OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of hydroxyapatite (HA)-based desensiti-zing agents and determine their influence on the bonding performance of mild universal adhesives. METHODS: Mid-coronal dentin samples were sectioned from human third molars and prepared for a dentin-sensitive model. According to desensitizing applications, they were randomly divided into four groups for the following treatments: no desensitizing treatment (control), Biorepair toothpaste (HA-based desensitizing toothpaste) treatment, Dontodent toothpaste (HA-based desensitizing toothpaste) treatment, and HA paste treatment. Dentin tubular occlusion and occluded area ratios were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, All-Bond Universal, Single Bond Universal, and Clearfil Universal Bond were applied to the desensitized dentin in self-etch mode. The wettability and surface free energy (SFE) of desensitized dentin were evaluated by contact angle measurements. Bonded specimens were sectioned into beams and tested for micro-tensile bond strength to analyze the effect of desensitizing treatment on the bond strength to dentin of universal adhesives. RESULTS: SEM revealed that the dentin tubule was occluded by HA-based desensitizing agents, and the area ratios for the occluded dentin tubules were in the following order: HA group>Biorepair group>Dontodent group (P<0.05). Contact angle analysis demonstrated that HA-based desensitizing agents had no statistically significant influence on the wettability of the universal adhesives (P>0.05). The SFE of dentin significantly increased after treatment by HA-based desensitizing agents (P<0.05). The micro-tensile bond strength test showed that HA-based desensitizing toothpastes always decreased the μTBS values (P<0.05), whereas the HA paste group presented similar bond strength to the control group (P>0.05), irrespective of universal adhesive types. CONCLUSIONS HA-based desensitizing agents can occlude the exposed dentinal tubules on sensitive dentin. When mild and ultra-mild universal adhesives were used for subsequent resin restoration, the bond strength was reduced by HA-based desensitizing toothpastes, whereas the pure HA paste had no adverse effect on bond strength.
Humans ; Dental Cements/analysis* ; Dentin/chemistry* ; Durapatite/pharmacology* ; Tensile Strength ; Toothpastes

Ginsenoside Rb1, the effective constituent of ginseng, has been demonstrated to play favorable roles in improving the immunity system. However, there is little study on the osteogenesis and angiogenesis effect of Ginsenoside Rb1. Moreover, how to establish a delivery system of Ginsenoside Rb1 and its repairment ability in bone defect remains elusive. In this study, the role of Ginsenoside Rb1 in cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, osteogenic genes expression, ALP activity of rat BMSCs were evaluated firstly. Then, micro-nano HAp granules combined with silk were prepared to establish a delivery system of Ginsenoside Rb1, and the osteogenic and angiogenic effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 loaded on micro-nano HAp/silk in rat calvarial defect models were assessed by sequential fluorescence labeling, and histology analysis, respectively. It revealed that Ginsenoside Rb1 could maintain cell viability, significantly increased ALP activity, osteogenic and angiogenic genes expression. Meanwhile, micro-nano HAp granules combined with silk were fabricated smoothly and were a delivery carrier for Ginsenoside Rb1. Significantly, Ginsenoside Rb1 loaded on micro-nano HAp/silk could facilitate osteogenesis and angiogenesis. All the outcomes hint that Ginsenoside Rb1 could reinforce the osteogenesis differentiation and angiogenesis factor's expression of BMSCs. Moreover, micro-nano HAp combined with silk could act as a carrier for Ginsenoside Rb1 to repair bone defect.
Alginates/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Bone Regeneration ; Cell Differentiation ; Durapatite/pharmacology* ; Ginsenosides ; Osteogenesis ; Rats ; Silk/pharmacology* ; Tissue Scaffolds

