Argon plasma application on the surface of titanium implants: osseointegration study / Aplicação de plasma de argônio na superfície de implantes de titânio: estudo de osseointegração

Introduction: The development of new biomaterials with improved properties is a trend in regenerative medicine. The successful healing of implants is related to their osseointegration and the topographic geometry of their surface. Treatment with argon plasma acts on the surface of the implants, bringing several benefits to their osseointegration in the body. Material and Methods: Previously the in vivo study, the topography implants were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Following the implants were inserted in 14 male rats, and one perforation was made in the right and left tibias for implant placement without the surface treatment (control group), and with the argon plasma surface treatment (experimental group), respectively. The rats were euthanized at 4 weeks, a time in which tibia fragments were submitted for histological and histomorphometric examination, and torque removal test for comparison and analysis of osseointegration. Results: The SEM images showed the argon plasma surface treatment altered the topography. At the end of the study, both greater bone formation and better osseointegration were verified in the experimental group, and a statistically significant difference between the groups was observed. Conclusion: It was concluded that implants with this surface treatment can bring more practicality in the rehabilitation treatment, and more comfort in the patients' postoperative time (AU)

Introdução: O desenvolvimento de novos biomateriais com propriedades aprimoradas é uma tendência na medicina regenerativa. A cicatrização bem-sucedida dos implantes está relacionada à sua osseointegração e à geometria topográfica de sua superfície. O tratamento com plasma de argônio atua na superfície dos implantes, trazendo diversos benefícios para sua osseointegração no corpo. Materiais e Métodos: Antes do estudo in vivo, a topografia dos implantes foi observada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Em seguida, os implantes foram inseridos em 14 ratos machos, e uma perfuração foi feita nas tíbias direita e esquerda para a colocação do implante sem o tratamento de superfície (grupo controle) e com o tratamento de superfície de plasma de argônio (grupo experimental), respectivamente. Os ratos foram sacrificados após 4 semanas, momento em que fragmentos das tíbias foram submetidos a exame histológico e histomorfométrico, além do teste de remoção de torque para comparação e análise da osseointegração. Resultados: As imagens de MEV mostraram que o tratamento de superfície com plasma de argônio alterou a topografia. Ao final do estudo, foi verificada maior formação óssea e melhor osseointegração no grupo experimental, e foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que os implantes com esse tratamento de superfície podem trazer mais praticidade no tratamento de reabilitação e maior conforto no pós-operatório dos pacientes (AU)

Adhesion of Resin Cement to Zirconia Using Argon Plasma and Primer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) and priming on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a resin cement to two zirconia ceramics after 24 hours and 1 year of water storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 plates (9 x 7 x 2 mm) were obtained from two types of zirconia (Katana, Kuraray Noritake; and ZirCAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) plates randomly divided into 12 groups (n = 10 each). Zirconia ceramic plates were submitted to the following treatments: (1) untreated (control); (2) treated with ZPrime Plus (Bisco Dental) primer; (3) NTAP (Surface Plasma Tool Model SAP, Surface Engineering and Plasma Solution) application for 10 seconds; (4) NTAP for 30 seconds; (5) NTAP for 10 seconds followed by priming; and (6) NTAP for 30 seconds followed by priming. Two silicone molds (2.37-mm diameter x 2-mm height) were positioned on the treated surface of each zirconia plate, and the resin cement (Panavia F 2.0, Kuraray Noritake) was manipulated and inserted into the molds. After light activation, two resin cement cylinders (specimens) were obtained from each plate. One specimen was tested after 24 hours, and the other after 1 year. The shear load was applied to the base of the resin cement cylinders until failure. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test (α = .05). RESULTS: NTAP application alone (groups 3 and 4) increased SBS compared to the control group only at 24 hours. After 1 year, the NTAP/primer combination showed higher SBS than the other groups. Water storage for 1 year reduced the bond strength for all groups. CONCLUSION: NTAP, combined or not combined with primer, had a beneficial effect on adhesion after 24 hours and after 1 year. Water storage negatively influenced the adhesion in all groups.

Argon Atmospheric Plasma Treatment Promotes Burn Healing by Stimulating Inflammation and Controlling the Redox State.

Burns are a public health problem, with second-degree burns as one of the most common types. Although intense inflammation worsens burn healing, effective therapies are scarce. Thus, infections and hypertrophic scars may occur, which compromise patient quality of life and may delay healing. Argon atmospheric plasma (AP) has been shown to positively influence wound healing. In the context of identifying effective and alternative therapies for the treatment of second-degree burns, the present study evaluated AP in the treatment of second-degree burns in rats compared to that for sham treatment on the 2nd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-injury. Our results revealed proinflammatory effect for AP by recruiting predominantly neutrophils on the 7th day and macrophages on the 21st day compared to sham treatment, allowing a greater production of interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-17, and also controlled the inflammation by IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1. AP also showed antioxidant activity important for controlling oxidative damage on the 2nd day. This favored the induction of angiogenesis from the 2nd day and induction fibroplasia and fibrillogenesis after the 14th day, which enhanced burn healing with the formation of a thinner burn eschar before the 21st day post-burn. Thus, AP effectively modulated the inflammatory phase of second-degree burn healing through the control of oxidative damage that favored the following phases. Therefore, AP is a relevant alternative in the treatment of second-degree burns.