Enhancing Titanium Disk Performance through In-Pack Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment.

While titanium dental implants have already been clinically established, ongoing research is continuously being conducted to advance the fields of osseointegration and bacterial resistance, seeking further improvements in these areas. In this study, we introduce an innovative method for treating titanium surfaces within tightly sealed packaging. Specifically, titanium discs, enclosed in surgical-grade packaging, underwent treatment using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). The surfaces were thoroughly characterized in terms of wettability, crystalline structure, and chemical composition. Hemocompatibility analyses were conducted using blood diluted in sodium citrate (1:9) exposed to titanium discs for 30 min inside a CO2 incubator at 37 °C. Subsequently, various blood parameters were evaluated, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and platelet adhesion. Microbiological analyses were also performed using Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) for 4 h at 37 °C. The treatment with CAP Jet resulted in a reduction in contact angle without causing any changes in the crystalline structure. No statistically significant differences were observed in the blood parameters. The plasma-treated samples exhibited lower PT and APTT values compared to those of the control group. The surfaces treated with CAP Jet showed increased platelet activation, platelet density, and thrombus formation when compared with the untreated samples. Moreover, the treated surfaces demonstrated lower bacterial colony formation compared with other surfaces.

Plasma-Saline Water Interaction: A Systematic Review.

Plasma-liquid interaction research has developed substantially in recent years due, mostly, to the numerous applications of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). Plasma-liquid interactions are influenced by the concentrations of the ionic species present in the liquid environment, and few studies have paid attention to saline water, which generally mediates the reactions in many plasma applications. Therefore, the present review aims to explore the main results and the influence of variables on the modification of properties of saline water by CAP sources following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The searches were carried out in the Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases, resulting in the inclusion of 37 studies. The main effects of the interaction between CAP and saline water are (i) the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS); (ii) the increase in conductivity and decrease in pH, directly proportional to the increase in discharge voltage; (iii) and the effective area of interaction and the shortest distance between electrode and solution. Other effects are the localized evaporation and crystallization of salts, which make the interaction between plasma and saline water a promising field in the development of technologies for desalination and improvement of liquid properties.

Gallic Acid-Laminarin Conjugate Is a Better Antioxidant than Sulfated or Carboxylated Laminarin.

A 12.4 kDa laminarin (LM) composed of ß(1→3)-glucan with ß(1→6)-branches was extracted from brown seaweed Lobophora variegata and modified via carboxylation using dielectric barrier discharge (LMC), conjugation with gallic acid (LMG), and sulfation (LMS). Analyses of the chemical composition of LMC, LMG, and LMS yielded 11.7% carboxyl groups, 1.5% gallic acid, and 1.4% sulfate content, respectively. Antioxidant activities of native and modified laminarins were assessed using six different in vitro methods. Sulfation stopped the antioxidant activities of LM. On the other hand, carboxylation improved cooper chelation (1.2 times). LMG was found to be a more efficient antioxidant agent than LM in terms of copper chelation (1.3 times), reducing power (1.3 times), and total antioxidant capacity (80 times). Gallic acid conjugation was further confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy analyses. LMG also did not induce cell death or affect the cell cycle of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. On the contrary, LMG protected MDCK cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Taken together, these results show that LMG has the potent antioxidant capacity, and, therefore, potential applications in pharmacological and functional food products.

Plasma nitriding under low temperature improves the endothelial cell biocompatibility of 316L stainless steel.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of the surface modification of 316L stainless steel (SS) by low-temperature plasma nitriding on endothelial cells for stent applications. RESULTS: X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the incorporation of nitrogen into the treated steel. The surface treatment significantly increased SS roughness and hydrophilic characteristics. After 4 h the cells adhered to the nitride surfaces and formed clusters. During the 24 h incubation period, cell viability on the nitrided surface was higher compared to the polished surface. Nitriding reduced late apoptosis of rabbit aorta endothelial cell (RAEC) on the SS surface. CONCLUSION: Low temperature plasma nitriding improved the biocompatible of stainless steel for use in stents.

Effect of plasma-nitrided titanium surfaces on the differentiation of pre-osteoblastic cells.

