Methacrylate Research Articles

Characterization of a clonal human periodontal ligament stem cell line exposed to methacrylate resin-, bioactive glass-, or silicon-based root canal sealers.

The aim of this study was to characterize a clonal human periodontal ligament (PDL) stem cell line (line 2-23 cells) cultured with root canal sealers based on methacrylate resin (SuperBond sealer; SB), bioactive glass (Nishika Canal Sealer BG; BG), or silicon (GuttaFlow 2; GF). The sealers were set in rubber molds to form sealer discs. Line 2-23 cells were cultured with or without the discs for 3days. The cell viability was evaluated by direct cell counting and MTT assay. Inflammation-, PDL-, collagen-, and cell cycle-related gene expression was investigated by real-time RT-PCR. Collagen production was analyzed by Picro Sirius Red staining. Calcium ion concentration in the culture was measured by a QuantiChrom calcium assay kit. Line 2-23 cells survived when cultured with GF discs, but decreased cell viability was observed with SB and BG discs. The expression of inflammation-related genes was higher in cells cultured with SB discs, and expression of PDL-related genes was lower in cells exposed to SB and BG discs. These discs also down-regulated collagen production in line 2-23 cells. BG discs increased calcium ion concentration in the culture medium. Cells exposed to GF discs exhibited the same inflammation-, PDL-, collagen-, and cell cycle-related gene expression and collagen production as untreated cells. These results suggested that the characteristics of line 2-23 cells cultured with GF discs was highly resemble to untreated cells throughout the 3days of the culture model.

Design of peptides with strong binding affinity to poly(methyl methacrylate) resin by use of molecular simulation-based materials informatics

Peptides with strong binding affinities for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin were designed by use of materials informatics technology based on molecular dynamics simulation for the purpose of covering the resin surface with adhesive peptides, which were expected to result in eco-friendly and biocompatible biomaterials. From the results of binding affinity obtained with this molecular simulation, it was confirmed that experimental values could be predicted with errors <10%. By analyzing the simulation data with the response-surface method, we found that three peptides (RWWRPWW, EWWRPWR, and RWWRPWR), which consist of arginine (R), tryptophan (W), and proline (P), have strong binding affinity to the PMMA resin. These amino acids were effective because arginine and tryptophan have strong binding affinities for methoxycarbonyl groups and methyl groups, which are the main constituents of the PMMA resin, and proline stabilizes the flat zigzag structures of the peptides in water. The strong binding affinities of the three peptides were confirmed by experiments (surface plasmon resonance methods).

Effect of Incorporation of Different Concentrations of Silver Nanoparticles as an Antimicrobial Agent on the Flexural and Impact Strength of Heat-Cured Denture Base Resin

Abstract Aim This article evaluates the effect of incorporating different concentrations of silver nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent on the flexural and impact strength of heat-cured denture base resin. Material and Methods A total of 80 specimens of polymethyl methacrylate resin were fabricated (40 for flexural strength and 40 for impact strength). Specimens were fabricated using stainless steel die of dimension 65 mm × 10 mm × 2.5 mm as per the American Dental Association specification no. 12, and 50 mm × 6 mm × 4 mm as per ISO 1567:1999 for flexural strength and impact strength, respectively, and were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) based on the concentrations of silver nanoparticles (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%). The specimens were subjected to three-point bending test and Izod impact tester for testing flexural and impact strength, respectively. Data obtained was compiled and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests. Results Results showed that for both the properties, maximum strength was observed in group A (control) followed by groups B and C, and minimum was observed in group D. A statistically significant difference in flexural strength was found among all the groups, whereas no statistically significant difference in impact strength was found among any of the groups. Conclusion Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that though incorporation of silver nanoparticles exhibited no effect on the impact strength of heat cure denture base resin, it decreased the flexural strength, so it should be used cautiously.

