Water Sorption Values Research Articles

A protein-repellent and antibacterial nanocomposite for Class-V restorations to inhibit periodontitis-related pathogens

The objectives of this study were to develop a bioactive dental composite and investigate the effects of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) in Class V composite on mechanical properties, water sorption, protein adsorption, and inhibition of four species of periodontitis-related biofilms for the first time. The resin consisted of ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) and pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM). DMAHDM, MPC and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) were incorporated into the resin. Four species (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum) were tested for biofilm colony-forming units (CFU), live/dead, metabolic activity, and polysaccharide production. The results showed that adding DMAHDM and MPC to the composite did not compromise the mechanical properties (p>0.1), with acceptable water sorption values. Composite with 3% MPC reduced protein adsorption to 1/9 that of a commercial composite (p<0.05). For all four species, the composite with 3% DMAHDM+3% MPC had much greater reduction in biofilms than using DMAHDM or MPC alone (p<0.05). Biofilm CFU was reduced by about 4 orders of magnitude via 3% DMAHDM+3% MPC, compared to control. The inhibition efficacy for the four species was: P. gingivalis>P intermedia=A. actinomycetemcomitans>F. nucleatum. In conclusion, a novel bioactive composite with 3% DMAHDM and 3% MPC achieved the greatest reduction in biofilm growth, metabolic activity and polysaccharide of four periodontal pathogens. The new composite is promising for Class V restorations especially with subgingival margins to inhibit periodontal pathogens, combat periodontitis and protect the periodontium.

Evaluation of sugar mill lime waste in biobased epoxy composites

In this study, precipitated calcium carbonate‐lime waste (LW) from sugar beet production was recycled as a raw material for the preparation of composite materials. Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was used as a co‐matrix in 50 wt% with bisphenol A‐type epoxy resin (ER). The composites were prepared with LW in varied per cent values (10 − 50 wt%) using the casting technique. The morphology of the composites was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Effects of ESO and LW amounts on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were investigated. Modification with ESO remarkably enhanced the plasticity of the material, but decreased the curing degree about 2%. The modified ER shows about 13% increase in elongation at break over the pure epoxy matrix. Density and hardness of neat epoxy matrices were observed to increase with the LW content in the composite. Tensile strengths of all composites are higher than that obtained with neat epoxy. The thermogravimetric analyses show that ESO and LW significantly improve the thermal stability of neat ER at the temperatures above 300°C. The best thermal results were obtained with the composites containing 40‐ and 50 wt% LW. The residual weights of the composites are higher than that of neat ER and ER‐ESO, and increases with the increasing LW amount. The T5, T10 and T50 data of the composites are higher than those of neat ER and ER‐ESO. The water sorption values of the ER‐ESO matrix composites are in the range of 1.0 − 2.9 wt%. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:924–935, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Bioactive nanocomposites for dental application obtained by reactive suspension method

Hydroxyapatite (HA) filled poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PMMA/PHEMA) blends were prepared by reactive suspension method: HA was synthesized by co-precipitation process directly within a HEMA solution and the so-obtained suspension was polymerized in the presence of PMMA. HA particles were obtained in form of nanorods with a length of 50–200 nm and a diameter of 10–30 nm. A significant increase in glass transition temperature was observed in the nanocomposites with respect to the unfilled polymer blends. Dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis showed a significant increase in the storage modulus in the nanocomposites measured in the rubbery region. This increase was unpredicted by Mooney’s predictive equation and was attributed to the presence of cross-linking points due to the in situ generated HA particles. An increase in the elastic modulus was also observed at room temperature in compression and three-point bending tests. The presence of HA in the polymer blends resulted in an important decrease in the water sorption values. The bioactivity of the nanocomposites was verified by the precipitation of HA layer on the surface after soaking in simulated body fluid.

Effect of water storage on ultimate tensile strength and mass changes of universal adhesives.

Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of water storage on micro tensile strength (µTS) and mass changes (MC) of two universal adhesives. Material and Methods 10 disk-shaped specimens were prepared for each adhesive; Scotchbond Universal (SCU) All-Bond Universal (ABU) and Adper Single Bond 2 (SB2). At the baseline and after 1 day and 28 days of water storage, their mass were measured and compared to estimate water sorption and solubility. For µTS test, 20 dumbbell shaped specimens were also prepared for each adhesive in two subgroups of 1 day and 28 days water storage. Results MC was significantly lower for SCU and ABU than SB2 (P < 0.05) at both time intervals. In all three adhesives, the MC was significantly lower at 28 days compared to that at 1 day (P < 0.05). Similarly, µTS was significantly higher for SCU and ABU than SB2 at both storage intervals (P < 0.05). After 28 days, µTS increased significantly for universal adhesives (P < 0.05). Conclusions MC and µTS of adhesives were both material and time dependent when stored in water; both universal adhesives showed less water sorption and higher values of µTS than the control group. Key words:Absorption, dental adhesives, dentin-bonding agents, solubility, tensile strength.

