Effect of silver-coated silica nanoparticles on the thermal conductivity of thermally activated acrylic resin / Efeito das nanopartículas de sílica revestidas por prata na condutividade térmica da resina acrílica ativada termicamente

Objective: Thermally activated acrylic resins (RAATs) are widely used in dentures as a base material due to their good dimensional stability and biocompatibility. However, their low thermal conductivity is a disadvantage, as it affects acceptance when using dental prostheses. Thus, the objective of this work was to measure the conduction heat in RAATs with and without incorporation of silica and silver nanoparticles (NP) and rigid reline (RR). Material and Methods: For this, samples were made and divided into 10 groups (n = 6). The first five groups were 2-mm-thick samples: G1 (RAAT control), G2 (RAAT + RR control), G3 (RAAT and NP + RR), G4 (RAAT + RR and NP), and G5 (RAAT and RR modified by NP). In the other five groups, 8-mm-thick samples were made: G6 (RAAT control), G7 (RAAT + RR control), G8 (RAAT and NP + RR), G9 (RAAT + RR and NP), and G10 (RAAT and RR modified by NP). The heat that cross the surface of the specimens was quantified using a wireless device. The data were submitted to two-factor ANOVA statistical analysis and Tukey ́s test with a 5% significance level. Results: After measuring the temperature variation as a function of time, it can be observed that there was a statistically significant difference for thermal conduction between the control groups and those modified with NP. Conclusion: Thus, it was possible to conclude that the NP improved the heat conduction in RAAT and in the RR because the nanoparticles have a higher thermal conductivity. (AU)

Objetivo: As resinas acrílicas termicamente ativadas (RAATs) são amplamente utilizada em próteses dentárias como material de base, pois possuem uma boa estabilidade dimensional e biocompatibilidade. Porém, como desvantagem, possuem baixa condutividade térmica, o que prejudica a aceitação do uso de próteses dentárias. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi medir a condução de calor em RAAT com e sem incorporação de nanopartículas de sílica e prata (NP) e reembasador rígido (RR). Material e Métodos: Para isso, foram confeccionadas amostras que foram divididas em 10 grupos (n=6). Os primeiros cinco grupos eram amostras de 2 mm de espessura: G1 (RAAT controle), G2 (RAAT + RR controle), G3 (RAAT e NP + RR), G4 (RAAT + RR e NP) e G5 (RAAT e RR modificados por NP). E nos outros cinco grupos foram feitas amostras com espessura de 8 mm: G6 (RAAT controle), G7 (RAAT + RR controle), G8 (RAAT e NP + RR), G9 (RAAT + RR e NP) e G10 (RAAT e RR modificados por NP). O calor percorrido pela superfície dos corpos ­ de prova foi quantificado por meio de um dispositivo sem fio. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística ANOVA dois fatores e teste de Tukey com 5% de significância. Resultados: Após medir a variação da temperatura em função do tempo, pode-se observar que houve diferença estatisticamente significante para a condução térmica entre os grupos controle e os modificados com NP. Conclusão: Assim, foi possível concluir que a NP melhorou a condução de calor na RAAT e no RR, pois as nanopartículas apresentam maior condutividade térmica. (AU)

A brief review concerning the latest advances in the influence of nanoparticle reinforcement into polymeric-matrix biomaterials.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied for a wide variety of applications, due to the elevated surface area and outstanding properties. Several types of NPs are available nowadays, each one with particular characteristics and challenges. Bionanocomposites, especially composed by polymer matrices, are gaining attention in the biomedical field. Although, several studies have shown the potential of adding NPs into these materials, some investigation is still needed until their clinical use for in vivo application is consummated. Besides that, is essential to evaluate whether the addition of nanoparticles changes the matrix property. In this review, we summarize the latest advances concerning polymeric bionanocomposites incorporated with organic (polymeric, cellulosic, carbon-based), and inorganic (metallic, magnetics, and metal oxide) NPs.

Recent advances in the use of carbon nanotubes as smart biomaterials.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have remarkable mechanical, thermal, electronic, and biological properties due to their particular atomic structure made of graphene sheets that are rolled into cylindrical tubes. Due to their outstanding properties, CNTs have been used in several technological fields. Currently, the most prominent research area of CNTs focuses on biomedical applications, using these materials to produce hybrid biosensors, drug delivery systems, and high performance composites for implants. Although a great number of research studies have already shown the advantages of CNT-based biomedical devices, their clinical use for in vivo application has not been consummated. Concerns related to their toxicity, biosafety, and biodegradation still remain. The effect of CNTs on the human body and the ecosystem is not well established, especially due to the lack of standardization of toxicological tests, which generate contradictions in the results. CNTs' toxicity must be clarified to enable the medical use of these exceptional materials in the near future. In this review, we summarize recent advances in developing biosensors, drug delivery systems, and implants using CNTs as smart biomaterials to identify pathogens, load/deliver drugs and enhance the mechanical and antimicrobial performance of implants.