Immobilizing Bactericides on Dental Resins via Electron Beam Irradiation

Polymerizable bactericides, such as quaternary ammonium compound–based monomers, have been intensively studied as candidates for immobilizing antibacterial components on dental resin. However, they predominantly exhibit a bacteriostatic behavior, rather than bactericidal, as the immobilized components are left with insufficient molecular movement to disrupt the bacterial surface structure through contact-mediated action. In this study, we developed a novel strategy to increase the density of the immobilized bactericide and enhance its antibacterial/antibiofilm properties by combining a surface-grafting technique with electron beam irradiation. A solution of the quaternary ammonium compound–based monomer, 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB), was coated on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin specimens at the concentrations of 30, 50, and 80 wt%. The coated resins were subsequently exposed to 10 MeV of electron beam irradiation at 50 and 100 kGy, followed by thermal stabilization at 60 °C. The antibacterial effect was evaluated by inoculating a Streptococcus mutans suspension on the coated PMMA resin samples, which exhibited bactericidal effects even after 28 d of aging (P < 0.05, Tukey’s honestly significant difference test). Transmission electron microscopy and bacteriolytic activity evaluation revealed that the S. mutans cells had sustained membrane depolarization. Furthermore, the antibiofilm effects against S. mutans and bacteria collected from human saliva were assessed. The thickness and the percentage of membrane-intact cells of the S. mutans and multispecies biofilms formed on the MDPB-immobilized surfaces were significantly lower than the uncoated PMMA specimens, even after 28-d aging (P < 0.05, Tukey’s honestly significant difference test). Thus, the immobilization of antibacterial MDPB via electron beam irradiation induced rapid membrane depolarization, increasing membrane permeability and eventually causing cell death. Our strategy substantially enhances the antibacterial properties of the resinous materials and inhibits biofilm formation, therefore demonstrating significant potential for preventing infectious diseases in the oral environment.

Developing thermoplastic hybrid titanium composite laminates (HTCLS) at room temperature: Low-velocity impact analyses

Hybrid titanium composite laminates (HTCLs) are high-performance light-weight fiber metal laminates (FMLs) that are being increasingly used in various industries such as aeronautical, military, and marine thanks to their optimized fracture toughness, impact resistance, and thermal performance. In the current study, the low-velocity impact (LVI) characteristics of a new generation of thermoplastic (TP) HTCLs at various energy levels are investigated. To do so, Ti-6Al-4 V sheets, carbon fabrics, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabrics are used to fabricate multiple laminates with different fiber types, metal volume fractions, and lamination layups. A low-cost resin infusion process is employed for manufacturing the laminates at room temperature by using a novel liquid thermoplastic methyl methacrylate resin, Elium® 188. Before fabrication, a multi-step surface treatment method is applied on Ti alloy sheets to enhance the interfacial properties between the composite layer and the metal alloy sheet. In addition to TP-HTCLs, equivalent thermosetting (TS) HTCLs with an epoxy resin, Epolam, are fabricated to compare the results and evaluate the possibility of fabricating recyclable TP-FMLs at room temperature with enhanced out-of-plane properties. Impact properties including contact force, deflection, energy parameters, and related damage modes are investigated and presented for each laminate. It is concluded that the newly developed TP-HTCLs can be cured at room temperature and have enhanced impact properties compared to those of TS-HTCLs. Besides, the HTCL with UHMWPE fabrics on its composite sides (before the Ti alloy sheets) performs better in LVI compared to that with carbon fibers on the top and bottom (of its composite core) since UHMWPE exhibits higher strain to failure and fracture toughness compared to carbon fibers.

Dual Valorization of Lignin as a Versatile and Renewable Matrix for Enzyme Immobilization and (Flow) Bioprocess Engineering.

Lignin has emerged as an attractive alternative in the search for more eco‐friendly and less costly materials for enzyme immobilization. In this work, the terephthalic aldehyde‐stabilization of lignin is carried out during its extraction to develop a series of functionalized lignins with a range of reactive groups (epoxy, amine, aldehyde, metal chelates). This expands the immobilization to a pool of enzymes (carboxylase, dehydrogenase, transaminase) by different binding chemistries, affording immobilization yields of 64–100 %. As a proof of concept, a ω‐transaminase reversibly immobilized on polyethyleneimine‐lignin is integrated in a packed‐bed reactor. The stability of the immobilized biocatalyst is tested in continuous‐flow deamination reactions and maintains the same conversion for 100 cycles. These results outperform previous stability tests carried out with the enzyme covalently immobilized on methacrylic resins, with the advantage that the reversibility of the immobilized enzyme allows recycling and reuse of lignin beyond the enzyme inactivation. Additionally, an in‐line system also based on lignin is added into the downstream process to separate the reaction products by catch‐and‐release. These results demonstrate a fully closed‐loop sustainable flow‐biocatalytic system based exclusively on lignin.

