between alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ) cores and veneering ceramics, investigate the effect of aging in artificial saliva on SBS and compare it with that of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals(Y-TZP). METHODS: Bars of ATZ and Y-TZP were layered with veneering ceramics in accordance to the recommendation of the manufacturer. Half of each group (n = 10) was aged at 134 °C (under 2 bar pressure) in an autoclave for 48 h. Subsequently, all specimens were subjected to shear force in a universal testing machine. The interface and fractured surface of the specimens were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. RESULTS: The initial mean SBS values in MPa±SD were 28.9±8.0 for ATZ and 26.2±7.6 for Y-TZP. After aging, the mean SBS values for ATZ and Y-TZP were 22.9±4.9 MPa and 22.8±6.9 MPa, respectively. Neither the differences between the SBS values of the ATZ and Y-TZP groups nor the influence of aging on all groups were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The SBS between the ATZ core and the veneering ceramics was not affected by aging. The SBS of ATZ to veneering ceramics was not significantly different compared with that of Y-TZP.

[Influence of zirconia content on translucency of zirconia-toughened alumina glass-infiltrated ceramic].

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of zirconia content which is 0-30.0% weight percentage of matrix on translucency of zirconia-toughened alumina glass-infiltrated ceramics. METHODS: Seven groups were divided according to different weight percentage of zirconia (0, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0%, 20.0% and 30.0%). After sintering, infiltrating and polishing, spectral transmittance was determined with spectrophotometer under D65 standard source. Contrast ratio was also tested by whiteness colorimeter. RESULTS: With mass fraction of zirconia increasing from 0 to 30.0%, spectral transmittance reduced from 0.406% to 0.058%, while contrast ratio value increased from 0.849 +/- 0.005 to 1.015 +/- 0.006. When zirconia content was 10.0%, contrast ratio was 0.990 +/- 0.008. When it was more than 10.0%, transmission rate of the downward trend and contrast ratio of the rising trend became flat. CONCLUSION: Zirconia content has a direct impact on translucency of zirconia-toughened alumina glass-infiltrated ceramic, which is essentially opaque when zirconia content is 10.0%. When mass fraction of zirconia is more than 10.0%, the influence of zirconia content is reduced.

[Evaluation of alumina effects on the mechanical property and translucency of nano-zirconia all-ceramics].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of alumina content on sintered density, mechanical property and translucency of zirconia nanocomposite all-ceramics. METHODS: Specimens of zirconia nanocomposite all-ceramics were divided into five groups based on their alumina content which are 0% (control group), 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0% respectively. The sintered densities were measured using Archimedes' method. Specimens' bending strengths were measured with three-point bending test (ISO 6872). The visible light transmittances were measured with spectrophotometric arrangements and the fractured surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: The control group of pure zirconia could be sintered to the theoretical density under pressure-less sintering condition. The bending strength was (1100.27 ± 54.82) MPa, the fracture toughness was (4.96 ± 0.35) MPa×m(1/2) and the transmittance could reach 17.03%. The sintered density and transmittance decreased as alumina content increased from 2.5% to 10%. However, the fracture toughness only increased slightly. In all four alumina groups, the additions of alumina had no significant effect on samples' bending strengths (P > 0.05). When the content of alumina was 10%, fracture toughness of specimens reached (6.13 ± 0.44) MPa×m(1/2) while samples' transmittance declined to 6.21%. SEM results showed that alumina particles had no significant effect on the grain size and distribution of tetragonal zirconia polycrystals. CONCLUSIONS: Additions of alumina to yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystals could influence its mechanical property and translucency. Additions of the other phase to zirconia ceramics should meet the clinical demands of strength and esthetics.

[Study and preparation of a novel apatite-wollastonite bioactive glass-ceramic-calcium sulphate hemihydrate composite].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare a novel apatite-wollastonite bioactive glass-ceramic-calcium sulphate hemihydrate(AW-BGC-CSH) composite, to study its biocompatibility, and to provide experimental support for its further clinical application. METHODS: Samples of AW-BGC-CSH composite were prepared with different AW-BGC granules-CSH ratios (50%, 40%, 30%, 20%). Surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical features of the composite were measured. Osteoblasts were cultivated in vitro on the composite. Cell morphology, proliferation, and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts were examined to determine the biocompatibility of the composite. RESULTS: The composite showed a three-dimensional pored structure with communicated micropores under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The plasticity of the composite could be maintained within 3 - 5 min. Its top solidification temperature was 36.4°C and the maximum compressive strength was 9.3 MPa. The osteoblasts adhered to the composite and grew well. At 1, 3, 5, 7 d after cultivated, the microprotein contents of the composite were (251 ± 12), (296 ± 31), (580 ± 13) and (571 ± 15) mg/L, and the ALP activity of the composite were (4.50 ± 0.68), (6.90 ± 0.27), (12.05 ± 0.28) and (11.86 ± 0.63) U/mg. The results of the ALP activity and microprotein contents in the experiment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prepared AW-BGC-CSH composite has a three-dimensional pored structure, favourable plasticity, mechanical property and good biocompatibility.

