Nano-Hydroxyapatite Gel and Its Effects on Remineralization of Artificial Carious Lesions

Introduction. Nano-hydroxyapatite gel (NHG) has never been investigated for enamel remineralization. This study evaluated the effects of two concentrations of NHG on remineralization of an artificial carious lesion in comparison with nano-HA toothpaste (NHT) and fluoride varnish (FV). Materials and Methods. Carious lesions were prepared on 100 enamel samples and divided into 5 groups: FV, NHT, 20% NHG, and 30% NHG. One untreated (NT) group was left as control. The hardness of the surface was evaluated before, during, and after remineralization. Microhardness at various phases and the percent recovery of hardness (%HR) were determined and analyzed with ANOVA. Polarized-light micrographs (PLM) were evaluated for depth of the carious lesion. Results. Significantly different remineralization capability was indicated for tested agents ( p < 0.05 ). NHT was significantly capable of remineralization greater than NHG, FV, and NT ( p < 0.05 ). No noticeable difference in %HR between 20% NHG and 30% NHG ( p > 0.05 ) was found. Decreasing in the depth of caries lesion was notified by PLM as applying either NHT or NHG as greater than FV, with no reduction in the depth for NT. Conclusions. Nano-HA both in toothpaste and gel form was capable of remineralization better than fluoride varnish. Comparable remineralization of 20% versus 30% NHG was evidenced. NHG for both concentrations was recommended as a capable remineralizing agent for caries remineralization. Clinical Significance: This study indicated that an application of nano-HA gel is an attractive route to deliver the material and can be more effective and less toxic than conventional formulations and provide its effectiveness directly at the site of action, especially for a noncooperative young child and medicinally intimidated patients who may face with inconvenience in using toothbrush and toothpaste for hygiene control.

Evaluation of osteogenic properties after application of hydroxyapatite-based shells of Portunus pelagicus

Background: After tooth extraction, the socket leaves a defect on the alveolar bone. The administration of shell crab-derived hydroxyapatite maintains bone dimensions that are important for achieving successful prosthodontic treatment. Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the osteogenic properties, such as the number of osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes, after the application of hydroxyapatite-based shell crab in the post-extraction sockets of Wistar rats. Methods: There were two groups: the control group (K) and the treatment group (T). Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and treatment groups. After tooth extraction, hydroxyapatite gel derived from Portunus pelagicus shells was applied to the tooth sockets of Wistar rats. Observations and calculations of osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes were carried out on the 14th and 28th days under a light microscope with 400 times magnification. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. Results: There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the K14 and P14 groups, K28 and P28 groups, K14 and K28 groups, and P14 and P28 groups. The results indicated that there were significant differences between groups of variables. Conclusion: The application of shell crab-derived hydroxyapatite (Portunus pelagicus) was able to decrease the number of osteoclasts and increase the number of osteoblasts and osteocytes.

Hibrid biomaterials based on hydroxyapatite and blood components

Hybrid biomaterials based on amorphous hydroxyapatite and blood components (fibrin, citrate plasma) were developed by chemical precipitation of hydroxyapatite in a biopolymer matrix (pH 11; Ca/P ratio 1.67) and by mixing 6–14 wt.% of hydroxyapatite gel (pH 7.0–7.2) with bipolymers. Chemically precipitated hydroxyapatite in biopolymer matrices is single phase or contains ticalcium phosphate impurity up to 30 %, mainly α-modification in fibrin matrix and β-modification in citrate plasma. The interaction of hydroxyapatite gel into the fibrin leads to significant amorphization of hydroxyapatite and an increase in its bioresorbability. Holding the composites with hydroxyapatite obtained by chemical precipitation in the Simulated Body Fluid model solution for 75 days leads to their partial resorption and simultaneous increase of biomimetic apatite, with its greater weight gain on composites with a fibrin. Hybrid biomaterials based on a fibrin obtained from the patient’s blood and hydroxyapatite gel showed positive result during implantation, allowing to form an adequate configuration of the defect, expanding the possibilities of ENT surgery.

Immunological and Differentiation Properties of Amniotic Cells Are Retained After Immobilization in Pectin Gel

Mesenchymal stromal cells from the human amniotic membrane (i.e., human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells [hAMSCs]) of term placenta are increasingly attracting attention for their applications in regenerative medicine. Osteochondral defects represent a major clinical problem with lifelong chronic pain and compromised quality of life. Great promise for osteochondral regeneration is held in hydrogel-based constructs that have a flexible composition and mimic the physiological structure of cartilage. Cell loading within a hydrogel represents an advantage for regenerative purposes, but the encapsulation steps can modify cell properties. As pectin gels have also been explored as cell vehicles on 3D scaffolds, the aim of this study was to explore the possibility to include hAMSCs in pectin gel. Immobilization of hAMSCs into pectin gels could expand their application in cell-based bioengineering strategies. hAMSCs were analyzed for their viability and recovery from the pectin gel and for their ability to differentiate toward the osteogenic lineage and to maintain their immunological characteristics. When treated with a purposely designed pectin/hydroxyapatite gel biocomposite, hAMSCs retained their ability to differentiate toward the osteogenic lineage, did not induce an immune response, and retained their ability to reduce T cell proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that hAMSCs could be used in combination to pectin gels for the study of novel osteochondral regeneration strategies.

Surface and mineral changes of enamel with different remineralizing agents in conjunction with carbon-dioxide laser

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface/mineral changes on enamel before and after the application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel, fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel and propolis in conjunction with carbon-dioxide (CO2) laser. Materials and Methods: Crowns of 40 human maxillary central incisors were collected and were divided into four groups of 10 each: Topical fluoride application only, topical fluoride application followed by CO2 laser irradiation, CO2 laser irradiation followed by topical fluoride application and CO2 laser irradiation before and after topical fluoride application. The 10 crowns in each group was again sectioned into four equal parts of mesio-incisal, disto-incisal, mesio-cervical and disto-cervical sections rendering 40 samples in each group. Each group was again subdivided into four subgroups: Subgroup C - untreated enamel surface (control). Subgroup A - APF gel application, subgroup R - fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel application and subgroup P - propolis application. The surface morphology of the test samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and mineral changes by energy dispersion X-ray spectrophotometer. Results: Total mineral content is maximum in Group 4A (CO2 laser irradiation before and after APF gel application) and calcium/phosphate ratio is highest in Group 4R (CO2 laser irradiation before and after Remin-Pro application). Group 2A (APF gel application followed by CO2 laser irradiation) has the maximum fluoride retention. Conclusion: Laser irradiation of enamel through a topically applied APF gel is effective in the prophylaxis and management of dental caries.