Polymeric hydrogels have been widely researched as drug delivery systems, wound dressings and tissue engineering scaffolds due to their unique properties such as good biocompatibility, shaping ability and similar properties to extracellular matrix. However, further development of conventional hydrogels for biomedical applications is still limited by their poor mechanical properties and self-healing properties. Currently, nanocomposite hydrogels with excellent properties and customized functions can be obtained by introducing nanoparticles into their network, and different types of nanoparticles, including carbon-based, polymer-based, inorganic-based and metal-based nanoparticle, are commonly used. Nanocomposite hydrogels incorporated with polymeric micelles can not only enhance the mechanical properties, self-healing properties and chemical properties of hydrogels, but also improve the
Biocompatible Materials ; Hydrogels ; Micelles ; Nanocomposites ; Polymers

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different drinks on the color parameters of four different restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different composites (Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative, Filtek Ultimate Flowable, and Filtek Silorane, 3M ESPE) and a polyacid-modified composite resin material (Dyract XP, Dentsply DeTrey GmbH) were evaluated. Eighty-four disc-shaped specimens of 8 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness were prepared (n = 21 each). Color coordinates (L*a*b*, DeltaL*, Deltaa*, Deltab*, and DeltaE*) were measured using a VITA Easyshade Compact (VITA Zahnfabrik) after 24 hr of storage (baseline) and after 30 day of storage in three different beverages of black tea, Coca cola, or water (control) (n = 7). In each beverage, the specimens were stored three times a day, one hr each, for 30 day. The color changes (DeltaE) were calculated and were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn multiple comparison test. RESULTS: The color difference (DeltaE*) of the resin materials ranged between 1.31 and 15.28 after 30 day of immersion in the staining solutions. Dyract XP in Coca cola (15.28 +/- 2.61) and black tea (12.22 +/- 2.73) showed the highest mean DeltaE* value after 30 day, followed by Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative (5.99 +/- 1.25) and Filtek Ultimate Flowable (4.71 +/- 1.40) in black tea (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The compomers displayed unacceptable color changes at the end of 30 day in all beverages. Among resin composites, the silorane based composite exhibited relatively good color stability than the others. Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative and Filtek Flowable showed similar color changes in all beverages.
Beverages ; Coca ; Cola ; Compomers ; Immersion ; Nanocomposites ; Silorane Resins ; Tea ; Water

The present study investigates Mg-SiO
Magnesium ; Mandibular Reconstruction ; Materials Testing ; Nanocomposites ; Silicon Dioxide

PURPOSE: This study characterized the synthesis of a modified PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) denture acrylic loading platinum nanoparticles (PtN) and assessed its bacterial inhibitory efficacy to produce novel antimicrobial denture base material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polymerized PMMA denture acrylic disc (20 mm x 2 mm) specimens containing 0 (control), 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L of PtN were fabricated respectively. The obtained platinum-PMMA nanocomposite (PtNC) was characterized by TEM (transmission electron microscopy), SEM/EDX (scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), thermogravimetric and atomic absorption spectrophotometer analysis. In antimicrobial assay, specimens were placed on the cell culture plate, and 100 microL of microbial suspensions of S. mutans (Streptococcus mutans) and S. sobrinus (Streptococcus sobrinus) were inoculated then incubated at 37degrees C for 24 hours. The bacterial attachment was tested by FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) analysis after staining with fluorescent probe. RESULTS: PtN were successfully loaded and uniformly immobilized into PMMA denture acrylic with a proper thermal stability and similar surface morphology as compared to control. PtNC expressed significant bacterial anti-adherent effect rather than bactericidal effect above 50 mg/L PtN loaded when compared to pristine PMMA (P=.01) with no or extremely small amounts of Pt ion eluted. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the synthesis and its antibacterial activity of Pt-PMMA nanocomposite. PMMA denture acrylic loading PtN could be a possible intrinsic antimicrobial denture material with proper mechanical characteristics, meeting those specified for denture bases. For clinical application, future studies including biocompatibility, color stability and warranting the long-term effect were still required.
Absorption ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Denture Bases ; Dentures* ; Nanocomposites ; Nanoparticles* ; Platinum* ; Polymers ; Polymethyl Methacrylate* ; Suspensions

