Influence of strontium containing fluorophosphate glass onto structural and mechanical behavior of MTA network.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporation of strontium based fluoro phosphate glass (SrFPG) 48P2O5-29CaO-14NaO-3CaF2-6SrO on physico chemical and biological properties of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). METHODS: Optimized SrFPG glass powder were prepared using planetary ball mill and incorporated into MTA in varying proportion (1, 5, 10 wt%) to obtain SrMT1, SrMT5, SrMT10 bio-composite respectively. The bio-composites were characterized using XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDAX before and after soaking for 28 days in stimulated body fluid (SBF) solution. To assess the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the prepared bio-composite, density, pH analysis, compressive strength and cytotoxicity evaluation using MTT assay were done before and after soaking for 28 days in SBF solution. RESULTS: A nonlinear variation in compressive strength and pH values was noted. Of the bio-composites, SrMT10 was evidenced with rich apatite formation in XRD, FTIR and SEM with EDAX analysis. MTT assay showed increased cell viability in all the samples before and after in vitro studies.

Micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis of dentin remineralization using eggshell derived nanohydroxyapatite combined with phytosphingosine.

The aim of this study was to assess the remineralization efficacy of chicken eggshell-derived nano-hydroxyapatite (CEnHAp) combined with phytosphingosine (PHS) on artificially induced dentinal lesions. PHS was commercially procured whereas CEnHAp was synthesized using microwave-irradiation method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (HRSEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A total of 75 pre-demineralized coronal dentin specimens were randomly treated with one of the following test agents (n = 15 each): artificial saliva (AS), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), CEnHAp, PHS, and CEnHAp-PHS under pH cycling for 7, 14, and 28 days. Vickers microhardness indenter, HRSEM-EDX, and micro-Raman spectroscopy methods were used to assess the mineral changes in the treated dentin samples. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman's two-way analyses of variance (p < 0.05). HRSEM and TEM analysis depicted irregular spherical structure of the prepared CEnHAp with a particle size of 20-50 nm. The EDX analysis confirmed the presence of Ca, P, Na and Mg ions. The XRD pattern showed the characteristic crystalline peaks for hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate that are present in the prepared CEnHAp. Dentin treated with CEnHAp-PHS revealed highest microhardness values along with complete tubular occlusion compared to other groups at all test time intervals (p < 0.05). Specimens treated with CEnHAp showed increased remineralization than those treated with CPP-ACP followed by PHS and AS groups. The intensity of mineral peaks, as observed in the EDX and micro-Raman spectra, confirmed these findings. Further, the molecular conformation of the collagen's polypeptide chains, and amide-I and CH2 peaks attained peak intensities in dentin treated with CEnHAp-PHS and PHS whereas other groups revealed poor stability of collagen bands. Microhardness, surface topography, and micro-Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed that dentin treated with CEnHAp-PHS have an improved collagen structure and stability as well as highest mineralization and crystallinity.

Fabrication of an effectual, stable and reusable Mg-doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles for photodegradation of toxic pollutants under visible light illumination.

The water contamination caused by discharging extensive organic dyes stuff into water bodies is one of the utmost significant concerns disturbing the environment and human life. CdAl2O4 spinel materials have been excellent in the elimination of emerging pollutants by the photocatalysis route. These materials, when altered through methods namely doping with Mg ions, have benefits over CdAl2O4, especially reduced energy gap and light absorbed in the visible region. The XRD established the creation of space group R 3‾ with no other phase step being found. The photoluminescence outcomes indicated that Mg-doped CdAl2O4 nanoparticles had the preventing e--h+ recombination possibility, which was favorable for the photocatalytic process. The Mg (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 catalyst had higher photocatalytic performance with 94 and 96% removal of two azo (BB and BG) dyes under a mere 90 min visible light irradiation, which indicated enhanced Photodegradation behaviors when compared to other Mg (0.025, 0.050 M)-doped and pure CdAl2O4 materials. More interestingly, pH 5 was optimum for the Mg (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 samples photodegradation of both dyes, and the optimum catalyst amount was 5 mg/100 mL. The doped Mg ions influenced the elimination of both dyes by inducing the manufacture of more active species. The Mg (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 samples is reusable and highly stable with only a 5% reduction in degradation rate after six cycles. Based on the quencher and ESR investigations, the .OH- and h+ are described as active species in the removal reaction. We hope our present examinations highlight the possibility of using Mg (0.075 M)-doped CdAl2O4 product for a broad range of photodegradation applications, also it may be applied for several ecological remediations, surface cleaning devices, foods and pharmaceutical industry applications.