[Effects of Sol-Gel coating on the corrosion resistance of nickel-chronium alloys].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Sol-Gel coating on the corrosion resistance of nickel-chronium alloys in vitro. METHODS: The bond strength of coating-substrate interface sintered at different temperatures (300, 400, 500, 600 degrees C) was tested by scratching method. The Sol-Gel coating was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and its corrosion resistance was assessed by a static immersion method. RESULTS: The bond strength of coating-substrate interface reaches the peak at 400 degrees C. The Sol -Gel coating can apparently inhibit the release of metal ions and improve the corrosion resistance of nickel-chromium alloy. CONCLUSION: Sol-Gel coating can evidently improve corrosion resistance of the nickel-chromium alloy, which has great potential in prospective clinical practice.

[The preparation and characterization of sol-gel derived zinc modified carbonated hydroxyapatite].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare zinc-modified carbonated hydroxyapatite (Zn-CHA) coating material via sol-gel method and explore the influence of zinc substitution on physical and chemical properties of biomaterial samples. METHODS: Two kinds of samples with different zinc content and Ca/P molar ratio were prepared. One was fabricated with 4% zinc and the Ca/P molar ratio was 1.67. Another was prepared with 8% zinc and the (Ca+Zn)/P molar ratio was 1.67. The coating samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the zinc ions releasing ability of the coating samples were investigated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). RESULTS: XRD results revealed that the coating samples contained hydroxyapatite phase. After determination by FTIR, the biomaterial samples were found to contain carbonate and resemble biological apatites. High homogeneous and porous surfaces of coating samples were observed in SEM micrographs. According to the results of dissolution test, zinc was incorporated into hydroxyapatite lattice structure or surface absorbed when calcium was insufficient or sufficient respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that phase-pure zinc-modified carbonated hydroxyapatite might be prepared through simple sol-gel method and have favorable antibacterial effect.

[The experimental study on biodegradable gel membrane applied to prevention of postoperative adhesion of abdominal cavity surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new type of anti-adhesion gel membrane and explore its applying technique. METHODS: 24 adult New Zealand white rabbits were used for the experiment research project, the animals were divided into two groups: the experiment group (18 adult New Zealand white rabbits) and the control group (6 adult New Zealand white rabbits). The animal models were established via the abdominal cavity. The biodegradable gel membrane was covered to the surface of the operating region in experimental animal group, while the 0.9% NaCL was directly rinsing the operating region in the controlled group. The specimens were collected at postoperatively week 2, 4 or 8 respectively. The samples were evaluated by global and histological observation. RESULTS: In the experiment group, a few adhed zones were observed in 2 and 4 weeks after operation, but in 8 weeks after operation, the adhesion zone was disappeared. In the control group, a few adheol zones were founded in 2 weeks after operation. In 4 weeks after operation, the adhed zone become conspicuously emerged. In 8 weeks after operation, the cicatri band was occurred. CONCLUSION: The biodegradable gel membrane usd into the postoperative abdominal cavity is effective and easy to manipulate, and it could be used as a high-effect, cheap drug of anti-adhesion in operation for surgeons.

[Retention of selected cores to all-ceramic posts in post-and-core system].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the retention of selected cores to all-ceramic posts in post-and-core system, in which the ceramic core was combined with the post by direct sintering, adhering, and the composite resin core was formed onto the post. METHODS: A total of 15 all-ceramic post fabricated by alumina-zirconia nano-composite infiltrated ceramics were divided into three groups. In group A, forming and combining the ceramic core with the post by direct sintering. In group B, combining the ceramic core with the post by adhering. In group C, forming composite resin core onto the post. Each specimen was placed into a special jig along the post axis and subjected to a load on INSTRON 4302 universal testing instrument until failure. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P < 0.01). Group A showed a significantly higher retention which was 3.04 and 2.88 times as high as group B and C respectively (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between adhering and composite resin core (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION: A reliable retention of the core to the post can be achieved when the alumina-zirconia nanocomposite infiltrated ceramic core is formed and combined with the post by direct sintering, which offers significantly higher retention than adhering and forming composite resin core onto the post.

[Investigation of the function of the glass colorant on the machinable infiltrated ceramics color].

OBJECTIVE: To investigae the function of the glass colorant on the color of the machinable infiltrated ceramics(MIC). METHODS: Five kinds of glass with different colorant were infiltrated through the aluminous matrix by heating the components to 1 100 degrees C for 2 hours. The specimens surface was polished, and their thickness was 0.5 mm. RESULTS: The refractive index of the MIC infiltration glass was 1.59691 (587.6 nm, nd) . The most different parameter of the MIC color were L*, then a*, and b* had little difference . The parameters of the color space of MIC were: L*(64.55-71.46), a*(3.35-7.38), b*(10.00-12.41), Ca*b*(11.38-13.95), ha*b*(54.07-73.00). These were almost close to the color parameters of Vita In-ceram. CONCLUSION: This experiment proved that the glass colorant was changed the MIC color parameters, and the main function was on L*, then a*. The ceramic color was up to the requirement of clinic.

