Rate Of Fluoride Release Research Articles

Fluoride release from a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement in a continuous-flow system. Effect of pH.

Fluoride is added to many dental restorative materials, including glass-ionomer cements, for the specific purpose of leaching fluoride into the surrounding tissues to provide secondary caries inhibition. During the caries process, an acidic environment attacks the dental tissues as well as the glass-ionomer cement. We hypothesized that pH significantly affects the rate of release of fluoride from the glass-ionomer cement. A continuous-flow fluoride-measuring system that monitors the amount of fluoride released over time was used to determine the release of fluoride from a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (KetacFil). The results show that the release rate began with a fast burst of fluoride which quickly diminished to low levels in 3 days. Under neutral pH conditions, the rate of fluoride release at 72 hrs was significantly slower than at pH 4.

FTIR investigation of monomer polymerisation and polyacid neutralisation kinetics and mechanisms in various aesthetic dental restorative materials

Diamond ATR FTIR has been used to quantify light catalysed polymerisation and polyacid neutralisation rates in various glass ionomer cements (GIC), resin-modified GICs (RMGIC) and compomers. At 150 s after the start of light exposure, levels of methacrylate polymerisation on the lower surfaces of 1 mm thick specimens were 97% and 98% for the RMGIC, Vitremer and Fuji II LC and 47% and 37% for the compomers, Compoglass and Dyract. After light exposure, polymerisation rates for the compomers decreased linearly with inverse time. By 50,000 s Compoglass and Dyract were 62% and 51% polymerised. Initial rate of polyacid neutralisation in the GIC Shofu HIFI was 0.32 times that of Fuji IX GIC. Those in Vitremer, Fuji II LC, Compoglass and Dyract were 0.16, 0.09, 0.004 and 0.004 times that of Fuji IX. Excluding short initial periods, log of neutralisation rates decreased linearly with log-time. Average gradients were −1.35 for the GIC, −0.80 for the RMGIC and −0.59 for the compomers. By 50,000 s, polyacid salt concentrations for the RMGIC and compomers were 0.41 and 0.016 times that of the GIC. Reaction mechanisms have been discussed and used to help interpret material mechanical properties, fluoride release rates and adhesion to tooth structure.

Regulation of fluoride ion release from Na2SiF6 contained in resin based on hydrophobic siloxane layer coating.

Regulation of fluoride release from restorative resin or sealant is beneficial to patients as it will prevent the occurrence of the secondary caries. In this study, we evaluated whether or not the formation of a hydrophobic polysiloxane layer on the surface of the fluoride compound could contribute to the regulation of fluoride release from resin. First, sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na2SiF6) powder was treated with gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (gamma-MPTS) and analysed with scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Analysis revealed that a hydrophobic polysiloxane layer was formed on the surface of Na2SiF6 powder. Heat treatment commonly used during gamma-MPTS treatment was not necessary for the polysiloxane layer formation on the surface of Na2SiF6 powder. Then Na2SiF6 powder treated with gamma-MPTS was loaded in bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin, immersed in distilled water and fluoride release was measured using a fluoride electrode. We found that the rate of fluoride release was significantly lower from the resin containing Na2SiF6 powder treated with c-MPTS. We concluded, therefore, that c-MPTS treatment and the resulting hydrophobic polysiloxane layer formation are very effective for the regulation of fluoride release from resin.

Effect of fluoride mouth rinse on fluoride releasing and recharging from aesthetic dental materials.

This study evaluated fluoride-release and recharging with the fluoride mouth rinsing technique on fluoridated materials. Three fluoride containing materials and one non-fluoride containing composite resin were used for this study. Samples for each material consisted of 15 discs, 9 mm diameter with a thickness of 1 mm. Initial fluoride release was assessed over a 60-day period. After that, 15 discs for each material were divided into 3 groups: distilled water group, 450-ppm and 900-ppm mouth rinsing groups. Fluoride release increased in combination with fluoride mouth rinse, and fluoride was higher in the 900-ppm group than the 450-ppm group. Moreover, S-PRG or F-PRG fillers materials released fluoride in higher than fluoroaluminosilicate glass fillers materials. In addition fluoride release from control samples was not observed. Therefore, only fluoride release material takes up fluoride. The findings of the present investigation suggest that the rate of fluoride release was different for each material, because they contained different function fillers. The results showed the importance of the fluoride mouth rinsing technique for fluoride-releasing restorative materials for the prevention of secondary caries.