Paper-based microfluidic colorimetric sensor on a 3D printed support for quantitative detection of nitrite in aquatic environments.

To ensure safe drinking water, it is necessary to have a simple method by which the probable pollutants are detected at the point of distribution. Nitrite contamination in water near agricultural locations could be an environmental concern due to its deleterious effects on the human population. The development of a frugal paper-based microfluidic sensor could be desirable to achieve the societal objective of providing safe drinking water. This work describes the development of a facile and cost-effective microfluidic paper-based sensor for quantitative estimation of nitrite in aquatic environments. A simple punching machine was used for fabrication and rapid prototyping of paper-based sensors without the need of any specialized equipment or patterning techniques. A reusable 3D printed platform served as the support for simultaneous testing of multiple samples. The nitrite estimation was carried out with smartphone-assisted digital image acquisition and colorimetric analysis. Under optimized experimental conditions, the variation in average grayscale intensity with concentration of nitrite was linear in the range from 0.1 to 10 ppm. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.12 ppm and 0.35 ppm respectively. The reproducibility, expressed as relative standard deviation was 1.31%. The selectivity of nitrite detection method was determined by performing interference studies with commonly existing co-ions in water, such as bicarbonates, chloride and sulphate. The paper-based sensor was successfully applied for estimation of nitrite in actual water samples and showed high recoveries in the range of 83.5-109%. The results were in good agreement with those obtained using spectrophotometry. The developed paper-based sensor method, by virtue of its simplicity, ease of fabrication and use, could be readily extended for detection of multiple analytes in resource-limited settings.

Dentin remineralizing ability and enhanced antibacterial activity of strontium and hydroxyl ion co-releasing radiopaque hydroxyapatite cement.

Dental caries is an infection of the mineralized tooth structures that advances when acid secreted by bacterial action on dietary carbohydrates diffuses and dissolves the tooth mineral leading to demineralization. During treatment, clinicians often remove only the superficial infected tooth structures and retain a part of affected carious dentin to prevent excessive dentin loss and pulp exposure. Calcium hydroxide is used to treat the affected dentin because it is alkaline, induces pulp-dentin remineralization and decreases bacterial infection. Presence of strontium ions has also been reported to exhibit anticariogenic activity, and promote enamel and dentin remineralization. The objective of the present study was to develop novel hydroxyapatite cement from tetracalcium phosphate which gradually releases hydroxyl and strontium ions to exhibit antibacterial activity. Its potential to remineralize the dentin sections collected from extracted human molar tooth was studied in detail. The pH of all the experimental cements exhibited a gradual increase to ~10.5 in 10 days with 10% strontium substituted tetracalcium phosphate cement (10SC) showing the highest pH value which was sustained for 6 weeks. 10SC showed better antibacterial property against S. aureus and E. coli at the end of 1 week compared to other cements studied. It also exhibited the highest radiopacity equivalent to 4.8 mm of Al standard. 10SC treated dentin section showed better remineralization ability and highest elastic modulus. We can conclude that the hydroxyl and strontium ions releasing tetracalcium phosphate cement exhibits good antibacterial property, radiopacity and has the potential to encourage dentin remineralization.

Nanochitosan modified glass ionomer cement with enhanced mechanical properties and fluoride release.

Conventional glass-ionomer cements (GIC) are one of the most prevalent dental restorative materials, but their use is limited by their relatively low mechanical strength. Efforts have been made to improve the mechanical properties by addition of various fillers of which nano-sized particles appears to be a promising strategy. In the current study, effect of addition of nanochitosan particles in GIC (NCH-GIC) on compressive strength, flexural strength, wear resistance and fluoride release has been evaluated and compared with conventional GIC (C-GIC). Nanochitosan was synthesized by ionic cross linking method and its particle size was found to be 110-235nm. Nanochitosan was mixed with glass ionomer powder at a concentration of 10wt.% and cement samples were prepared. NCH-GIC had significantly higher compressive strength values which could be attributed to early formation of aluminium polysalts. Similarly, flexural strength of NCH-GIC (21.26MPa) was significantly higher than C-GIC (12.67MPa). Wear resistance was also found to increase due to better integrated interface between the glass particle and polymer matrix bonding in NCH-GIC. Fluoride release was significantly higher in NCH-GIC compared to C-GIC for 7 days. It can be anticipated that addition of nanochitosan to GIC will improve the anti-cariogenic and mechanical properties for high strength applications.