Photopolymerizable bisallylcarbonate and bisacrylic monomers useful in the formulation of dental composite resins and in the crosslinking of methyl methacrylate

ABSTRACTTwo new bisallylic monomers [allyl p‐allyl carbonate benzoate (ApACBz) and 1,4‐phenylenbis(methylene)diallyl carbonate (1,4‐FMDAC)] and one bisacrylic monomer [1,4‐bis(acryloyloxymethyl)benzene (1,4‐BAMB)] were synthesized and used as crosslinking agents of methyl methacrylate (MMA) at different mass ratios (10, 20, 40, and 50%). All of the obtained copolymers showed improved thermal stability in comparison with that of the MMA homopolymer. Also, ApACBz and 1,4‐FMDAC were used as bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis‐GMA) eluents to prepare dental resin composites. When compared to the control, the Bis‐GMA–new eluent composites had a higher double‐bond conversion, a higher solubility (p &lt; 0.05) and a lower flexural strength (p &lt; 0.05), whereas the elastic modulus and water sorption values were not statistically different (p &gt; 0.05). The 1,4‐FMDAC and ApACBz monomers are promising eluents of Bis‐GMA for the preparation of dental composites with high degrees of conversion. In addition, the ApACBz, 1,4‐FMDAC, and 1,4‐BAMB monomers are potentially useful crosslinking agents when polymer networks of poly(methyl methacrylate) with a high thermal stability are desired. The application‐oriented tests of the monomers in dental composite formulations showed a sufficient storage stability, high photocuring activity, excellent crosslinking of MMA, and good thermal and mechanical properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42920.

Physico-mechanical, thermal, and coating properties of composite materials prepared with epoxy resin/steel slag

The interest in using different solid waste as reinforcement in polymer composite preparation has increased considerably in recent years. Slag is one of the inorganic waste materials obtained from ore processing. In this work, epoxy composites filled with different percentages of slag were prepared. Physico-mechanical, thermal, and coating properties of these composites were determined depending on the amount of filler, type of hardener, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) addition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were carried out to examine the compatibility of the filler and epoxy resin and XRD results showed good compatibility between two materials. The results of mechanical testing illustrated that hardness of the epoxy composites containing anhydride was partially higher than with Epamine PC17 in contrast to elongation at break. The tensile strength and Young modulus decreased with increasing filler amount. When compared to neat epoxy resin, corrosion, and adhesion properties of the composites with filler addition did not change significantly. The highest water sorption values were obtained for the epoxy composites with PEG addition. The composites hardened by anhydride had better thermal stability than the composites including Epamine PC17. POLYM. COMPOS., 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Water sorption and water solubility of self-etching and self-adhesive resin cements

Statement of problemThe long-term success of indirect restorations depends on the clinical behavior of luting cements. In the oral environment, properties such as water sorption and solubility negatively affect the cements’ clinical performance over time, jeopardizing the restoration’s longevity. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the water sorption and solubility characteristics of self-etching, self-adhesive, and conventional resin cements. Material and methodsOne conventional (Calibra), 1 self-etching (Panavia F), and 2 self-adhesive (Clearfil SA, G-Cem Automix) dual-polymerized resin cements were used. Fourteen disks of each material were prepared. Water sorption and solubility were calculated according to International Organization for Standards (ISO) specification 4049:2009. ResultsAccording to the water sorption test, all materials were found to interact with water. No statistically significant differences were found between the water sorption of Panavia F and Clearfil SA (P=.911). These cements exhibited higher water sorption values than the other materials (P<.05), whereas Calibra exhibited the lowest values (P<.05). Statistically significant differences were found among all materials regarding their water solubility (P<.05). Panavia F and Clearfil SA were found to have higher solubility values than the other materials. G-Cem Automix and Calibra exhibited negative solubility. However, all water sorption and solubility values were below the threshold values proposed by the ISO standard. ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the present in vitro study, the interaction of resin cements with water is not type-related (conventional, self-etching, or self-adhesive).