Long-term fluoride release from a glass ionomer cement, a compomer, and from experimental resin composites

The aqueous phase of glass ionomer cements enables fluoride ions to diffuse and to be released from the material. The matrix of resin composites is much less hydrophilic, and fluoride incorporated in the material is only released in small amounts. It was the purpose of the present work to study the influence of resin matrix formulation on the fluoride release from experimental, fluoride-containing resin composites. The resin composites were based on methacrylate monomers and the adduct of maleic anhydride and HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). The resin composites contained 1 w% or 5 w% of AlF3·3H2O. A glass ionomer cement and a compomer were used as controls. Five disks of each material were stored in distilled water at room temperature. By means of a fluoride sensitive electrode, the fluoride release from disk-shaped specimens was determined periodically over 3 years. The glass ionomer cement released the most fluoride (154 - 4 µg/cm2 after 1 year and 248 - 7 µg/cm2 after 3 years). The compomer released relatively little fluoride during the 1st year (30 - 1 µg/cm2), but after this time the rate of fluoride release became equal to that of the glass ionomer cement, resulting in a release of 122 - 8 µg/cm2 after 3 years. Regarding the resin composites, the fluoride release increased with the hydrophilicity and the acid character of the polymer matrix. The release, however, was significantly lower than that from the glass ionomer cement and the compomer and ranged from 1.2 - 0.07 to 42 - 3.9 µg/cm2 at 1 year and from 2.3 - 0.16 to 79 - 6 µg/cm2 at 3 years.

Fluoride release from new light-cured orthodontic bonding agents

The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of fluoride release with time from 1 nonfluoridated and 3 fluoride-containing orthodontic bonding materials in distilled water and artificial saliva. Materials tested were Assure (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Ill), Fuji Ortho LC (GC, Tokyo, Japan), Python (TP Orthodontics, LaPorte, Ind), and Transbond XT (3M Dental Products, Monrovia, Calif). Ten specimens of each material type were stored in distilled water, and 10 of each type were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C. Fluoride release was measured with an ion-specific electrode. Readings were taken periodically for a total time period of 6 months. At day 1, Assure released the most fluoride into distilled water (66.2 μg/cm2) and into artificial saliva (65.8 μg/cm2), followed by Fuji Ortho LC (25.9 μg/cm2; 18.8 μg/cm2), Python (6.3 μg/cm2; 4.2 μg/cm2), and Transbond (0.1 μg/cm2; 0.1 μg/cm2). The fluoride release rates were highest during the first days of testing, declining to lower but more stable levels. At the end of 6 months, Fuji Ortho LC released the most fluoride (3.8 μg/cm2; 3.5 μg/cm2) followed by Assure (3.1 μg/cm2; 2.8 μg/cm2), Python (2.6 μg/cm2; 1.7 μg/cm2), and Transbond (0.1 μg/cm2; 0.1 μg/cm2). The type of storage medium did not dramatically affect fluoride release. The second part of the study, undertaken after a year of sample storage, tested the 20 samples of Assure for a further 2-week period, after exposure to running and still distilled water. Although fluoride release rates declined with time, they were still higher than the 1.5 μg/cm2 level that is referenced as inhibiting decalcification of enamel in a clinical environment. Release rates were similar in running and still water at all time points. Throughout the 6-month period, all 3 fluoride-containing materials had rates of fluoride release that could theoretically inhibit decalcification of enamel. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2001;120:392-7)

Spontaneous hydrolysis of 4-trifluoromethylphenol to a quinone methide and subsequent protein alkylation