Evaluation of microshear bond strength and nanoleakage of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives to dentin pretreated with silver diamine fluoride/potassium iodide: An in vitro study.

AIMS: The aim of this in vitro study was to comparatively evaluate the microshear bond strength (MSBS) of etch-and-rinse and self-etch (ER and SE) bonding systems to dentin pretreated with silver diamine fluoride/potassium iodide (SDF/KI) and nanoleakage at the resin-dentin interface using transmission electron microscope (TEM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-two dentin slabs of 3 mm thickness were prepared from extracted human permanent third molars and divided into four groups (n = 18) based on the dentin surface treatment as follows: (1) ER adhesive bonding without dentin pretreatment; (2) SDF/KI pretreatment of dentin followed by ER adhesive bonding; (3) SE adhesive bonding without dentin pretreatment; and (4) SDF/KI pretreatment of dentin followed by SE adhesive bonding. Resin composite was built on the dentin slabs to a height of 4 mm incrementally, and dentin-composite beams of approximately 1 mm 2 cross-sectional area were prepared. The beams were subjected to MSBS analysis, and the fractured surface was observed under scanning electron microscope to determine the mode of failure. The resin-dentin interface was examined under TEM for evaluation of nanoleakage. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: Pretreatment of dentin with SDF/KI increased the MSBS of ER and SE adhesives, though not statistically significant, except between Groups 2 and 3. In all the groups, the predominant mode of failure was adhesive followed by cohesive in resin, mixed and cohesive in dentin. TEM examination of resin-dentin interface showed that pretreatment with 38% SDF/KI reduced nanoleakage regardless of the type of bonding system used. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment of dentin with SDF/KI minimized nanoleakage at the resin-dentin interface without adversely affecting the bond strength of resin composite to dentin.

Counteraction of reactive oxygen species and determination of antibacterial efficacy of proanthocyanidin and lycopene when mixed with calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine mixture: An in vitro comparative study.

AIM: The objective of the study was to determine the neutralizing effect of proanthocyanidin (grape seed extract) and lycopene (tomato extract) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the mixture when used as an intracanal medicament. The study also evaluated the effect of proanthocyanidin and lycopene on the antibacterial efficacy of a mixture of chlorhexidine (CHX) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] against Enterococcus feacalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four sample groups were prepared as follows. Group I: 2% CHX gluconate (control group) and group II: a mixture of 125 mg of Ca(OH)(2) with 2% CHX gluconate solution. Group III was a mixture of 125 mg of Ca(OH)(2) with 1 mL of 2% CHX gluconate solution and 1 mL of 5% proanthocyanidin solution and group IV, a mixture of 125 mg of Ca(OH)(2) with 1 mL of 2% CHX gluconate solution and 1 mL of 5% lycopene solution. The groups were analyzed for ROS formation using the mass spectrometer (JEOL GC MATE II) immediately after preparation. The antibacterial property was evaluated by using agar diffusion method and the results were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: The peak value of 196.96 denotes ROS formation. Group II shows a higher peak value than other groups. Group IV shows a drastic reduction in the peak value. Group IV shows a drastic reduction in ROS formation when compared with group II, group III, and the control group. Antibacterial efficacy was higher in group IV, followed by group III, group II, and group I. CONCLUSION: Lycopene and proanthocyanidin reduce the ROS significantly by virtue of their antioxidant property. Lycopene shows more antioxidant property when compared with proanthocyanidin.