OBJECTIVE: To explore the interaction between arginine functionalized hydroxyapatite (HAP/Arg) nanoparticles and endothelial cells, and to investigate mechanisms for endocytosis kinetics and endocytosis.
 METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were selected as the research model.Cellular uptake of HAP/Arg nanoparticles were observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy.Average fluorescence intensity of cells after ingestion with different concentrations of HAP/Arg nanoparticles were determined by flow cytometer and atomic force microscopy.
 RESULTS: The HAP/Arg nanoparticles with doped terbium existed in cytoplasm, and most of them distributed around the nucleus area after cellular uptake by HUVECs. Cellular uptake process of HAP/Arg nanoparticles in HUVECs was in a time and concentration dependent manner. 4 h and 50 mg/L was the best condition for uptake. HAP/Arg nanoparticles were easier to be up-taken into the cells than HAP nanoparticles without arginine functionalized.
 CONCLUSION HAP/Arg nanoparticles are internalized by HUVECs cells through an active transport and energy-dependent endocytosis process, and it is up-taken by cells mainly through caveolin-mediated endocytosis, but the clathrin-dependent endocytic pathway is also involved..
Arginine ; pharmacology ; Biological Transport, Active ; physiology ; Caveolins ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Clathrin ; physiology ; Durapatite ; pharmacokinetics ; Endocytosis ; physiology ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Nanoparticles ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEThis study aims to compare and determine a kind of nano-hydroxyapatite composite material with good antibacterial efficacy on Enterococcusfaecalis (E. faecalis) in vitro.

METHODSWe investigated the antimicrobial activity of four kinds of nano-hydroxyapatite composites, namely, silver/hydroxyapatite composite nanoparticles (Ag/nHA), yttrium/hydroxyapatite composite nanoparticles (Yi/nHA), cerium/hydroxyapatite composite nanoparticles (Ce/nHA), and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHA), against E. faecalis in vitro using the agar diffusion and broth dilution method by measuring the growth inhibition zone and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), respectively.

RESULTSThe agar diffusion test results showed that Ag/nHA displayed an obvious growth inhibition zone, whereas Yi/nHA, Ce/nHA, and nHA showed no influence on E. faecalis. The MIC value of Ag/nHA was 1.0 g.L-1, and the three other materials had no effect on E.faecalis even at the high concentration of 32.0 g.L-1.

CONCLUSIONAg/nHA display a potential antimicrobial efficacy to planktonic E.faecalis. Whereas, the three other kinds of nano-hydroxyapatite composites (Yi/nHA, Ce/nHA, nHA) show no influence.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Durapatite ; pharmacology ; Enterococcus faecalis ; drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Nanocomposites ; toxicity ; Silver

Lysostaphin is highly effective on eliminating methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In order to achieve controlled release of lysostaphin, a biocompatible drug carrier is needed. Hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HA/CS) composites were chosen to carry lysostaphin and sample composites with different weight ratios of HA to CS, including 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 40/60, were prepared. Multiple analyses were performed to determine the structural and physicochemical properties of the composites, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We immersed HA/CS composites loaded with 1 wt% lysostaphin to test in vitro release activity and cultured MC3T3-E1 cells to carry out biocompatibility test. The result of the release behavior of the composites revealed that the controlled release of lysostaphin from 60/40 HA/CS composites was the highest release rate of (87.4 ± 2.8)%, which lasted for 120 hours. In biocompatibility testing, MC3T3-E1 cells were able to proliferate on the surface of these composites, and the extract liquid from the composites could increase the growth of the cells. These results demonstrate the controlled release of lysostaphin from HA/CS composites and their biocompatibility, suggesting the potential application of these composites to bone injury and infection applications.
3T3 Cells ; Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Durapatite ; chemistry ; Lysostaphin ; pharmacology ; Materials Testing ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Mice ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; X-Ray Diffraction