Impact of monomer functional groups of resin-based materials on the interaction with water

Objective: The objective of this in vitro study was to compare dentin bonding systems and composite resins based on their functional groups in terms of water sorption (WS) and water solubility (WSB). Material and Methods: Three dentin bonding systems (Adper Single Bond 2 – 3M ESPE, Clearfil SE Bond – Kuraray, P90 Adhesive System – 3M ESPE) and three commercial composite resins (Filtek Z350 – 3M ESPE, Filtek Z250 – 3M ESPE, Filtek P90 – 3M ESPE) were tested. Eight specimens of each material were prepared to evaluate the WS and WSA. The discs were individually stored in a desiccator until constant mass was achieved. Specimens were then individually stored in distilled water until the mass was stabilized again. Finally, the specimens were dried again in the desiccator until constant mass was obtained. WS and WSA were calculated from these measurements. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (p &lt; 0.05). Results: Filtek Silorane-Bond presented the lowest values of WS, and Clearfil SE Bond presented the lowest WSB. Filtek Silorane resin showed the lowest WS and WSA results. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the WS and WSB were influenced by the composition of the materials. The main functional group of the materials determines their susceptibility to water and influences their performance.

Calcium silicate and calcium hydroxide materials for pulp capping: biointeractivity, porosity, solubility and bioactivity of current formulations.

The chemical-physical properties of novel and long-standing calcium silicate cements versus conventional pulp capping calcium hydroxide biomaterials were compared. Calcium hydroxide-based (Calxyl, Dycal, Life, Lime-Lite) and calcium silicate-based (ProRoot MTA, MTA Angelus, MTA Plus, Biodentine, Tech Biosealer capping, TheraCal) biomaterials were examined. Calcium and hydroxyl ion release, water sorption, interconnected open pores, apparent porosity, solubility and apatite-forming ability in simulated body fluid were evaluated. All calcium silicate materials released more calcium. Tech Biosealer capping, MTA Plus gel and Biodentine showed the highest values of calcium release, while Lime-Lite the lowest. All the materials showed alkalizing activity except for Life and Lime-Lite. Calcium silicate materials showed high porosity values: Tech Biosealer capping, MTA Plus gel and MTA Angelus showed the highest values of porosity, water sorption and solubility, while TheraCal the lowest. The solubility of water-containing materials was higher and correlated with the liquid-to-powder ratio. Calcium phosphate (CaP) deposits were noted on materials surfaces after short aging times. Scant deposits were detected on Lime-Lite. A CaP coating composed of spherulites was detected on all calcium silicate materials and Dycal after 28 days. The thickness, continuity and Ca/P ratio differed markedly among the materials. MTA Plus showed the thickest coating, ProRoot MTA showed large spherulitic deposits, while TheraCal presented very small dense spherulites. calcium silicate-based cements are biointeractive (ion-releasing) bioactive (apatite-forming) functional biomaterials. The high rate of calcium release and the fast formation of apatite may well explain the role of calcium silicate biomaterials as scaffold to induce new dentin bridge formation and clinical healing.

Influence of long-term water storage on the physical and chemical properties of four different dental cements

To evaluate and compare the physical and chemical properties of four different dental cements under long-term water storage. A glass-ionomer cement (A:Fuji I), a resin reinforced glass-ionomer (B: Fuji Plus), a self-adhesive resin cement (C:G-Cem), and an etch & rinse resin cement (D: Duolink) were taken as samples. According to ISO 4049, water sorption and solubility of four resin cements under different storage times (1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months) were calculated (n = 5), meanwhile their surface Knoop micro hardness values were measured. Surface cracks were detected on sample B and C after 12 months. Sample A was fragmentized after 6 months. Sample B showed significantly lower surface hardness after 12 months than it did after the first 24 hours of water storage (P < 0.05). Sample D showed significantly lower water sorption than other cements did at all exam time point. The highest water sorption values were observed in Sample D after 1 month [(40.8±2.5) µg/mm(3)], in Sample B after 3 months [(551.3±22.5) µg/mm(3)], in Sample C after 12 months [(147.5±8.3) µg/mm(3)]. The highest solubility values were detected in Sample B after 3 months [(105.3±10.5) µg/mm(3)], in Sample C after 12 months [(79.3 ± 6.2) µg/mm(3)], and in Sample D after 12 months [(23.9 ± 6.9) µg/mm(3)]. Among the four types of cements, the etch & rinse resin cement showed the best stability of physical and chemical properties under long-term water storage.