A titanium surface nitrided by plasma contains nitrogen ions that guarantee resistance to corrosion and biocompatibility. Despite this, no descriptions concerning the influence of the expression of cell adhesion proteins and their influence on osteogenic cell differentiation are available. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the response of murine pre-osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) cultured on nitrided titanium surfaces. Pre-osteoblastic cells were grown on polished titanium discs, used as controls, and on previously characterized plasma-nitrided titanium discs. Cells from both groups were submitted to the MTT cell viability test. The expressions of α5, α2, and ß1 integrin were assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, while osteocalcin expression was assessed by flow cytometry. The nitrided surface presented higher α2 and ß1 integrin expressions, as well as osteocalcin expression, when compared to the polished surface, with no alterations in cell viability. These findings seem to suggest that the plasma nitriding treatment produces a titanium surface with the potential for effective in vitro osseointegration.

Alterações da superfície do titânio tratado por plasma através da nitretação por cátodo oco e seu efeito na proliferação de células-tronco / Alterations in titanium surface treated with plasma through hollow cathode nitriding and its effect on stem cells proliferation

Nos últimos anos, tem-se observado um grande crescimento em tecnologias para modificação de superfícies de implantes dentais, visando reduzir o tempo de espera pela cicatrização, assim como possibilitar seu uso com sucesso em áreas de baixa densidade óssea. Dentre esses métodos de modificação a nitretação por plasma tem apresentado ótimos resultados. No presente trabalho, estudaram-se superfícies de titânio comercialmente puro (Grau II) modificadas por plasma através da nitretação em cátodo oco, com o objetivo de obter uma otimização da superfície para aplicações biomédicas. Uma avaliação da rugosidade, textura, microestrutura e microdureza dessas amostras foi realizada. Em seguida, depositaram-se células-tronco sobre essas superfícies e uma comparação entre as novas propriedades obtidas e a proliferação celular foi feita. Os resultados mostraram que a nitretação por plasma produziu mudanças significativas na textura superficial das amostras de titânio. A rugosidade e microdureza foram superiores nas amostras nitretadas em cátodo oco. Encontrou-se diferença estatisticamente significante na proliferação celular das amostras nitretadas quando comparadas com as amostras sem tratamento. Essa técnica de modificação é, portanto, efetiva e tem influência direta nas características da superfície e no comportamento de células-tronco (AU).

In recent years, a large growth of new technologies to modify the surfaces of dental implants has been observed, aiming to reduce healing waiting time, as well as enabling its use with success in areas of low bone density. Among these modifying methods, plasma nitriding has been showing excellent results. In this work, we studied commercial pure titanium surfaces (Degree II) modified by plasma through hollow cathode nitriding with the objective to obtain a surface optimization for biomedical applications. Assessment of roughness, texture, microstructure and microhardness was carried out for these samples. Then stem cells were deposited on these surfaces and a comparison between the new properties obtained and cell proliferation was performed. The results showed that plasma nitriding produced significant changes in the superficial texture of the titanium samples. Roughness and microhardness were higher in samples nitrided by the hollow cathode technique. Differences statistically significant were found in the cell proliferation of samples nitrided when compared to samples without treatment. This modification technique is therefore effective and has direct influence on the titanium surface characteristics and consequently on the stem cell behavior (AU).

Water uptake mechanism and germination of Erythrina velutina seeds treated with atmospheric plasma.

The effect of plasma applied to mulungu (Erythrina velutina) seeds was studied to verify its influence on the germination, water absorption, wettability and structure of the seeds. The plasma jet used in this study was produced by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in a helium gas flow of 0.03 L/s at a distance of 13 mm for 60 s. The plasma treatment significantly affected the seed germination rate, which was approximately 5% higher than that of the untreated group. Micropyle and hilum contributed a greater proportion to uptake. When sealed in the hilar or micropyle regions the amount of water absorbed into the seed decreased approximately 75% compared to the unsealed seed. This difference suggests that these two regions together act cooperatively in the water absorption. However, when plasma treated seed was blocked in the micropyle region, water absorption was higher higher than in seeds blocked hilum. This difference suggests that the plasma treatment changed the wettability of the hilum more effectively than it changed the micropyle. These results indicate that plasma can significantly change the hydrophilicity, water absorption and percentage of seed germination in E. velutina.