PURPOSE: For a successful partial liver resection, familiarity with the many anatomical variations of the biliary and vascular components in the liver is important. The aim of this study was to fabricate a precisely reproduced model of a human hepatic vascular cast with a very fine structure using elastomeric nanocomposites. METHODS: A model of the vascular structure of the human liver was prepared by injecting elastomeric nanocomposites latex into that of a human liver obtained from a cadaver dissection, followed by cross-linking of the elastomeric nanocomposites, and then leaching out the human tissues using a strong acid solution. RESULTS: A produced new version of human vascular casts, with further improved performances in both the stability and mechanical property, was successfully produced by application of new elastomer nanocomposites techniques based on clay nano particles. The cast showed a much finer vascular structure and lasted longer. This new technique is expected to provide a useful protocol for the investigating of the real vascular structure of the human liver. CONCLUSION: A precisely reproduced vascular cast of the human liver will significantly help to solve surgical complications, such as hepatic congestion-induced vascular injury and bile leakage, and give a more precise simulation for anatomical hepatic resection.
Bile ; Cadaver ; Elastomers* ; Humans ; Latex ; Liver ; Nanocomposites* ; Recognition (Psychology) ; Vascular System Injuries

Tooth decay is prevalent, and secondary caries causes restoration failures, both of which are related to demineralization. There is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic materials with remineralization functions. This article represents the first review on the cutting edge research of poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) in combination with nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP). PAMAM was excellent nucleation template, and could absorb calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ions via its functional groups to activate remineralization. NACP composite and adhesive showed acid-neutralization and Ca and P ion release capabilities. PAMAM+NACP together showed synergistic effects and produced triple benefits: excellent nucleation templates, superior acid-neutralization, and ions release. Therefore, the PAMAM+NACP strategy possessed much greater remineralization capacity than using PAMAM or NACP alone. PAMAM+NACP achieved dentin remineralization even in an acidic solution without any initial Ca and P ions. Besides, the long-term remineralization capability of PAMAM+NACP was established. After prolonged fluid challenge, the immersed PAMAM with the recharged NACP still induced effective dentin mineral regeneration. Furthermore, the hardness of pre-demineralized dentin was increased back to that of healthy dentin, indicating a complete remineralization. Therefore, the novel PAMAM+NACP approach is promising to provide long-term therapeutic effects including tooth remineralization, hardness increase, and caries-inhibition capabilities.
Amines ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; Calcium Phosphates ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Dentin ; chemistry ; Humans ; Nanocomposites ; chemistry ; Nanoparticles ; Tooth Remineralization ; methods

OBJECTIVE: To observe the inhibitory effects of PEG-APTES-MNP magnetic heating on liver cancer cells. METHODS: The magnetic nanoparticle complex PEG-APTES-MNP was synthesized and its physiochemical properties and biocompatibility were characterized. HepG2 cells were incubated with the PEG-APTES-MNP nanoparticles for magnetic heating or nanoparticle therapy. Prussian blue staining was used to detect the uptake efficiency of the magnetic nanoparticles by HepG2 cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the nanoparticles on HepG2 cells, and laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to detect the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. Fifteen nude mice bearing HepG2 cell xenografts were randomized equally into PEG-APTES-MNP injection group (with nanocomposite injection only), PEG-APTES-MNP magnetic heating group and control group (with PBS injection), and the tumor growth were observed in the mice after the treatments. RESULTS: The synthesized PEG-APTES-MNP nanoparticles showed good physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Incubation of HepG2 with the nanoparticles resulted in significantly increased ROS production, obvious inhibition of the cell growth through the synergetic effects of magnetic heating ( < 0.05), and significantly enhanced cell apoptosis. In the tumor-bearing nude mice, the nanoparticles strongly inhibited the tumor growth by magnetic heating ( < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The magnetic nanocomposite PEG-APTES-MNP has good physicochemical properties and bioavailability and can strongly inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells both and in nude mice through magnetic heating, demonstrating its potential as a candidate nanomedicine for liver cancer treatment.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; Liver Neoplasms ; Magnetics ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Nanocomposites

OBJECTIVETo study the biocompatibility of porous calcium phosphate ceramics nanocomposite.