Shear bond strength of composite to deep dentin after treatment with two different collagen cross-linking agents at varying time intervals.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study evaluated the shear bond strength of composite resin to deep dentin using a total etch adhesive after treatment with two collagen cross-linking agents at varying time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were sectioned longitudinally into equal mesial and distal halves (n=60). The proximal deep dentin was exposed, maintaining a remaining dentin thickness (RDT) of approximately 1 mm. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups based on the surface treatment of dentin prior to bonding as follows: group I (n=12, control): no prior dentin surface treatment; group II (n=24): dentin surface pretreated with 10% sodium ascorbate; and group III (n=24): dentin surface pretreated with 6.5% proanthocyanidin. Groups II and III were further subdivided into two subgroups of 12 specimens each, based on the pretreatment time of five minutes (subgroup A) and 10 minutes (subgroup B). Shear bond strength of the specimens was tested with a universal testing machine, and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Significantly higher shear bond strength to deep dentin was observed in teeth treated with 10% sodium ascorbate (group II) and 6.5% proanthocyanidin (group III) compared to the control group (group I). Among the collagen cross-linkers used, specimens treated with proanthocyanidin showed significantly higher shear bond strength values than those treated with sodium ascorbate. No significant difference was observed between the five-minute and 10-minute pretreatment times in groups II and III. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that dentin surface pretreatment with both 10% sodium ascorbate and 6.5% proanthocyanidin resulted in significant improvement in bond strength of resin composite to deep dentin.

Application of a proanthocyanidin agent to improve the bond strength of root dentin treated with sodium hypochlorite.

AIM: The objective of this study was to analyze the application of PA agent that improves the bond strength of root dentin treated with NaOCl. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group 1: root canals were irrigated using 0.9% isotonic saline as an irrigant (negative control); Group 2: root canals were irrigated using 5.25% NaOCl (positive control); Group 3: root canals were irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl followed by 10% sodium ascorbate for 10 minutes; Group 4: root canals were irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl followed by 5% PA for 10 minutes. All the canals were then coated with self-etch dentin bonding agent, filled with resin cement, stored for one day in water, and then cross sectioned into three slabs of 2-mm thickness that were prepared and tested for microtensile bond strength. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that 5.25% NaOCl caused significant reduction (P<0.05) in the bond strength, but this can be reversed by 5% PA significantly more than the 10% sodium ascorbate.

Effect of grape seed extract on the bond strength of bleached enamel.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study assessed the neutralizing effect of grape seed extract (oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes [OPCs]) on the bond strength of bleached enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Labial enamel surfaces of 70 extracted human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into four groups based on the antioxidant used as follows: Group I (n=20): bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide gel for 10 minutes, without the use of an antioxidant; Group II (n=20): bleaching followed by the use of 10% sodium ascorbate solution; Group III (n=20): bleaching followed by the use of 5% proanthocyanidin solution; and Group IV (n=10): control group in which no bleaching was done. Groups I, II, and III were further subdivided into two subgroups of 10 teeth each, based on whether composite build-up was done immediately (subgroup A) or after a delay of 2 weeks (subgroup B) post bleaching. Shear bond strength of the specimens was tested under a universal testing machine. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Significantly higher shear bond strength values were observed in teeth treated with 10% sodium ascorbate (Group II) and 5% proanthocyanidin (Group III) as compared with the control group (Group IV). Among the antioxidants used, teeth treated with proanthocyanidin showed significantly higher shear bond strength values than those treated with sodium ascorbate. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the use of grape seed extract prior to bonding procedures on bleached enamel completely neutralizes the deleterious effects of bleaching and increases the bond strength significantly.

A comparison of surface roughness after micro abrasion of enamel with and without using CPP-ACP: An in vitro study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of enamel after micro abrasion with and without using remineralization agent, CPP-ACP (Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty freshly extracted anterior teeth were collected. The samples were randomly assigned to two study and one control group. Group A (n = 10) containing teeth in which only micro abrasion was done, Group B (n = 10) containing teeth in which CPP-ACP (G C Tooth Mousse) was applied after micro abrasion for a period of 30 days, once daily for three minutes and Group C (n = 10) in which no preparation was done and which acted as the control group. The samples were stored in artificial saliva and evaluated after 30 days, using surface profilometer. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: According to the results of this study, a combination of the micro abrasion procedure and CPP-ACP application reduced the enamel surface roughness significantly, when compared to micro abrasion done alone. CONCLUSION: Application of CPP-ACP after micro abrasion procedure significantly reduces the enamel surface roughness thereby decreasing the risk of caries.