Influence of Oxynitrided Surface in the Production of a Less Susceptible Titanium Surface to Skin-Borne Bacterial Adhesion.

There is a growing quest for an ideal biomaterial that shows appropriate cellular response and is not susceptible to microbial adhesion. In this study, commercial grade II titanium was submitted to RF/DC plasma surface modification at 2.2 mbar, using gas mixtures of argon, nitrogen, and oxygen at proportions 4:1:2 and 4:1:3. The surfaces were physically and chemically characterized. In order to evaluate bacterial response, the surfaces were exposed to Staphylococcus epidermidis. Oxynitrided samples, although having a higher roughness as compared with untreated samples, exhibited lower bacterial growth. This observation is probably due to the formation of different crystalline phases of nitrides and oxides caused by plasma treatment. The surface with highest contact angle and highest surface tension showed lower bacterial adhesion. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The role of nitrogen in reducing bacterial adhesion is clear when this material is compared with untreated titanium, on which only an oxide film is present.

Influência da composição dos gases durante a modificação da superfície por plasma na adesão de células primárias da polpa dental / Influence of the composition of gases during plasma surface modification on adhesion of primary cells from dental pulp

Amostras de titânio foram nitretadas por plasma usando duas composições gasosas: 80%H2-20%N2 e 20%H2-80%N2 e as propriedades físicas químicas desse tratamento foram estudas, bem como sua resposta biológica quando submetidas à cultura de células primárias da polpa dentária. Análise por difração de raios X indicam a formação de TiN nas duas amostras nitretadas ao contrário da superfície não nitretada que continha apenas a fase Ti-α. Verificaram-se modificações na dureza, topografia e molhabilidade dessas amostras quando comparadas às amostras não nitretadas. A adesão celular nessas amostras indica que o tratamento aumenta seu valor sendo superior para amostras tratadas em maior concentração de hidrogênio.

Samples of titanium were nitrided using plasma and a composition of two gases: 80% H2-20% N2 and 20% H2-80% N2. The influence of these treatments on their physical chemical properties and biological response when subjected to the primary cell culture of dental pulp were studied. Analyses by X-ray diffraction indicate the formation of TiN in both nitrided samples in contrast to the non-nitrided surface samples that contained only the Ti-α phase. Changes in hardness, topography and wettability of these samples compared to non-nitrided samples were found as well. Finally, the analysis of cell’s adhesion in these samples indicate that treatment increases its value being higher for samples treated at higher hydrogen concentration.

Determinación de la bioactividad de capas de alginato de sodio en discos de hidroxiapatita / Determination of bioactivity in sodium alginate layers of hydroxyapatite disks

Objetivo: el propósito central de este trabajo es evaluar la bioactividad in vitro de capas de alginato de sodio en discos de hidroxiapatita. Métodos: los discos de hidroxiapatita fueron elaborados mediante procesos sucesivos de prensado y de sinterizado en un horno eléctrico. Las capas de alginato de sodio se obtuvieron empleando el método de sobrepresión y una disolución acuosa de alginato de sodio al 5 por ciento. En el ensayo de bioactividad las muestras a estudiar fueron sumergidas en fluido biológico simulado. La caracterización de las muestras se realizó empleando microscopia electrónica de barrido y energía dispersiva de rayos X. Resultados: en las muestras de hidroxiapatita sometidas al ensayo de bioactividad, con y sin capas de alginato de sodio, se observó la formación de precipitados ricos en calcio y fósforo. Además, se determinó que con el aumento del tiempo de inmersión en el fluido biológico simulado se incrementan las dimensiones de los aglomerados formados por partículas apatíticas. Conclusiones: los resultados experimentales corroboran que la hidroxiapatita es bioactiva y demuestran que las capas estudiadas de alginato de sodio en discos de hidroxiapatita poseen un comportamiento bioactivo(AU)

