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

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

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to test the effect of 2 finishing–polishing sequences (QB, combining a 12/15-fluted finishing bur and an EVO-Light polisher; QWB, adding a 30-fluted polishing bur after the 12/15-fluted finishing bur used in the QB sequence) on 5 nanotech-based resin composites (Filtek Z500, Ceram X Mono, Ceram X Duo, Tetric Evoceram, and Tetric Evoceram Bulk Fill) by comparing their final surface roughness and hardness values to those of a Mylar strip control group (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve specimens of each nanocomposite were prepared in Teflon moulds. The surface of each resin composite was finished with QB (5 samples), QWB (5 samples), or MS (2 samples), and then evaluated (60 samples). Roughness was analysed with an optical profilometer, microhardness was tested with a Vickers indenter, and the surfaces were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05) followed by the Dunn test. RESULTS: For the hardness and roughness of nanocomposite resin, the QWB sequence was significantly more effective than QB (p < 0.05). The Filtek Z500 showed significantly harder surfaces regardless of the finishing–polishing sequence (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: QWB yielded the best values of surface roughness and hardness. The hardness and roughness of the 5 nanocomposites presented less significant differences when QWB was used.
Composite Resins ; Dental Polishing ; Hardness ; In Vitro Techniques ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Nanocomposites ; Polytetrafluoroethylene

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of three aesthetic restorative materials on the wear between tooth and restoration by a pin-on-disk manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six aesthetic restorative materials were used to prepare disk specimens for wear test, which were Lava Zirconia as zirconia group, Vintage MP and Cerabien ZR as veneering porcelain group, Gradia Direct microhybrid composite containing prepolymerized fillers, Filtek Z250 microhybrid composite containing zirconia glass and colloidal silica particles, and Filtek Z350 nanocomposite as composite resin group. Vertical loss of the worn cusp, change of the surface roughness of the restoration materials, and the surface topography were investigated after wear test under 9.8-N contact load. RESULTS: The porcelain groups (Vintage MP and Cerabien ZR) caused the largest vertical loss of teeth when compared with those of the composite resin and zirconia groups, and Filtek Z250 microhybrid composite results in the second-largest vertical loss of teeth. The surface of Filtek Z350 nanocomposite was deeply worn out, but visible wear on the surface of the zirconia and Gradia Direct microhybrid composite was not observed. When the zirconia surface was roughened by sand-blasting, vertical loss of teeth considerably increased when compared with that in the case of fine polished zirconia. CONCLUSION: It was identified that microhybrid composite resin containing a prepolymerized filler and zirconia with reduced surface roughness by polishing were the most desirable restorative materials among the tested materials to prevent the two-body wear between aesthetic restorative material and tooth.
Colloids ; Dental Enamel ; Dental Porcelain ; Glass ; In Vitro Techniques ; Nanocomposites ; Silicon Dioxide ; Tooth ; Tooth Abrasion

BACKGROUND: Lonocyte-derived multipotential cells (MOMCs) include progenitors capable of differentiation into multiple cell lineages and thus represent an ideal autologous transplantable cell source for regenerative medicine. In this study, we cultured MOMCs, generated from mononuclear cells of peripheral blood, on the surface of nanocomposite thin films. METHODS: For this purpose, nanocomposite Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)-based thin films containing either 2.5 wt% silica nanotubes (SiO2ntbs) or strontium hydroxyapatite nanorods (SrHAnrds), were prepared using the spin-coating method. The induced differentiation capacity of MOMCs, towards bone and endothelium, was estimated using flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy after cells' genetic modification using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System aiming their observation onto the scaffolds. Moreover, Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells were cultivated as a control cell line, while Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells were used to strengthen and accelerate the differentiation procedure in semi-permeable culture systems. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the studied materials was checked with MTT assay. RESULTS: The highest differentiation capacity of MOMCs was observed on PCL/SiO2ntbs 2.5 wt% nanocomposite film, as they progressively lost their native markers and gained endothelial lineage, in both protein and transcriptional level. In addition, the presence of SrHAnrds in the PCL matrix triggered processes related to osteoblast bone formation. CONCLUSION: To conclude, the differentiation of MOMCs was selectively guided by incorporating SiO2ntbs or SrHAnrds into a polymeric matrix, for the first time.
Autografts ; Beauty ; Cell Line ; Cell Lineage ; Durapatite ; Endothelium ; Flow Cytometry ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Methods ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Nanocomposites ; Nanotubes ; Osteoblasts ; Osteogenesis ; Polymers ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Regenerative Medicine ; Silicon Dioxide ; Strontium ; Wharton Jelly