To evaluate and compare the mechanical properties and wetting ability of heat polymerized polymethyl methacrylate resin after reinforcement with halloysite nanotubes and titania nanoparticles

To evaluate and compare the mechanical properties and wetting ability of heat polymerized polymethyl methacrylate resin after reinforcement with halloysite nanotubes and titania nanoparticles. A conventional heat-cured resin (DPI heat cure material) will be used as the matrix component while halloysite (group A) and titania (group B) nanoparticles as a reinforcing agent. Group C specimens will be fabricated with trevalon (Trevalon – HI). The specimens will be stored in distilled water overnight to simulate oral environment before performing the tests for determining the flexural strength (FS) and contact angle (CA). The contact angle data states that Halloysite reinforced PMMA is more hydrophilic. UTM analysis states that Flexure strength of trevalon highest amongst all the three group. Resin reinforced with halloysite had higher contact angle hysteresis hence greater retentive value and wetting ability while travelon had higher flexure strength.

Determination of eight organic residues in ion exchange resins by headspace gas chromatography

建立了功能食品加工用离子交换树脂中甲基异丙基甲酮、丁酸甲酯、3-戊酮、1,3-二乙基苯、1,4-二乙基苯、1,2-二氯乙烷、间二氯苯、甲基丙烯酸甲酯8种有机残留物的顶空气相色谱检测方法,研究了不同类型树脂中的有机残留物种类及含量,为食品和药品中安全使用离子交换树脂提供依据。优化了样品的提取溶剂和顶空气相色谱条件,样品经二甲亚砜超声萃取,应用DB-23色谱柱(60 m×0.32 mm×0.25 μm)分离,氢火焰离子化检测器(FID)检测,在顶空进样器平衡时间为30 min、平衡温度为80 ℃时有机残留物的分离和定量分析效果较好。色谱条件如下:柱温采用程序升温,初始温度60 ℃,保持16 min,再以20 ℃/min的升温速率升至200 ℃,保持2 min;进样口温度240 ℃, FID温度为300 ℃ ;载气为氮气,流速为1.2 mL/min;外标法定量。结果表明,在所考察的浓度范围0.02~200 mg/L内,8种有机物的线性关系良好,相关系数(R2)均在0.999以上,检出限为0.0050~0.0375 ng/g, 3个添加水平下的平均回收率为82.3%~109.2%,相对标准偏差为1.06%~4.16%(RSD, n=6)。用所建立的方法检测11种树脂样品,结果表明,树脂样品中均存在一定量的有机物,个别产品的残留量较高,其中苯乙烯类树脂Seplite LX-69B中甲基丙烯酸甲酯残留量达到470.8 μg/g。该方法不需要衍生,简化了样品前处理过程,操作简单,准确度和精密度良好,可同时检测离子交换树脂中多种有机残留物,能显著提高离子交换树脂中有机物的检测速率,该方法的建立对我国进出口离子交换树脂中有机残留物检验工作的开展具有重要意义。

Association of Graphene Silver Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) with Photodynamic Therapy for Inactivation of Halitosis Responsible Bacteria in Denture Wearers.

(1) Background: Poor hygiene and denture presence in the oral cavity are factors that favor bacterial accumulation, the cause of halitosis and of various oral and general diseases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of inactivating bacteria associated with halitosis in acrylic denture wearers using polymethyl methacrylate resin enhanced with graphene silver nanoparticles and the effect of the resin association with extra oral photodynamic therapy. (2) Methods: Graphene silver nanoparticles in 1 and 2 wt% were added to a commercial acrylic resin powder. Three study groups containing samples from the three different materials were established. The first group was not exposed to the light treatment, and the other two were exposed to red light (laser and light emitting diode) after photosensitizer placement on the disk’s surface. Samples were incubated with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Enterococcus faecalis. (3) Results: For both bacterial strains, inhibition zones were obtained, showing significant differences for the light-treated samples. (4) Conclusions: Denture resins with antibacterial properties associated with extra oral photodynamic therapy exhibited enhanced antibacterial effects. The procedure could be used as a safer and more efficient alternative technique against halitosis and oral infections in denture wearers.