Objective: the main purpose of the study is to evaluate in vitro bioactivity in sodium alginate layers of hydroxyapatite disks. Methods: the hydroxyapatite disks were manufactured by successive pressing and sintering in an electric furnace. The sodium alginate layers were obtained by overpressure and a 5% sodium alginate aqueous solution. For the bioactivity assay, the study samples were soaked in simulated biological fluid. Characterization of the samples was conducted by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X rays. Results: the bioactivity assay of hydroxyapatite samples with and without sodium alginate layers revealed the formation of precipitates rich in calcium and phosphorus. It was also found that an increase in the time of immersion in the simulated biological fluid brought about an increase in the size of agglomerates of apatite particles. Conclusions: experimental results show that hydroxyapatite is indeed bioactive, and that the sodium alginate layers of hydroxyapatite disks which were studied behave bioactively(AU)

Determinación de la bioactividad de capas de alginato de sodio en discos de hidroxiapatita / Determination of bioactivity in sodium alginate layers of hydroxyapatite disks

OBJETIVO: el propósito central de este trabajo es evaluar la bioactividad in vitro de capas de alginato de sodio en discos de hidroxiapatita. MÉTODOS: los discos de hidroxiapatita fueron elaborados mediante procesos sucesivos de prensado y de sinterizado en un horno eléctrico. Las capas de alginato de sodio se obtuvieron empleando el método de sobrepresión y una disolución acuosa de alginato de sodio al 5 %. En el ensayo de bioactividad las muestras a estudiar fueron sumergidas en fluido biológico simulado. La caracterización de las muestras se realizó empleando microscopia electrónica de barrido y energía dispersiva de rayos X. RESULTADOS: en las muestras de hidroxiapatita sometidas al ensayo de bioactividad, con y sin capas de alginato de sodio, se observó la formación de precipitados ricos en calcio y fósforo. Además, se determinó que con el aumento del tiempo de inmersión en el fluido biológico simulado se incrementan las dimensiones de los aglomerados formados por partículas apatíticas. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados experimentales corroboran que la hidroxiapatita es bioactiva y demuestran que las capas estudiadas de alginato de sodio en discos de hidroxiapatita poseen un comportamiento bioactivo.

OBJECTIVE: the main purpose of the study is to evaluate in vitro bioactivity in sodium alginate layers of hydroxyapatite disks. METHODS: the hydroxyapatite disks were manufactured by successive pressing and sintering in an electric furnace. The sodium alginate layers were obtained by overpressure and a 5% sodium alginate aqueous solution. For the bioactivity assay, the study samples were soaked in simulated biological fluid. Characterization of the samples was conducted by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X rays. RESULTS: the bioactivity assay of hydroxyapatite samples with and without sodium alginate layers revealed the formation of precipitates rich in calcium and phosphorus. It was also found that an increase in the time of immersion in the simulated biological fluid brought about an increase in the size of agglomerates of apatite particles. CONCLUSIONS: experimental results show that hydroxyapatite is indeed bioactive, and that the sodium alginate layers of hydroxyapatite disks which were studied behave bioactively.

Discos de poco espesor de hidroxiapatita cubana sinterizada como sistema de liberacion de fármacos / Cuban low-thickness sintered hydroxyapatite disks as a drug release system

Objetivo: el objetivo principal de este trabajo es estudiar la posibilidad de que sean empleados como sistema de liberación controlada de fármacos, discos de Hidroxiapatita (HA) cubana, fabricados por prensado y sinterizado en hornos eléctrico, sin el empleo de agentes formadores de poros, con porosidades aparentes de 12, 20 y 40 por ciento que fueron dopados por sobre presión con una solución acuosa de alginato de sodio al 5 por ciento y 55 ppm de ceftazidima. Métodos: se estudió la relación entre la penetración del polímero y la porosidad aparente con la liberación del fármaco. Resultados: se demostró que estos discos infiltrados con el polímero que encapsula el fármaco pueden ser utilizados como sistema de liberación controlada. Se demuestra que la porosidad aparente y el tamaño de los poros son influyentes en la penetración del polímero y la masa de fármaco liberado. Conclusiones: En las curvas de liberación obtenidas se observa que los discos pueden ser un potencial material para soportar medicamentos porque se evidencia como el material es capaz de controlar la liberación del medicamento remanente ocluido por un método de dopaje a sobre presión.El perfil indica que en un periodo de siete días se libera controladamente el medicamento(AU)