The purpose of the present study was to observe the structure and functional change of the bone-coating-prosthesis interface in vivo and to evaluate the histocompatibility of self-made prosthetic femoral components in the body and the degree of their bonding with the surrounding bone tissues as well as their stability. Six mature beagle dogs underwent bilateral hip replacement with prosthetic femur components. Three groups were established in terms of different coating of prothesis (four joints in each group): atmosphere (A) plasma-sprayed pure titanium (Ti) prosthetic joint with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating (HA+Ti+A group); vacuum (V) plasma-sprayed pure Ti prosthetic joint with HA coating (HA+Ti+V group); vacuum plasma-sprayed pure Ti prosthetic joint with Ti-HA stepped coating (Ti+HAG+Ti+V group). The hip joints were functionally evaluated, and subjected to X-ray examination, biomechanics inspection, and histological examination. As a result, X-ray imaging revealed all prosthetic joints were in a good location and no dislocation of joint was found. Shear strength of interface was significantly higher in Ti+HAG+Ti+V group than in HA+Ti+V group (P<0.05) and HA+Ti+A group (P<0.05) at 28th week. Histological examination showed the amount of newborn bone in Ti+HAG+Ti+V group was more than in HA+Ti+V group and HA+Ti+A group after 28 weeks. It was suggested that vacuum plasma-sprayed pure Ti prosthetic joint with TI-HA stepped coating could improve the bonding capacity of bone-prosthesis, enhance the stability of prosthesis, and increase the fixion of prosthetic femoral components because of better bone growth. This new type of biological material in prosthetic femoral components holds promises for application in clinical practice.
Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; drug effects ; physiology ; Bone Development ; drug effects ; physiology ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; pharmacology ; Dogs ; Durapatite ; pharmacology ; Femur ; drug effects ; physiology ; Prostheses and Implants ; Titanium ; pharmacology ; Vacuum

Nano-cryopreservation may become a new way in the next generation of cryopreservation technology. However, research using nanoparticles in oocytes vitrification has not been reported in the literature. In this study, HA nanoparticles with different diameters were added into cryoprotectant and M II-stage porcine oocytes were vitrified by Cryotop. The results showed that nanoparticles improved the survival rate of cryopreserved M II-stage porcine oocytes, but the difference between nanoparticles with different diameters of was not significant. In order to study the mechanism of nano-cryopreservation, the cooling rate of cryoprotectant was measured by ultra-fast temperature measurement system and the melting enthalpy of cryoprotectant was measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results showed that the adding of nanoparitcles could not increase the cooling rate of cryoprotectant, but could decreases the amount of ice crystals during freezing and warming. Therefore, the mechanical injury within and outside cells might be effectively reduced.
Animals ; Cell Survival ; physiology ; Cryopreservation ; methods ; veterinary ; Cryoprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Durapatite ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; methods ; veterinary ; Metaphase ; Nanoparticles ; Oocytes ; cytology ; Swine ; Vitrification

This in vitro study aims to evaluate the crystal and surface microstructure of dental enamel after cold-light bleaching treatment. Twelve sound human premolars were cross-split into four specimens, namely, mesio-buccal (Group LP), disto-buccal (Group P), mesio-lingual (Group NP) and disto-lingual (Group L) specimens. These four groups were treated using the standard cold-light bleaching procedure, a bleaching agent, a peroxide-free bleaching agent and cold-light, respectively. Before and after treatment, all specimens were analyzed by high-resolution, micro-area X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Using a spectrometer, tooth color of all specimens was measured before and after treatment. The phase of the enamel crystals was identified as hydroxyapatite and carbonated hydroxyapatite. After treatment, specimens in Groups LP and P showed significantly weaker X-ray diffraction peaks, significant reduction in crystal size and crystallinity, significant increase in L* but decrease in a* and b*, and obvious alterations in the surface morphology. However, specimens in Groups NP and L did not show any significant changes. The cold-light bleaching treatment leads to demineralization in the enamel surface. The acidic peroxide-containing bleaching agent was the major cause of demineralization, whereas cold-light did not exhibit significant increase or decrease effect on this demineralization.
Color ; Crystallography ; Dental Enamel ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; ultrastructure ; Durapatite ; radiation effects ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Lighting ; instrumentation ; Materials Testing ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology ; Spectrum Analysis ; Tooth Bleaching ; methods ; Tooth Bleaching Agents ; classification ; pharmacology ; Tooth Demineralization ; pathology ; X-Ray Diffraction