PERENDAMAN BASIS GIGI TIRUAN RESIN AKRILIK POLIMERISASI PANAS DALAM MINUMAN ARAK BALI TERHADAP KEKASARAN PERMUKAAN

Introduction: The denture base is the part of the removable denture that is supported by good adaptation to the underlying oral tissue. Most of the denture bases are made of acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate resin, better known as PMMA. However, the acrylic resin also has disadvantages such as easily broken and absorbs liquids both water and chemicals. The chemical absorption like alcohol, ethanol, and some drinks that contain acidic materials will chemically be induced with acrylic resin and settle in the pores of the acrylic resin. The chemical damage or defect creates roughness on the surface of the acrylic resin which can cause cracking or crazing and a decrease in surface strength and hardness. Materials and Methods: The method used in this research was a laboratory experimental design with a post-test-only control group using 12 samples consisting of 2 different types of samples by measuring the surface roughness of the acrylic resin after immersing the sample with a predetermined time. Results and Discussions: One-way ANOVA test results showed a significant difference in surface roughness after the samples immersion with a value of p = 0.006 (p &lt;0.05). Conclusions: Based on this research, can be concluded that there is an increase in the surface roughness of the heated polymerized acrylic resin for 3 hours and 4 hours of immersion. The longer the heated polymerized acrylic resin is soaked in arak hence the level of surface roughness increases.

Calculations on compact disc cracking.

The Griffith equation for brittle cracking has three problems. First, it applies to an infinite sheet whereas a laboratory test sample is typically near 100 × 100 mm. Second, it describes a central crack instead of the more dangerous and easily observable edge crack. Third, the theory assumes a uniform stress field, instead of tensile force application used in the laboratory. The purpose of this paper is to avoid these difficulties by employing Gregory's solution in calculating the crack behaviour of PMMA (Poly Methyl Meth Acrylate) discs, pin loaded in tension. Our calculations showed that axial disc loading gave nominal strengths comparable with Griffith theory, but the force went to zero as the crack fully crossed the disc, fitting experimental results. Off-axis loading was more interesting because the predicted strength was lower than in axial testing, but also gave unexpected behaviour at short crack lengths, where nominal strength did not rise indefinitely but dropped as crack length went below D/10, quite different from Griffith, where strength rose continuously as cracks were shortened. Such off-axis loading leads to a size effect in which larger discs are weaker, reminiscent of the fine fibre strengthening phenomenon reported in Griffith's early paper (Griffith 1921 Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. A 221, 163-198. (doi:10.1098/rsta.1921.0006)). This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'A cracking approach to inventing new tough materials: fracture stranger than friction'.

Reconfigurable Dual Peptide Tethered Polymer System Offers a Synergistic Solution for Next Generation Dental Adhesives.

Resin-based composite materials have been widely used in restorative dental materials due to their aesthetic, mechanical, and physical properties. However, they still encounter clinical shortcomings mainly due to recurrent decay that develops at the composite-tooth interface. The low-viscosity adhesive that bonds the composite to the tooth is intended to seal this interface, but the adhesive seal is inherently defective and readily damaged by acids, enzymes, and oral fluids. Bacteria infiltrate the resulting gaps at the composite-tooth interface and bacterial by-products demineralize the tooth and erode the adhesive. These activities lead to wider and deeper gaps that provide an ideal environment for bacteria to proliferate. This complex degradation process mediated by several biological and environmental factors damages the tooth, destroys the adhesive seal, and ultimately, leads to failure of the composite restoration. This paper describes a co-tethered dual peptide-polymer system to address composite-tooth interface vulnerability. The adhesive system incorporates an antimicrobial peptide to inhibit bacterial attack and a hydroxyapatite-binding peptide to promote remineralization of damaged tooth structure. A designer spacer sequence was incorporated into each peptide sequence to not only provide a conjugation site for methacrylate (MA) monomer but also to retain active peptide conformations and enhance the display of the peptides in the material. The resulting MA-antimicrobial peptides and MA-remineralization peptides were copolymerized into dental adhesives formulations. The results on the adhesive system composed of co-tethered peptides demonstrated both strong metabolic inhibition of S. mutans and localized calcium phosphate remineralization. Overall, the result offers a reconfigurable and tunable peptide-polymer hybrid system as next-generation adhesives to address composite-tooth interface vulnerability.