METHODSThe biocompatibility was evaluated via experiments including the hemolysis test, hemopexis test, acute systemic toxicity test, pyrogen test, and intramuscular implant test, in which biphasic calcium phosphate nanocomposite (NanoBCP) presented as leaching solution, suspension or blocks of 5 mmx5 mmxl mm. Animals including New Zealand Rabbits, Kunming mice, SD rats were selected as the host.

RESULTSThe hemolysis of NanoBCP was 1.1% (<5%). Four coagulation index levels were within the normal range. In pyrogen test, the temperature of each experimental rat increased by 0.35, 0.40, 0.28 degrees C (<0.60 degrees C, in accordance with the pyrogen-free criterion for biomedical materials). No consequent death, dyspnoea, organ dysfunction, severe peritoneal irritation or ptosis was observed in acute systemic toxic test. Newly-formed fibrous tissue could be found after the implantation.

CONCLUSIONThe material possesses outstanding biocompatibility and degradability with no toxicity or irritation, contains no pyrogen, as well as better degradation properties than biphasic calcium phosphate.

Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; Calcium Phosphates ; Ceramics ; Hydroxyapatites ; Mice ; Nanocomposites ; Prostheses and Implants ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

A novel Cu-IUDs material, PU/PEG/Cu nanocomposite, was prepared by melt blending method with thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) as the matrix, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a hydrophilic modifier, and with nanometer particles of copper as active matter instead of copper wire or copper tube. The structure, morphology, mechanical properties, thermal stability and water absorption were investigated by using FT-IR, XRD, SEM and so on. The results indicated that the nanometer particles of copper were uniformly dispersed in the matrix in PU/PEG/ Cu nanocomposites. It can be seen that the water absorption ability of this nanocomposite was obviously improved while mechanical properties and thermal stability were at high levels. These results provided a good basis for the studies on the cupric ions release of the nanocomposites in future.
Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; Intrauterine Devices, Copper ; Nanocomposites ; chemistry ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; Polyurethanes ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of the gelatin (Gt)/(polycaprolactam) PCL composite nanofiber scaffold on wound healing of full-thickness defect in rabbits.

METHODSSixteen rabbits were inflicted with full-thickness skin open wounds on the back, and they were divided into A group (with treatment of Gt/PCL nanofiber membrane, 8 wounds), B group (with treatment of PCL fiber membrane, 8 wounds), and C group (with treatment of vaseline gauze, 8 wounds), the wounds in A , B groups served as self controls. Wound healing time was recorded. Wound healing rates were calculated on 3, 7, 10 post operation day (POD). Wound specimens and their adjacent skin were examined histologically on 3, 7, and 10 POD.

RESULTSThere was obvious difference in wound healing time among A, B, C groups, and they were (18.2 +/- 1.3) d, (20.3 +/- 1.1) d, (22.0 +/- 0.6) d, respectively. Wound healing rate in A group was obviously higher than that in B, C group on 3, 7, 10 POD (P < 0.05). Compared with those in other groups, the proliferation of granulation tissue in dermis in A group was less, the epidermal cells were proliferated quickly, and collagen was arranged regularly.

CONCLUSIONGt/PCL composite nanofiber membrane can promote wound healing of full-thickness skin defect in rabbits, which is an ideal material for tissue engineering.

Animals ; Caprolactam ; chemistry ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gelatin ; chemistry ; Nanocomposites ; chemistry ; Rabbits ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Wound Healing