4-Trifluoromethylphenol (4-TFMP) was cytotoxic to precision-cut rat liver slices as indicated by loss of intracellular potassium. Intracellular glutathione levels decreased and fluoride ion levels increased in a time and concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxicity of 4-TFMP did not appear to be due to the release of fluoride, however, since equimolar concentrations of sodium fluoride or potassium fluoride were not toxic. The ortho isomer (2-TFMP), which had a threefold slower rate of fluoride release, was much less toxic to liver slices. In incubations without slices, 4-TFMP spontaneously hydrolyzed in aqueous buffer at physiological pH to form 4-hydroxybenzoic acid via a quinone methide intermediate. The quinone methide was trapped by the addition of glutathione. Analysis of the glutathione adduct indicated that all of the fluorine atoms were lost during the hydrolysis, yielding a cresol derivative with the glutathione moiety attached to a benzylic carbonyl group. The glutathione conjugate was the primary product formed at low alkylphenol/glutathione ratios; however, at higher 4-TFMP concentrations additional unidentified products were observed. 4-TFMP also inhibited the in vitro enzyme activity of purlfied glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a sulfhydryl-dependent enzyme, in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Loss of thiol residues closely paralleled the loss in enzyme activity. The coaddition of glutathione prevented 4-TFMP-induced loss of enzyme activity. The cytotoxicity of 4-TFMP therefore appears to be due to spontaneous quinone methide formation and subsequent alkylation of cellular macromolecules.

Properties of fluoride-releasing light-activated resin cement

Objectives: Fluoroaluminosilicate glass and poly(acrylic acid) in small water phase was incorporated into resin composite cements to reduce or prevent secondary caries around luted restorations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical properties and the amounts of fluoride released from four types of visible light-activated resin cements. Methods: A powder was composed of silanized SiO 2 filler and 4.5 wt.% (G-4.5), 9.5 wt.% (G-9.5) or 19.5 wt.% (G-19.5) fluoroaluminosilicate glass and 0.5 wt.% reducing agent. The 45.25 wt.% triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), 45.25 wt.% 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 9 wt.% poly(acrylic acid) solution in water and 0.5 wt.% camphorquinone were contained in a liquid. The powder and liquid were mixed at a 3:1 ratio by weight and the three types of specimen disks were cured using a photo-curing lamp. The TEGDMA-based composite cement was used as control (G-0). The specimens were immersed in water at 37°C for 24 h or 6 months and compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) were evaluated for the four experimental materials. Disks prepared from the four resin cements were also immersed in deionized distilled water at 37°C, and the fluoride released was measured over a period of 24 weeks. Results: G-9.5 specimens showed almost the same CS and DTS as G-4.5 and G-0 specimens and significantly higher values for both parameters than G-19.5 specimens after 6 months of water storage. The amount of fluoride released from the three fluoride-containing resin cements continued to increase over the entire experimental period. The fluoride release rates of G-9.5 and G-19.5 resin cements were almost the same and were significantly greater than that of the G-4.5 resin cement. Significance: G-9.5 containing 9.5 wt.% fluoroaluminosilicate glass may be a clinically useful resin cement due to its favorable physical properties and fluoride release.

An in vitro investigation of a poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) based cement with four conventional glass-ionomer cements. Part 1: flexural strength and fluoride release

Objective: To investigate the flexural strength and fluoride release of four conventional glass-ionomer cements: Ketac-Molar (KM), HiFi (HF), Vivaglass Fil (VF), Ketac-Fil (KF) and a newly developed glass polyphosphonate cement, Diamond Carve (DC). Method: Disc specimens (10 mm diameter, 1 mm thick) were prepared and mould stored at 37°C. After one hour, the specimens were removed from their mould and immersed in 20 ml of deionised water until required for testing. Biaxial flexural strength was determined at 1 hour and at 1, 7, 30 and 90 days after the start of mixing. Measurements of fluoride release from the specimens were carried out at 2 hours and at 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 days after the start of mixing using a fluoride ion selective electrode. The results were analysed using ANOVA and student `t' tests. Results: All the materials displayed different flexural strength patterns. KM and DC became stronger whilst KF and VF plateaued in strength with time. HF peaked in strength and then became weaker. At 90 days, the mean flexural strengths in decreasing order was as follows: KM≥VF≥DC≥HF>KF. An initial fast rate of fluoride release followed by a slower but steady release of fluoride was observed in each of the materials. The mean cumulative fluoride release in decreasing order was as follows: VF>KF≥HF>DC>KM. VF released significantly higher level and KM significantly lower level of fluoride than the other materials. Conclusions: The acid used to form the cement could not be used to predict changes in cement strength behaviour with respect to time. DC increased in strength with time and its flexural strength at 90 days was comparable to that of HF and VF. The cumulative and rate of fluoride release varied for the materials. DC had a low fluoride release consistent with a fast setting material with good early resistance to water.