Exploring the in Vitro Operating Window of Glycosyltransferase PtUGT1 from Polygonum tinctorium for a Biocatalytic Route to Indigo Dye

The eobiotic compound indican lends itself to a compelling biocatalytic dyeing strategy for denim, in which the formation of corrosive byproducts is avoided. However, the efficient and scalable production of indican remains a key bottleneck. This work focuses on the in vitro characterization of PtUGT1, a glycosyltransferase from Polygonum tinctorium that catalyzes the formation of indican via the glycosylation of indoxyl. Here, the buffer composition and enzyme concentration were identified as key parameters for enzyme activity and stability. The short lifetime of the enzyme under reaction conditions initiated an immobilization study. As a consequence, an amino-functionalized methacrylate resin was identified as a highly functional option for efficient immobilization of PtUGT1, allowing immobilization yields of >98% for enzyme loadings up to 7.6 wt %. We further report a stabilization factor of 47 and significantly improved overall biocatalytic productivity. The straightforward handling and reuse of the described heterogeneous biocatalyst is demonstrated.

Nano-zirconia in current scenario

This article is a study of nano-element form from various composites. Increase in surface area sensitive to medium under exposure has recalled trade specific issues to prevent usual use, to perform as a nano-culture subject. Thin-in-section has equivalently similar performance compared to those options which had rated from thicker constitutive. Synthetic methods to obtain nano-ZrO2 have been protocolized from sol-gel, co-precipitation, precipitation reversion, hydrothermal, microwave irradiation, thermal decomposition, and sonochemical. Nano-ZrO2 made components have been considered in dentistry for production of dental restorations as compose has biocompatible configurable prompt for appraised mechanical properties, and aesthetics in appearance. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin composites have studied to add nano- ZrO2 and electrospun polystyrene (PS) polymer fibers. Hybrid composite has selective compounds to adjust surface properties to aid property decisive clusters. Nano-ZrO2 reduced graphene oxide (GO) sheet nano-hybrid has fabricated by hydrothermal reaction method. Nano-ZrO2 powder fill has wide applicability in dentistry, surgical implants, scaffolds, membranes and tissue engineering.

Occupational Methacrylate Allergy in Dental Personnel

Purpose of the article: Acrylate and methacrylate (MA) use in the dental industry is widespread, being utilized in dental prostheses and composite resins, dentin bonding materials, and glass ionomers. However, occupational methacrylate allergy in dental personnel is a growing phenomenon. The aims of this retrospective observational study are to evaluate the risk of occupational contact dermatitis following exposure to methacrylates in dental personnel and to identify possible preventive measures. Materials and Methods: A total of 126 subjects exposed to acrylic and methacrylic resins in their professional context and who reported clinical manifestations were included from our outpatient department database. These were subdivided into two groups: 81 dental technicians and 45 dental hygienists. All the subjects had undergone patch testing with a “methacrylate series” (FIRMA) and readings were taken after 2 days (D2), 4 days (D4), and 7 days (D7). Results: A significantly higher incidence of methacrylate allergy was found in the dental technician group compared to the dental hygienists. Among the dental technicians, 40.7% of the subjects presented skin manifestations. The hands were the most frequently affected sites. Conclusion: Our results confirm the high sensitizing potential of MA in the workplace for dental personnel and in particular an increased professional risk in work where the hands are directly involved (dental technicians). Patch testing as an integrated part of a screening tray is needed for a complete evaluation of occupational skin allergy due to MA in dental personnel. The adoption of proper primary preventive measures, including gloves, protective eyewear, face shields, and disposable gowns, can be useful in preventing new cases of contact dermatitis, which may lead to a change of occupation in dental personnel.

Evaluation of Tensile Bonding Strength of Permanent Soft Relining Material to Denture Base Acrylic Resin after Erbium:Yttrium- Aluminum-Garnet Laser Treatment - An in vitro Study.