Objective: the main purpose of this study is to examine the potential use of Cuban hydroxyapatite (HA) disks as a controlled drug release system. These disks are manufactured by pressing, and sintered in electric furnaces without using pore-forming agents, with apparent porosities of 12, 20 and 40 percent , and doped by overpressure with a 5 percent sodium alginate aqueous solution and 55 ppm ceftazidime. Methods: a study was conducted of the relationship between penetration of the polymer and apparent porosity with the release of the drug. Results: it was shown that when infiltrated with the polymer encapsulating the drug, these disks may be used as a controlled release system. It was also found that apparent porosity and pore size influence polymer penetration and the mass of drug released. Conclusions: the release curves obtained show that the disks may be a potential drug-supporting material, capable of controlling the release of the remnant drug occluded by an overpressure doping method. The profile reveals that controlled release of the drug is completed in seven days(AU)

Discos de poco espesor de hidroxiapatita cubana sinterizada como sistema de liberacion de fármacos / Cuban low-thickness sintered hydroxyapatite disks as a drug release system

Objetivo: el objetivo principal de este trabajo es estudiar la posibilidad de que sean empleados como sistema de liberación controlada de fármacos, discos de Hidroxiapatita (HA) cubana, fabricados por prensado y sinterizado en hornos eléctrico, sin el empleo de agentes formadores de poros, con porosidades aparentes de 12, 20 y 40 por ciento que fueron dopados por sobre presión con una solución acuosa de alginato de sodio al 5 por ciento y 55 ppm de ceftazidima. Métodos: se estudió la relación entre la penetración del polímero y la porosidad aparente con la liberación del fármaco. Resultados: se demostró que estos discos infiltrados con el polímero que encapsula el fármaco pueden ser utilizados como sistema de liberación controlada. Se demuestra que la porosidad aparente y el tamaño de los poros son influyentes en la penetración del polímero y la masa de fármaco liberado. Conclusiones: En las curvas de liberación obtenidas se observa que los discos pueden ser un potencial material para soportar medicamentos porque se evidencia como el material es capaz de controlar la liberación del medicamento remanente ocluido por un método de dopaje a sobre presión.El perfil indica que en un periodo de siete días se libera controladamente el medicamento

Objective: the main purpose of this study is to examine the potential use of Cuban hydroxyapatite (HA) disks as a controlled drug release system. These disks are manufactured by pressing, and sintered in electric furnaces without using pore-forming agents, with apparent porosities of 12, 20 and 40 percent , and doped by overpressure with a 5 percent sodium alginate aqueous solution and 55 ppm ceftazidime. Methods: a study was conducted of the relationship between penetration of the polymer and apparent porosity with the release of the drug. Results: it was shown that when infiltrated with the polymer encapsulating the drug, these disks may be used as a controlled release system. It was also found that apparent porosity and pore size influence polymer penetration and the mass of drug released. Conclusions: the release curves obtained show that the disks may be a potential drug-supporting material, capable of controlling the release of the remnant drug occluded by an overpressure doping method. The profile reveals that controlled release of the drug is completed in seven days

Proliferation of human periodontal ligament mesenchymal cells on polished and plasma nitriding titanium surfaces

Aim: To evaluate the proliferative capacity of mesenchymal cells derived from human periodontalligament on polished and plasma-treated titanium surfaces. Methods: Eighteen titanium disks werepolished and half of them (n=9) were submitted to plasma nitriding using the cathodic cage technique.Mesenchymal cells were isolated from periodontal ligament of impacted third molars (n=2) andcultured on titanium disks (polished and nitrided) and on a plastic surface as a positive control of cellproliferation. Cell proliferation was analyzed and growth curves were constructed for the differentgroups by determining the number of cells adhered to the different surfaces at 24, 48 and 72 h afterplating. Results: Higher cell number was observed for the nitrided surface at 24 and 48 h.However, no statistically significant difference in cell proliferation was observed between the twodifferent surface treatments (p>0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that plasma nitriding producedsurfaces that permitted the proliferation of human periodontal ligament mesenchymal cells. Associatedto other physical and chemical properties, it is possible to assume the feasibility of plasma nitridingmethod and its positive effect on the early cellular events of osseointegration.