Fluoride release from aesthetic dental materials

The objective of the study was to compare the amounts of fluoride released by two glass-ionomer cements, a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, a compomer and a fluoride-containing composite into deionized water and artificial saliva. Disc samples of each of the materials were fabricated and placed in either water or artificial saliva. Fluoride analysis of the media was performed periodically over 64 days. The data were analysed to show the rate of fluoride release per cm2 per hour for each material. The results showed that the fluoride release rate for all the materials in both solutions decreased dramatically after 24 h. The release rate in artificial saliva was significantly less than in water (P < 0.001). The resin-modified glass-ionomer cement consistently displayed the highest fluoride release rate per hour into both media.

Fluoride release from glass-ionomer and compomer restorative materials: 6-month data

Objectives: To investigate the daily fluoride release of two glass ionomers (Ketac-Fil and ChemFil Superior) and two compomers (Compoglass and Dyract Restorative) over 6 months. Methods: A pilot study evaluated the time taken for sample solutions to equilibrate to establish an appropriate time period for sample solution storage between fluoride ion measurements. In the main study storage water replacement and fluoride ion determination was made daily using a specific ion electrode, TISAB buffer and standard solutions for calibration. Results: Equilibration of fluoride concentration in aqueous solution occurred in under 48 h for all materials. Total fluoride released (μg mm − 2) after 6 months by Ketac-Fil (30.6, s.d. 4.9) was significantly greater than ChemFil Superior (12.7, s.d. 2.5), Compoglass (10.4, s.d. 1.0) and Dyract Restorative (7.7, s.d. 1.7) ( P < 0.05). Daily fluoride release at 24 h and 10 days was significantly higher for the glass ionomers than the compomers ( P < 0.05). After 40 days the daily fluoride release (μg mm − 2) from ChemFil Superior (0.05, s.d. 0.01) was not significantly different from Compoglass (0.04. s.d. 0.01) and Dyract Restorative (0.03, s.d. 0.00) ( P > 0.05). Daily fluoride release from Ketac-Fil remains significantly higher than the compomers at 3 and 6 months ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Specimens stored in water equilibrate rapidly, suggesting the rate at which storage water is changed may alter the relative fluoride release rates of materials. This important fact is often overlooked. Fluoride release from the glass ionomers is initially higher than for the compomers. Fluoride release from glass ionomers falls rapidly to approach levels released by compomers. Compomers produce no initial burst of fluoride and levels of release remain relatively constant.

Resin-modified glass-ionomers

This paper reviews the current status of resin-modified glass-ionomers and presents the results of recent findings of research in some key areas. The debate on nomenclature pertaining to these products is perceived as being pointless and the need for application-based ISO standards is raised. Setting characteristics are similar in many respects to those of light-activated composites, although some products have limited working time due to the influence of the acid–base setting reaction and sensitivity to ambient light. Water absorption and swelling are generally very high. The clinical significance of swelling after water exposure is unknown. Mechanical properties of most materials lie between those of the composites and conventional glass-ionomers depending upon the resin content of the matrix phase of the set material. Some products demonstrate an inherent adhesion to enamel, although etching may be required in order to make the bond clinically effective. Bonding to dentine is probably through a more complex mechanism than that involved with conventional glass-ionomers. Conditioning and priming of dentine is often advocated. Fluoride release rates and their clinical significance is an area which requires clarification and standardization. The key factor appears to be the frequency with which the storage water is changed. Equilibration is reached within minutes for some materials and their true fluoride-releasing potential can only be judged under dynamic test conditions.

