Proanthocyanidin-functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as dentin biomodifier.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the potential combined effects of nanohydroxyapatite and proanthocyanidin on the remineralization and collagen stabilization of demineralized dentin. METHODS: Seventy-five coronal dentin beams (6 × 1 × 1 mm3) were randomly allocated into five experimental groups (n = 15): Sound (no treatment), Control (pH-cycling), nHAp (nanohydroxyapatite), nHAp_PA (Proanthocyanidin-functionalized nanohydroxyapatite), and PA (proanthocyanidin) treatments. The sound group (negative control) were immersed in distilled water over the experimental period. The remaining groups were submitted to a pH-cycling process for 14 days. Following the de-re mineralization process, specimens corresponding to the control group (positive control) were immersed in distilled water whereas the test groups were immersed in 1 mL of respective solution treatment (nHAp, nHAp_PA, or PA) for 1 min. The dentin samples were analyzed to determine their chemical composition (ATR-FTIR and Thermogravimetric) and mineralogical (XRD) characteristics as well as their mechanical response, obtained by three-point bending test. RESULTS: Higher phosphate content (v4 PO4: ATR-FTIR) and amount of mineral (XRD) was observed in the nHAp_PA group. Furthermore, a larger induction of collagen cross-links (ATR-FTIR) and %Organic Matter (TGA) would indicate the PA incorporation and the achievement of dentin matrix stability. These effects on dentin properties were related to increasing flexural strength (MPa), demonstrating that 15% w/v nHAp_PA treatment improved the mechanical properties of the samples. SIGNIFICANCE: nHAp_PA shows significant potential for promoting remineralization while improving collagen stability into demineralized dentin in a clinically feasible period of 1 min.

Effects of phosphoric acid on bovine enamel bleached with carbamide peroxide.

The aim of this study was to measure the demineralization capacity of 37% phosphoric acid on bovine enamel at different time-points after bleaching with 30% carbamide peroxide. Five, 4 x 4-mm sections were obtained from the enamel of 10 bovine incisors. After applying 30% carbamide peroxide (Vivastyle) for 90 min, specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 0, 24, 72 h, or 7 d and then immersed in 37% phosphoric solution. At 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s, 5-ml aliquots were extracted. A control group of specimens was not bleached. Ca(2+) concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A larger amount of Ca(2+) was extracted from enamel by phosphoric acid after the application of 30% carbamide peroxide. Twenty-four hours after bleaching, significantly more Ca(2+) was extracted from bleached than from control specimens at all time-points, and this greater susceptibility to the action of the acid persisted for at least 1 wk after bleaching.