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, production of nanocomposite scaffolds based on natural biopolymer, bioceramic, and metal ions is a growing field of research due to the potential for bone tissue engineering applications. METHODS: In this study, a nanocomposite scaffold for bone tissue engineering was successfully prepared using collagen (COL), beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and strontium oxide (SrO). A composition of β-TCP (4.9 g) was prepared by doping with SrO (0.05 g). Biocompatible porous nanocomposite scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying in different formulations [COL, COL/β-TCP (1:2 w/w), and COL/β-TCP-Sr (1:2 w/w)] to be used as a provisional matrix or scaffold for bone tissue engineering. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Moreover, the prepared scaffolds were characterized by physicochemical properties, such as porosity, swelling ratio, biodegradation, mechanical properties, and biomineralization. RESULTS: All the scaffolds had a microporous structure with high porosity (~ 95–99%) and appropriate pore size (100–200 µm). COL/β-TCP-Sr scaffolds had the compressive modulus (213.44 ± 0.47 kPa) higher than that of COL/β-TCP (33.14 ± 1.77 kPa). In vitro cytocompatibility, cell attachment and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity studies performed using rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Addition of β-TCP-Sr to collagen scaffolds increased ALP activity by 1.33–1.79 and 2.92–4.57 folds after 7 and 14 days of culture, respectively. CONCLUSION: In summary, it was found that the incorporation of Sr into the collagen-β-TCP scaffolds has a great potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Biopolymers ; Bone and Bones ; Bone Marrow ; Collagen ; Fourier Analysis ; Freeze Drying ; In Vitro Techniques ; Ions ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Nanocomposites ; Nanoparticles ; Porosity ; Rats ; Spectrum Analysis ; Strontium ; X-Ray Diffraction

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

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of silver nanoparticle (SN) loading into hydraulic calcium silicate-based Portland cement on its mechanical, antibacterial behavior and biocompatibility as a novel dental bone substitute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemically reduced colloidal SN were combined with Portland cement (PC) by the concentrations of 0 (control), 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 wt%. The physico-mechanical properties of silver-Portland cement nanocomposites (SPNC) were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), setting time, compressive strength, solubility, and silver ion elution. Antimicrobial properties of SPNC were tested by agar diffusion against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Cytotoxic evaluation for human gingival fibroblast (HGF) was performed by MTS assay. RESULTS: XRD certified that SN was successfully impregnated in PC. SPNC at above 3.0 wt% significantly reduced both initial and final setting times compared to control PC. No statistical differences of the compressive strength values were detected after SN loadings, and solubility rates of SPNC were below 3.0%, which are acceptable by ADA guidelines. Ag ion elutions from SPNC were confirmed with dose-dependence on the concentrations of SN added. SPNC of 5.0 wt% inhibited the growth of Streptococci, whereas no antimicrobial activity was shown in control PC. SPNC revealed no cytotoxic effects to HGF following ISO 10993 (cell viability > 70%). CONCLUSION: Addition of SN promoted the antibacterial activity and favored the bio-mechanical properties of PC; thus, SPNC could be a candidate for the futuristic dental biomaterial. For clinical warrant, further studies including the inhibitory mechanism, in vivo and long-term researches are still required.
Agar ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bone Substitutes ; Calcium ; Colloids ; Compressive Strength ; Diffusion ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Nanocomposites ; Nanoparticles* ; Silver* ; Solubility ; Streptococcus mutans ; Streptococcus sobrinus ; X-Ray Diffraction

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of silver nanoparticle (SN) loading into hydraulic calcium silicate-based Portland cement on its mechanical, antibacterial behavior and biocompatibility as a novel dental bone substitute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemically reduced colloidal SN were combined with Portland cement (PC) by the concentrations of 0 (control), 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 wt%. The physico-mechanical properties of silver-Portland cement nanocomposites (SPNC) were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), setting time, compressive strength, solubility, and silver ion elution. Antimicrobial properties of SPNC were tested by agar diffusion against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Cytotoxic evaluation for human gingival fibroblast (HGF) was performed by MTS assay. RESULTS: XRD certified that SN was successfully impregnated in PC. SPNC at above 3.0 wt% significantly reduced both initial and final setting times compared to control PC. No statistical differences of the compressive strength values were detected after SN loadings, and solubility rates of SPNC were below 3.0%, which are acceptable by ADA guidelines. Ag ion elutions from SPNC were confirmed with dose-dependence on the concentrations of SN added. SPNC of 5.0 wt% inhibited the growth of Streptococci, whereas no antimicrobial activity was shown in control PC. SPNC revealed no cytotoxic effects to HGF following ISO 10993 (cell viability > 70%). CONCLUSION: Addition of SN promoted the antibacterial activity and favored the bio-mechanical properties of PC; thus, SPNC could be a candidate for the futuristic dental biomaterial. For clinical warrant, further studies including the inhibitory mechanism, in vivo and long-term researches are still required.
Agar ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bone Substitutes ; Calcium ; Colloids ; Compressive Strength ; Diffusion ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Nanocomposites ; Nanoparticles* ; Silver* ; Solubility ; Streptococcus mutans ; Streptococcus sobrinus ; X-Ray Diffraction