Review of Fluoride Release and Secondary Caries Reduction by Fluoridating Composites

Secondary caries is one of the main reasons to replace restorations. Due to the pressure to eliminate or reduce the number of amalgam restorations in many countries, fluoride-releasing composites have gained in importance. This review limits itself to information relevant to secondary caries near fluoride-releasing anterior or posterior composites. Although many parameters are very important in composite functioning, a weak spot near a filling is always the interface and the locally present interfacial gap between the composite and the hard tissues, where secondary caries takes place due to plaque action. Relevant parameters such as the amount of fluoride released in vitro in μg.cm-2, the rate of fluoride release, and the period of fluoride release are compared for several composites. In vitro F release has been measured for some fluoridating composites for more than five years. Unfortunately, F release in vivo or in situ cannot be measured adequately. The fluoride released by the composites considered is partly taken up by the surrounding tissues, partly released to the saliva, and partly efficacious in possible marginal gaps and defects. A major part of this paper pertains to in vitro, in situ, and in vivo secondary caries reduction experiments. In vitro caries reductions in the order of 40% from F-releasing composites vs. controls have been found. In in situ model investigations under plaque and saliva conditions, secondary caries reduction percentages of between 40 and 50% have been experimentally measured in gaps in enamel near F composites.

Mechanism-based inactivation of tRNA-guanine transglycosylase from Escherichia coli by 2-amino-5-(fluoromethyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4 (3H)-one.

In Escherichia coli, tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT) catalyzes the incorporation of the queuine precursor preQ1 [2-amino-5-(aminomethyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one] into tRNA. This precursor is further elaborated to queuine by two subsequent enzymic reactions [Slany, R. K., & Kersten, H. (1994) Biochimie 76, 1178-1182]. Our previous studies [Hoops, G. C., Townsend, L. B., & Garcia, G. A., (1995) Biochemistry (in press)] on a series of synthetic 5- and 6-substituted 2-aminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H) -ones have revealed that the E. coli TGT tolerates a wide diversity of substituents (isosteric, or nearly so, to the aminomethyl group of preQ1) at the 5 position. We report here that 2-amino-5-(fluoromethyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4 (3H)-one (FMPP) inactivates TGT in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with k(inact) = 0.074 min-1 and KI = 136 microM. A competitive inhibitor (7-methyl-preQ1), with respect to preQ1, of TGT [Hoops, G.C., Townsend, L.B., & Garcia, G.A. (1995) Biochemistry (in press)] protects the enzyme from inactivation by FMPP. FMPP also acts as a competitive inhibitor (KI = 114 microM) of TGT under initial velocity conditions. The rate of fluoride release from FMPP is slightly faster (0.064 min-1) than the k(inact) (0.053 min-1) at 300 microM FMPP, consistent with fluoride release preceding inactivation. FMPP appears to partition between "normal" turnover (kcat = 0.461 min-1 and Km = 152 microM), inactivation, and an alternative processing to an unidentified, fluoride-released product.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of artificial saliva and calcium on fluoride output of controlled-release devices.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of graded concentrations of calcium in artificial saliva on the output of fluoride from HEMA/MMA controlled-release devices. After the initial release rates were determined in deionized water, the devices were assigned to five groups. The devices of one group remained in deionized water throughout the 19-day study while those of the other groups were placed in artificial saliva containing 0, 4.5, 8.0, or 12.0 mg% calcium on days 4-13. Ten devices of each group were placed in deionized water again on days 14-17 and then in 0.1 mol/l HCl on days 18-19. The five devices of each group that were not placed in deoinized water on day 14 were inspected for surface crystals and then placed in 1 mol/l KOH for 2 days. The fluoride release rates in artificial saliva were reduced by 71-90% and in proportion to the calcium concentration. The release rates in deionized water (days 14-17) approached the baseline values; they exceeded baseline rates by 13-49% while in HCl. The fluoride release rates did not differ among the groups while in KOH, but calcium output was directly related to the calcium concentration of the artificial saliva. The results indicate that fluoride release from HEMA/MMA devices is markedly reduced in artificial saliva and that the reduction is proportional to the concentration of calcium.

Preliminary study of factors affecting the fluoride release from glass-ionomer cements

A study has been made on the release of fluoride from three glass-ionomer cements. The effect of the maturity of cements at the time of immersion and powder/liquid ratio were examined. It was found that fluoride release from immature cements was dependent on cement and powder/ liquid ratio and that the effect was permanent. The effect of cement type and powder/liquid ratio lessened as cements were allowed to mature prior to immersion. It appeared that fluoride release was dependent on the strength and maturity of the cement matrix and not fluoride content. It was concluded that the rate of fluoride release would depend largely on clinical factors rather than cement type.