Preheating of resin-based flowable materials in a microwave device: a promising approach to increasing hardness and softening resistance under cariogenic challenge.

This study aimed to evaluate whether preheated resin-based flowable restoratives would show increased hardness and softening susceptibility after an early cariogenic challenge. Fluroshield- Yellowed, Bioseal, Wave, Master Flow, Fluroshield-White, Conseal F, Filtek Z350 Flow, and Opallis Flow were tested. Preheating was performed using a microwave device. Five specimens of each preheated or room temperature material (n = 5) were fabricated. Hardness was assessed before and after a cariogenic challenge. The analysis was done by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (cariogenic challenge) and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons (

Filler morphology of resin-based low-viscosity materials and surface properties after several photoactivation times.

AIM: This study aimed to characterize the morphology of filler particles and to analyze the effect of shortened and extended photoactivation times on hardness (VHN) and cross-link density (CLD) of resin-based low-viscosity materials. METHODS: Sixteen commercially available materials were tested: four fissure sealants (Alpha Seal, Fluroshield Yellowed, Bioseal and Fluroshield White) and 12 flowable composites (Opallis T, Permaflo T, Opallis A2, Natural Flow A2, Master Flow A2, Permaflo A2, Filtek Z350 A2, Natural Flow O, Master Flow OA2, Opallis OA3.5, Filtek Z350 OA3, Opallis OP) at six curing times (10 s, 20 s, 30 s, 40 s, 50 s and 60 s). Specimens were fabricated (n = 5), analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, by VHN and by CLD. RESULTS: Unimodal and multimodal filler particles sizes with spherical and irregular shapes were observed. Unfilled materials were also detected. There were no differences among curing times for either VHN or CLD. Opallis A2 and Opallis OA3.5 showed the highest VHN at all curing times, whereas Master Flow A2 and Master Flow OA2 presented the lowest VHN. Opallis A2 presented the highest CLD at all curing times and Alpha Seal showed the lowest CLD. CONCLUSIONS: Filler particle morphology differed among the resin-based low-viscosity materials tested. The shortest photoactivation time tested could yield similar VHN and CLD means to those provided by the most extended photoactivation time.

Efficacy of in-office bleaching techniques combined with the application of a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate paste at different moments and its influence on enamel surface properties.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the efficacy of in-office bleaching technique combined with the application of a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste (MI Paste-MI) at different moments and its influence on enamel surface properties. METHODS: Eighty bovine dental crowns were randomly allocated into eight groups (n = 10), and bleached with either 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 37% carbamide peroxide (CP). Four different protocols of application of MI were considered: without MI, MI applied before bleaching, MI applied after bleaching, and MI applied both before and after bleaching. Bleaching effectiveness was measured by the VITA EasyShade spectrophotometer utilizing the CIEL*a*b* system (ΔE, ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb*). Color readings were measured at baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days. Hardness and roughness were measured at baseline (T0) and immediately after bleaching (T14). Data were subjected to the two-way ANOVA for repeated measurements and Tukey's test at 5%. RESULTS: HP groups achieved the greatest color change. The application of a CPP-ACP paste did not reduce the efficacy of bleaching peroxides. Samples bleached with CP showed decreased hardness at T14. Samples bleached with HP that received the application of MI before and before/after bleaching did not present hardness decrease at T14. Samples bleached with peroxides only and received MI after bleaching showed increased roughness at T14. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CPP-ACP was able to prevent negative changes in roughness and hardness of bovine enamel when associated to hydrogen peroxide, and might be applied before/after the bleaching protocol.