[Evaluation on cytotoxicity of a new nano-hydroxyapatite as root canal filling sealer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluated the cytotoxicity of a new nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) root canal sealer. METHODS: In this study, the cytotoxicity was evaluated by the method of MTT assay in vitro, and culture medium F12 as control, three concentrations of the soaking material cultured with mouse osteoblast separately, to test the cell relative growth rate (RGR) of every group. RESULTS: The toxicity graduation of the n-HA root canal sealer tends to 0 with the culture time increasing. The cell survival rate of n-HA root canal sealer showed high relatively. The OD value of cell was similar for the negative control and the extracts (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The result indicated that n-HA root canal sealer was compatible with the testcells.

[The study of cell biocompatibility of new pattern biphasic calcium phosphate nanocomposite in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To study the cell biocompatibility of porous biphasic calcium phosphate nanocomposite in vitro. METHODS: Bone marrow mesenchymal cell (BMSCs) obtained from SD rat bone marrow were in vitro induced and proliferated. Afler their osteoblast phenotypes were verified, BMSCs were seeded onto prepared porous biphasic calcium phosphate nanocomposite (Experiment group) and common porous hydroxyapatite (Control group). The cell adhesion was evaluated by scanning electron microscope. Synthesis of alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) and osteocalcin were detected and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: BMSCs could fully attach to and extend on the material in experiment and control group, Moreover, experiment group were superior to control group in adhesion, proliferative abilities and osteogenic activity. CONCLUSION: BMSCs can differentiate to osteoblast phenotype; the porous biphasic calcium phosphate nanocomposite as bone tissue engineering scaffold has good cell biocompatibility.

[Fracture resistance of the all-ceramic posts in post-and-core system].

OBJECTIVE: To make a comparative study on the fracture resistance of the all-ceramic posts in post-and-core system where the ceramic core was combined with the post by direct sintering and by two other methods. METHODS: A total of 15 all-ceramic posts fabricated by alumina-zirconia nano-composite infiltrated ceramics were randomly divided into three groups. They were given the following treatments: Group A: forming and combining the ceramic core with the post by direct sintering; group B: combining the ceramic core with the post by use of 3M RelyX for adhesion; group C: forming composite resin core onto the post. Each specimen was placed into a special jig and subjected to a load perpendicular to the post axis on INSTRON 4302 universal testing instrument until failure. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the strength of the post remains uninfluenced during the combination of the core with the post by direct sintering.

[Study of relationship between powder-size gradation and mechanical properties of Zirconia toughened glass infiltrated nanometer-ceramic composite powder].

OBJECTIVE: The fabrication of all-ceramic dental restorations is challenged by ceramics' relatively low flexural strength and intrinsic poor resistance to fracture. This paper aimed at investigating the relationships between powder-size gradation and mechanical properties of Zirconia toughened glass infiltrated nanometer-ceramic composite (Al(2)O(3)-nZrO(2)). METHODS: Al(2)O(3)-nZrO(2) ceramics powder (W) was processed by combination methods of chemical co-precipitation and ball milling with addition of different powder-sized ZrO(2). Field-emission scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the particle size distribution and characterize the particle morphology of powders. The matrix compacts were made by slip-casting technique and sintered to 1,450 degrees C and flexural strength and the fracture toughness of them were measured. RESULTS: 1. The particle distribution of Al(2)O(3)-nZrO(2) ceramics powder ranges from 0.02 - 3.5 micro m and among them the superfine particles almost accounted for 20%. 2. The ceramic matrix samples with addition of nZrO(2) (W) showed much higher flexural strength (115.434 +/- 5.319) MPa and fracture toughness (2.04 +/- 0.10) MPa m(1/2) than those of pure Al(2)O(3) ceramics (62.763 +/- 7.220 MPa; 1.16 +/- 0.02 MPa m(1/2)). CONCLUSIONS: The particle size of additive ZrO(2) may impose influences on mechanical properties of Al(2)O(3)-nZrO(2) ceramics matrix. Good homogeneity and reasonable powder-size gradation of ceramic powder can improve the mechanical properties of material.

[Mode of new bone formation following distraction osteogenesis in mandibular lengthening].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mode and influential factor of new bone formation following distraction osteogenesis in mandibular lengthening. METHODS: Corticotomy was performed on bilateral mandibles in twelve adult male goats. A custom-made distractor was used to lengthen the mandible at a rate of 1 mm/day for 10 days (total 10 mm elongation). Four goats were sampled respectively at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after completion of distraction. The lengthening mandibles were examined by roentgenography and histology. RESULTS: Newly formed callus was observed in the distraction gap after mandibular lengthening. The new bone exhibited intramembranous ossification generally, but cartilage islands could be found in the specimen that distractor loosed. CONCLUSION: The above findings indicate that the mode of new bone formation in mandibular lengthening following distraction osteogenesis appears to be intramembranous ossification and that endochondral ossification takes place in case distractor has loosened.