Purpose:The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of erbium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Er:YAG) laser surface pretreatment at various pulse durations of exposure on increasing the tensile bonding strength of permanent soft relining material and acrylic resin.Materials and Methods:Polymethyl methacrylate resin samples were fabricated and grouped as comparison group (no laser surface pretreatment) and three test groups (received Er:YAG laser surface pretreatment at various pulse durations of 10 s, 20 s, and 30 s) for bonding with the permanent soft relining material, Molloplast B. Following the surface pretreatment, the samples were tested for tensile stress using a universal testing machine. Loads at the point of failure were noted and the tensile bond strength values were obtained. Parametric tests of one-way-ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were done.Results:The highest tensile bonding strength was recorded in Group C, and the control group recorded the lowest bonding strength.Conclusion:Er:YAG laser surface pretreatment at 10 Hz, 3 W, and 300 mJ for 30 s improved the bonding strength of the permanent soft relining material to heat-processed acrylic resin material.

Assessment of Marginal Integrity and Color Stability of Provisional Restoration Fabricated from Different Autopolymerizing Acrylic Resins - A Comparative Study.

Aim:The present study is aimed to assess the marginal integrity and color stability of provisional restorations fabricated from different autopolymerizing acrylic resins.Materials and Methods:Totally, 60 provisional crowns were fabricated. A mandibular first molar artificial typodont was mounted on a base of dental stone. The mandibular first molar which was mounted was prepared for full cast crown, using the tooth preparation standard principles with shoulder finish line of 1 mm and taper 6°. There were 20 samples in each acrylic resin group: Group I: Polyvinyl-ethyl methacrylate resin, Group II: Autopolymerizing bis-acrylic material, and Group III: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) autopolymerizing resin. Crowns were verified for marginal adaptation using stereomicroscope at a ×40. The color stability was measured using spectrophotometer poststaining period.Results:Autopolymerizing bis-acrylic material group showed minimum mean vertical marginal discrepancy (128.68 ± 18.036 μm) followed by PMMA autopolymerizing resin group (147.49 ± 20.128 μm) and polyvinyl-ethyl methacrylate resin group (172.89 ± 22.118 μm). Analysis of variance demonstrated a statistically significant difference between different autopolymerizing acrylic resins. The color change values did not show any significant difference between the groups on numerous comparisons between different autopolymerizing acrylic resin groups. A statistically significant difference was seen between Groups I and II, Groups I and III, and Groups II and III (P < 0.05).Conclusion:This study concluded that the autopolymerizing bis-acrylic material demonstrated significantly improved marginal integrity when compared to PMMA autopolymerizing resin and polyvinyl-ethyl methacrylate resin.

The Effect of Chlorhexidine Disinfectant Gels with Anti-Discoloration Systems on Color and Mechanical Properties of PMMA Resin for Dental Applications.

: Statement of problemChlorhexidine (CHX)-based dental hygiene products are widely used by dental patients. As these products may have long-term contact with denture poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin, anti-discoloration systems (ADSs) were included in them to prevent discoloration of the natural teeth and dental materials. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two newly designed CHX-containing gels with ADSs and two commercial products with ADSs (Curasept 0.5% and Curasept 1%) in preventing staining and to analyze the mechanical properties of heat-curing PMMA denture base resin. Materials and methods: Twenty-five discs (five for each test group) of PMMA dental resin with a thickness of 1 mm and a diameter of 20 mm were polymerized according to the manufacturer’s instructions and stored in distillate water at a temperature of 37 °C. The surface of the specimens was covered with two commercially available gels—Curasept 1% and Curasept 0.5%, or two experimental gel formulations containing 1% CHX. PMMA specimens stored in distilled water were used as control. The initial values of color and Brinell hardness of the specimens were measured immediately after specimen preparation. The changes in color and Brinell hardness, as well as water sorption, and solubility of the specimens were measured after one year of conditioning. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using one-way analysis of variance and Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: In the group of specimens covered with gel 1 with citric acid or Curasept 0.5%, the color change was clinically acceptable (ΔE* < 2.7). In the specimens stored in contact with gel 2 with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Curasept 1%, the ΔE* values were 3.6 and 3.67, respectively. In the control group, the level of hardness decreased significantly from 150 to 140 during the experiment. In addition, a statistically significant decrease in hardness was observed in specimens stored with Curasept 1% and gel 2 with PVP. Specimens stored in contact with Curasept 0.5% and gel 1 with citric acid also showed a lower hardness, but the change was not statistically significant. The sorption of all the groups of PMMA specimens ranged from 22.83 to 24.47 µg/mm3, with no significant differences found between them. All the PMMA specimens stored in contact with the tested CHX gels exhibited a significantly higher solubility (6.84 ± 7.91 µg/mm3) compared to the control group (6.74 µg/mm3), with the highest solubility noted for specimens stored with Curasept 1%. Conclusions: The results showed that CHX used in the gel form with ADSs at a concentration of 0.5% and the experimental gel containing 1% CHX with citric acid caused limited changes to the color and mechanical properties of the PMMA denture base resin during the study period. These gels may be safely used by dental patients for oral hygiene regimen even for prolonged periods of time. ADSs contained in these gels seem to be effective in preventing CHX discoloration.