Enamel properties after tooth bleaching with hydrogen/carbamide peroxides in association with a CPP-ACP paste.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the impact of bleaching teeth using blends of a CPP-ACP paste (MI Paste; MI) and carbamide/hydrogen peroxides in different proportions on surface properties of bleached enamel. METHODS: Ninety bovine incisors were bleached with 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP), 16% carbamide peroxide (CP), MI and blends of HP or CP:MI at three proportions (1:1, 2:1, 1:2). Hardness and roughness were measured at baseline and after bleaching. Enamel morphology was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA for repeated measurements and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Most of the samples bleached with MI in combination with peroxides presented increased hardness and roughness which were associated to mineral deposition, as observed by SEM images. Blends with higher fractions of MI did not offer superior benefits. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a CPP-ACP paste mixed to carbamide/hydrogen peroxides can decrease adverse side-effects from tooth bleaching on an enamel surface.

Stem cells behavior on titanium surfaces modified by plasma / Análise do comportamento de células-tronco em superfícies de titânio modificadas por plasma

Over the last decade, a considerable development of new technologies to the modification of dental implants has been observed contributing to reduce the healing process and their use in areas with low bone density. Among the new techniques, plasma nitriding has showed excellent results. In this study, a superficial modification of commercial pure titanium (Degree II), by using two different plasma treatments (planar and hollow cathode nitriding) was accomplished aiming at an optimization of the surface for biomedical applications. An evaluation of the chemical composition in all samples was carried out, in addition to a study of their roughness and texture. Then, stem cells were deposited onto these surfaces and a comparison among their properties and their biological behavior was accomplished. The results showed that the nitriding techniques produced significant changes in the superficial texture of the Ti samples. The roughness test presented better results in samples nitrided by hollow cathode technique. Statistically significant differences were found in the cell proliferation of samples nitrided by hollow cathode nitriding when compared to samples without treatment. The used techniques were, therefore, effective and directly influenced the characteristics of the titanium surface and consequently, the stem cell behavior.

Nos últimos anos tem-se observado um grande crescimento em tecnologias para modificação de superfícies de implantes dentais visando reduzir o tempo de espera pela cicatrização, assim como possibilitar seu uso com sucesso em áreas de baixa densidade óssea. Dentre esses métodos de modificação, a nitretação por plasma tem apresentado ótimos resultados. No presente trabalho, estudou-se superfícies de titânio comercialmente puro (Grau II) modificadas através de dois tratamentos por plasma diferentes (nitretação planar e nitretação em cátodo oco), com o objetivo de obter uma otimização da superfície para aplicações biomédicas. Uma avaliação da composição química e um estudo da rugosidade e textura destas amostras foram realizados. Em seguida, depositou-se células-tronco sobre essas superfícies e uma comparação entre as novas propriedades obtidas e a proliferação celular foi feita. Os resultados mostraram que a nitretação por plasma produziu mudanças significativas na textura superficial das amostras de titânio. A rugosidade foi superior nas amostras nitretadas em cátodo oco. Encontrou-se diferença estatisticamente significante na proliferação celular das amostras nitretadas em cátodo oco quando comparadas com as amostras sem tratamento. Essas técnicas de modificação são, portanto, efetivas e possuem influência direta nas características da superfície e no comportamento de células-tronco.

Bone marrow mesenchymal cell adhesion to polished and nitrided titanium surfaces

Aim: To evaluate the adhesion of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal cells (MBMMC) on differenttitanium surfaces. Methods: Grade II titanium discs (ASTM F86) received two different surfacetreatments: polished (S1) and cathodic cage plasma nitriding (S2). MBMMC were cultured ontitanium discs in 24-well cell culture plates, at a density of 1 x 104 cells per well. After 24 h, theadhesion was evaluated using a hemocytometer. Results: The mean adhesion was greater onS2, though without statistically significant difference from S2 (p>0.05). Conclusions: It wasdemonstrated that titanium surface treatment with ionic nitriding in a cathodic cage is biocompatiblesince it preserved the integrity of the cultivated MBMMC for a period of 24 h, allowing theiradhesion.