Availability of fluoride from glass‐ionomer luting cements in human saliva

Fluoride availability from two glass-ionomer luting agents, Ketac-Cement and Aqua-Cement, was monitored after a 1-h treatment in distilled water at pH 7. The recorded results were then compared to the ones obtained from those same cements, after 1 h, in saliva, in water pretreated with saliva (pH 7 and 4.5), and in albumen and phosphate buffer solutions (pH 7). The Mann-Whitney two-sample rank test was utilized in order to identify the differences. The presence of proteins and phosphate reduced fluoride availability. A reduction in the pH from 7 to 4.5 resulted in an increased rate of fluoride release, in water, from glass-ionomers pretreated with saliva. The present study indicates that fluoride availability from glass-ionomers, in vivo, is pH controlled. The rate controlling factors appear to be phosphate and proteins.

In vitro Fluoride Release from a Light-cured Glass-ionomer Liner/Base

This paper reports the results of an in vitro study of fluoride release from Vitrabond Light-Cure Glass Ionomer Liner/Base. The material released fluoride ions into the surrounding medium for up to 740 days. The rate of release of fluoride ions was independent of the cure time in the range studied. Combining a conventional polyalkenoic acid solution with the powder portion of Vitrabond Liner/Base did not significantly alter the release profile, thus indicating that light curing did not hinder the rate of fluoride release in this system. Secondary ion mass spectrometry studies of the dentin underlying the cured glass ionomer revealed that there was considerable incorporation of fluoride ions. There was no significant change in the mechanical properties of the cured cement aged in water at 37 degrees C for prolonged periods, thus indicating that long-term fluoride release did not adversely affect the strength of this material.

Long-term fluoride release from a composite restorative

Discs prepared from a new composite restorative and initially containing 11.2 mg/g of fluoride ion were immersed in water and the fluoride released was measured over a period in excess of 4 years. There was a short burst effect, followed by a decreasing rate of release, which reached a steady rate of about 0.2 μg/cm 2 fluoride per day, equivalent to zero order release, after approximately 8 months. After 1591 days of water immersion, the discs retained over 72% of their original fluoride content. There was no change in Barcol hardness of the specimens after leaching. It was also demonstrated that the fluoride release rate is only moderately reduced by coating the discs with a non-fluoride bonding agent.

Catalytic versatility of Bacillus pumilus beta-xylosidase: glycosyl transfer and hydrolysis promoted with alpha- and beta-D-xylosyl fluoride.

Bacillus pumilus beta-xylosidase, an enzyme considered restricted to hydrolyzing a narrow range of beta-D-xylosidic substrates with inversion of configuration, was found to catalyze different stereochemical, essentially irreversible, glycosylation reactions with alpha- and beta-D-xylopyranosyl fluoride. The enzyme promoted the hydrolysis of beta-D-xylopyranosyl fluoride at a high rate, V = 6.25 mumol min-1 mg-1 at 0 degrees C, in a reaction that obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. In contrast, its action upon alpha-D-xylopyranosyl fluoride was slow and characterized by an unusual relation between the rate of fluoride release and the substrate concentration, suggesting the possible need for two substrate molecules to be bound at the active center in order for reaction to occur. Moreover, 1H NMR spectra of a digest of alpha-D-xylosyl fluoride showed the substrate to be specifically converted to alpha-D-xylose by the enzyme. The observed retention of configuration is not consistent with direct hydrolysis by this "inverting" enzyme but is strongly indicative of the occurrence of two successive inverting reactions: xylosyl transfer from alpha-D-xylosyl fluoride to form a beta-D-xylosidic product, followed by hydrolysis of the latter to produce alpha-D-xylose. The transient intermediate product formed enzymically from alpha-D-xylosyl fluoride in the presence of [14C]xylose was isolated and shown by its specific radioactivity and 1H NMR spectrum as well as by methylation and enzymic analyses to be 4-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-D-xylopyranose containing one [14C]xylose residue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)