Pilot in-vitro study on insertion/removal performance of hand-cast, milled and 3D printed splints

ObjectivesThe aim of this in-vitro pilot study was to establish a splint testing method and compare insertion/removal performance of dental splints. Materials and methods56 identical lower jaw splints (n = 8 per group) were manufactured from 2x methacrylate (MA) hand-cast (reference material), deep-drawn Polyethyleneterephthalate, combined deep-draw MA hand-cast, 2x CAD/CAM-milled MA and 3D-printed MA systems. After 10 days water storage (37 °C), cyclic pull-off and insertion performance on a metal jaw was investigated. Statistics; Shapiro-Wilk-test, one-way-ANOVA; post-hoc-Bonferroni, Kaplan-Meier-survival, α = 0.05. ResultsMean insertion/pull-off cycles varied significantly (p = 0.000) between 864 cycles (MA) and 202640 cycles (Deep Draw MA). Fracture of the splints was characterized by brittle individual fractures in the 31–34 region and most fractures in region 35 (44 of 56 splints). Finite element analysis confirmed the type and location of failure. ConclusionsDeep-draw, cast methacrylate and combined systems showed longer insertion/pull-off system cycles in comparison to printed or milled splints. Insertion/pull-off performance showed differences between the tested splint systems and indicates the influence of the processing. Clinical relevanceThe presented in-vitro test allowed for estimating the clinical insertion/pull-off performance of dental splints.

Methacrylate-functionalized proanthocyanidins as novel polymerizable collagen cross-linkers – Part 1: Efficacy in dentin collagen bio-stabilization and cross-linking

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the effects of methacrylate-functionalized proanthocyanidins (MAPAs) on dentin collagen’s bio-stabilization against enzymatic degradation and crosslinking capability. MethodsThree MAPAs were synthesized via varying methacrylate (MA) to proanthocyanidins (PA) feeding ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 to obtain MAPA-1, MAPA-2, and MAPA-3, respectively. The three MAPAs were structurally characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic methods. 5-μm-thick dentin films were microtomed from dentin slabs of third molars. Following demineralization, films or slabs were treated with 1% MAPAs or PA in ethanol for 30 s. Collagen bio-stabilization against enzymatic degradation was analyzed by weight loss (WL) and hydroxyproline release (HYP) of films, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on dentin slabs. Crosslinking capacity and interactions of MAPAs with collagen were investigated by FTIR. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05%). ResultsMA:PA feeding ratios affected MAPAs’ chemical structures which in turn led to different collagen stabilization efficacy against degradation and varied collagen crosslinking capabilities. Higher collagen stabilization efficacy was detected using MAPA-1 (WL 10.52%; HYP 13.53 μg/mg) and MAPA-2 (WL 5.99%; HYP 11.02 μg/mg), which was comparable to that using PA (WL 8.79%; HYP 13.17 μg/mg) (p > 0.05), while a lower collagen stability occurred in MAPA-3 (WL 38.48%; HYP 29.49 μg/mg), indicating excessive MA-functionalization would compromise its stabilization efficacy. In comparison, complete digestion was detected for untreated collagen (WL 100%; HYP 102.76 μg/mg). The above results were consistent with collagen crosslinking efficacy of the three MAPAs revealed by SEM and FTIR. SignificanceA new class of novel polymerizable collagen cross-linkers MAPAs was synthesized and shown that, when appropriate MA:PA ratios were applied, the resulting MAPAs could render high collagen stability and the ability to copolymerize with resin monomers, overcoming the drawbacks of PA. These new polymerizable crosslinkers, when included in adhesives, could lead to long-lasting dentin bonding.