SEM/EDS Evaluation of the Mineral Deposition on a Polymeric Composite Resin of a Toothpaste Containing Biomimetic Zn-Carbonate Hydroxyapatite (microRepair®) in Oral Environment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Toothpastes containing biomimetic hydroxyapatite have been investigated in recent years; the behavior of this material in the oral environment has been evaluated directly on dental enamel showing a marked remineralizing activity. To propose microRepair®-based toothpastes (Zn-carbonate hydroxyapatite) for the domiciliary oral hygiene in patients with dental composite restorations, the aim of this study was to evaluate the deposition of Zn-carbonate hydroxyapatite on a polymeric composite resin with Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS) analysis. Twenty healthy volunteers underwent the bonding of 3 orthodontic buttons on the vestibular surfaces of upper right premolars and first molar. On the surface of the buttons, a ball-shaped mass of composite resin was applied and light-cured. Then, the volunteers were randomly divided into two groups according to the toothpaste used for domiciliary oral hygiene: the Control toothpaste containing stannous fluoride and the Trial toothpaste containing microRepair®. The buttons were debonded after 7 days (T1—first premolar), after 15 days (T2—second premolar), and after 30 days (T3—first molar) to undergo the SEM/EDS analysis. The deposition of calcium, phosphorus, and silicon was assessed through EDS analysis and data were submitted to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). SEM morphologic evaluation showed a marked deposition of the two toothpastes on the surfaces of the buttons. EDS quantitative analysis showed an increase of calcium, phosphorus, and silicon in both the groups, with a statistically significant difference of calcium deposition at T3 for the Trial group. Therefore, the use of toothpaste containing Zn-carbonate hydroxyapatite could be proposed as a device for domiciliary oral hygiene because the deposition of hydroxyapatite on polymeric composite resin could prevent secondary caries on the margins of restorations.

Number of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts in Combination Carbonate Hydroxyapatite, Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Antioxidant in Socket Rats Wistar After Tooth Extraction

Background: Bone graft materials have been used extensively to support bone healing after tooth extraction. Bone healing could be increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) that prolong the phase of the inflammatory and delay reparative phase. Antioxidants are substances that can improve and reduce the number and the damage produced by ROS. Hence, the utilization of antioxidant which is utilized in conjunction to Carbonate hydroxyapatite is expected to increase the success of bone healing. Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the number of osteoblasts and osteoclast in the process of bone healing after employing Carbonate Hydroxyapatite and antioxidant in the Wistar rats’ incisor tooth extraction socket. Methods: Twenty-seven male Rattus norvegicus strain Wistar rats were divided into 3 treatment groups. This study uses a post-test only control design. Sample of 27 rats were divided into 3 groups. Mandibular incisive is extraction. Group 1, socket is lefted to fill with blood (control). Group 2, socket is filled bonegraft and antioxidants and group III, socket is filled antioxidants, bonegraft and platelet rich fibrin (PRF). After that, the wound is sutured. On day 14, the mice are terminated then viewed in microscopy of osteoblasts. The preparation of the bone tissues was given the staining by hematoxylin-eosin and then the numbers of the osteoblasts and osteoclast were calculated. Results: Statistical testing by using one-way ANOVA has proved that there are significant differences in the number of osteoblasts in all 3 groups (p = 0.000). The highest numbers of osteoblasts were found in the group that was given Carbonate Hydroxyapatite combined with antioxidant and PRF and the lowest numbers of osteoblasts were found in the control group. Conclusion: Combination bonegraft, antioxidants and PRF could be increased the highest number of osteoblasts and could be decreased the lowest number of osteoclasts compared with control group and the group bonegraft and antioxidants.

A Comparative Study of Pathological Nanomineral Aggregates with Distinct Morphology in Human Aortic Atherosclerotic Plaques

Calcification exists in atherosclerotic plaques in the form of nanomineral aggregates and is closely related to the development of atherosclerosis. Spheroidal and massive calcification are two major types of calcification found in atherosclerotic tissue. However, the exact difference between these two types of calcification is still not clear. Samples composed entirely of spheroidal calcifications and massive calcifications were isolated from aortic atherosclerotic plaques and tested using both bulk and microscopic analysis techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that spheroidal calcifications had a core–shell structure. Massive calcifications were composed of randomly arranged nanocrystals. Synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction showed amorphous calcium phosphate, whitlockite and carbonate hydroxyapatite all existing in spheroidal calcification, while massive calcification only consisted of carbonate hydroxyapatite. We conclude that amorphous calcium phosphate may act as a precursor phase of spheroidal calcifications that eventually transforms into a crystalline phase, while whitlockite in lesions could aggravate the progression of atherosclerosis.

The combination of carbonate hydroxyapatite and human β-defensin 3 to enhance collagen fibre density in periodontitis Sprague Dawley rats

Background: Carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA) is used as a scaffold to repair bone resorption. Alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis caused by an infection requires the presence of an antibacterial to support bone regeneration. Human β-defensin 3 (HBD3) is an antimicrobial peptide. The local application of the HBD3 antimicrobial is beneficial to inhibiting drug resistance and protecting tissue regeneration against invasive bacteria. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of the administration of a combination of CHA with HBD3 on the collagen density of periodontitis rats (Sprague Dawley). Methods: This study was a true experimental study with a post-test control group design. Thirty-two Sprague Dawley animal models were randomly blind selected placed under anaesthetic, then a 2-mm silk ligature was attached as a ligation to the mandibular incisors for 14 days in order to generate periodontitis. The study subjects were divided into two groups, the group with CHA and CHA loaded HBD3 (CHA + HBD3) implantation. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28, four rats were taken randomly from each group for decapitation, followed by histological processing and examination with trichome Mallory staining. The data was analysed using the Kruskal Wallis test (p<0.05). Results: An increase in collagen density during the healing process was found. There was a significant difference between CHA and CHA+HBD (p=0.004 and p=0.008; p<0.05) in collagen density between the groups. Conclusion: The combination of CHA and HBD3 can enhance the collagen density in periodontitis Sprague Dawley rats, compared to CHA only groups.

Effect of Carbonate Hydroxyapatite (CHA) on the Properties of Pectin Edible Films

Pectin is a derivative polysaccharides biopolymer that can be used as a material for an edible film. In this study, pectin edible film was made from a thin layer of edible pectin. The physical properties of the edible films such as elongation of the break, tensile strength, and the swelling degree were observed when carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA) was added to the pectin edible film. In order to study the loading and release behavior of the pectin edible film, cinnamaldehyde (2 wt%) was also added to the film used as a drug sample. Cinnamaldehyde is known as a derivative compound of cinnamon bark. The edible film was made by mixing pectin (0.015 g/mL) and carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA). Various concentration of carbonate hydroxyapatite (1, 3, 5, 7 wt%) was diluted in water and stirred using tween 80 and glycerol for about 1.5 h at a temperature of 70 °C. Then, cinnamaldehyde was added to the mixture and stirred for 30 minutes. The mixture was dried in an oven at a temperature of 50 °C for 15 h and stored in the desiccator. The experiment results showed that the tensile strength of pectin edible film was increased when more concentration of CHA added to the film, but the elongation of break and swelling were decreased. These results indicate that the addition of carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA) affects the properties of pectin edible film significantly but does not affect the thickness of the film.