Trans-trans farnesol (tt-farnesol) is a bioactive sesquiterpene alcohol commonly found in propolis (a beehive product) and citrus fruits, which disrupts the ability of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to form virulent biofilms. In this study, we investigated whether tt-farnesol affects cell-membrane function, acid production and/or acid tolerance by planktonic cells and biofilms of S. mutans UA159. Furthermore, the influence of the agent on S. mutans gene expression and ability to form biofilms in the presence of other oral bacteria (Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis) 35037 and Actinomyces naeslundii (A. naeslundii) 12104) was also examined. In general, tt-farnesol (1 mmol x L(-1)) significantly increased the membrane proton permeability and reduced glycolytic activity of S. mutans in the planktonic state and in biofilms (P < 0.05). Moreover, topical applications of 1 mmol x L(-1) tt-farnesol twice daily (1 min exposure/treatment) reduced biomass accumulation and prevented ecological shifts towards S. mutans dominance within mixed-species biofilms after introduction of 1% sucrose. S. oralis (a non-cariogenic organism) became the major species after treatments with tt-farnesol, whereas vehicle-treated biofilms contained mostly S. mutans (>90% of total bacterial population). However, the agent did not affect significantly the expression of S. mutans genes involved in acidogenicity, acid tolerance or polysaccharide synthesis in the treated biofilms. Our data indicate that tt-farnesol may affect the competitiveness of S. mutans in a mixed-species environment by primarily disrupting the membrane function and physiology of this bacterium. This naturally occurring terpenoid could be a potentially useful adjunctive agent to the current anti-biofilm/anti-caries chemotherapeutic strategies.
Actinomyces ; physiology ; Biofilms ; drug effects ; Cell Membrane Permeability ; drug effects ; Colony Count, Microbial ; Durapatite ; Farnesol ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; drug effects ; Glycolysis ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Microbial Viability ; drug effects ; Plankton ; drug effects ; Saliva ; microbiology ; Streptococcus mutans ; drug effects ; genetics ; physiology ; Streptococcus oralis ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo determine the amount of silver in silver-loaded coral hydroxyapatite (Ag(+)-CHA) bone substitute and its impact on the biocompatibility of this material with mouse embryonic osteoblast cells.

METHODSAg(+)-CHA was prepared by immersing coral hydroxyapatite in a serial concentration of silver nitrate solutions. The amount of silver in the prepared Ag(+)-CHA was measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The viability of MC3T3-E1 cells incubated with Ag(+)-CHA was measured by MTT colorimetric assay, and the cell growth and morphological changes were observed by inverted phase-contrast microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope.

RESULTSThe amount of silver loading in the bone substitutes prepared by immersion in 1×10(-2), 1×10(-3), 5×10(-4), 10(-4), 8×10(-5), and 5×10(-5) mol/L silver nitrate solutions were 4127.67∓47.35, 167.90∓11.00, 83.42∓4.51, 30.20∓2.32, 22.39∓4.09, and 15.11∓0.55 µg/g, respectively. A low silver content in the material (prepared with silver nitrate solution of less than 8×10(-5) mol/L) showed no significant inhibitory effect on the growth of MC3T3-E1 cells or produced noticeable cytotoxic effect. On the materials prepared with 8×10(-5) and 10(-5) mol/L silver nitrate solution, the osteoblasts displayed active proliferation similar to those incubated on materials without silver loading. The confluent cells showed a normal fusiform morphology with tight arrangement.

CONCLUSIONAg(+)-CHA with low silver content has a good biocompability and can promote the proliferation and growth of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro, suggesting the clinical potential of this material as a anti-infection bone substitute.

3T3 Cells ; Animals ; Anthozoa ; chemistry ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Bone Substitutes ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Durapatite ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Materials Testing ; Mice ; Silver ; analysis ; chemistry ; pharmacology