Water Sorption, Solubility, and Color Stability of Giomer Restoratives

This study compared the color stability, water sorption, and solubility of a giomer composite and two nanohybrid composite resins. Disc-shaped specimens (1-mm thickness × 15-mm diameter) of a giomer (Beautifil II, Shofu, Kyoto, Japan) and two nanohybrid (Filtek Z550, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA; Tetric N-Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) composites (N = 10) were prepared. Baseline color measurements were taken, and specimens were immersed in water for 28 days. Following immersion, color values were remeasured, and color-change values (ΔE) were calculated. Water sorption and solubility were assessed by mass gain or loss after storage in water for 28 days. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc tests (p = 0.05). Pearson's correlation test was used to assess possible correlations between water sorption and solubility, water sorption and color stability, and solubility and color stability (p = 0.05). Water sorbtion (%) and color change (ΔE) varied significantly among groups, with Beautifil II exhibiting the highest values (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in water solubility values among the groups (p = 0.661); however, a linear, positive correlation was detected between solubility and discoloration (r = 0.368, p = 0.046). Water sorption and discoloration values of the giomer composite group were significantly higher than those of the nanohybrids tested. The high levels of water sorption and discoloration of giomer composites are likely to have an adverse effect on esthetic restorations.

In Vitro Comparison of the Cytotoxicity and Water Sorption of Two Different Denture Base Systems

Denture base resins have the potential to cause cytotoxicity in vivo, and the mechanical properties of resins are affected by water sorption. There is a correlation between residual monomer and water sorption. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate water sorption and cytotoxicity of light-activated urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) denture base resin compared to a conventional heat-activated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin. Two denture base resins, heat-activated PMMA (Meliodent) and light-activated UDMA (Eclipse), were used in this study. Cytotoxicity (5 × 1 mm(2) ) and water sorption (1 × 1 mm(2) ) specimens were made following the manufacturers' instructions (n = 10). Cytotoxicity tests of denture base resins were performed according to ISO10993-5:1999, and water sorption was evaluated according to ISO 1567:1997. ANOVA tests were employed for evaluating data (α = 0.05). There was no cytotoxic effect in either the PMMA or UDMA group. In addition, contrary to short-term water storage, a significantly lower water sorption value was shown for UDMA resins compared to PMMA resins in both 3- and 6-month storage periods (p = 0.043 and p = 0.002, respectively). The tested denture base materials adhered to the ISO standards for both cytotoxicity and water sorption. The cytotoxicity of the light-activated UDMA resin tested was statistically similar to that of the heat-activated PMMA resin; however, the UDMA resin exhibited decreased water sorption in long-term water storage.

Solution blow spun poly(lactic acid)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanofibers with antimicrobial properties

Abstract Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and tetracycline hydrochloride (THC) were solution blow spun from two different solvents, chloroform/acetone (CA, 80:20 v/v) and 2,2,2-triflouroethanol (TFE). The diameter distribution, chemical, thermal, thermal stability, water sorption, and antimicrobial properties were examined for the fibers. Fibers spun from CA generally had larger fiber diameters and wider fiber diameter distributions than those spun from TFE. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated successful incorporation of HPMC and THC into the fibers. Also, phase separation occurred between PLA and HPMC in the fibers. Fibers containing higher HPMC concentrations showed greater water sorption values, due to HPMC being more hydrophilic than PLA. In addition, fibers containing HPMC had larger inhibitory zones against Escherichia Coli and Listeria monocytogenes than those without HPMC. This was due to THC having better miscibility with HPMC than PLA and HPMC being able to swell and release more THC when in contact with water. Fibers spun from TFE and CA had comparable inhibitory zones, indicating the solvents did not affect antimicrobial properties. All fibers remained effective against bacteria even after six days.

Preparation and properties of calcium-silicate filled resins for dental restoration. Part I: chemical-physical characterization and apatite-forming ability

Objective. The aim of this study was to measure dimensional changes due to hygroscopic expansion and the bioactivity of two experimental methacrylate-based dental adhesives either incorporating Bioglass® 45S5 (3-E&RA/BG) or MTA (3-E&RA/WMTA). Materials and methods. 3-E&RA/BG, 3-E&RA/WMTA and a control filler-free resin blend (3-E&RA) were formulated from commercially available monomers. Water sorption (WS) and solubility (SL) behaviour were evaluated by weighing material disks at noted intervals; the relationship between degree of hydration and the glass transition temperature (Tg) was investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro apatite-forming ability as a function of soaking time in phosphate-containing solutions was also determined. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate differences between groups for maximum WS, SL, net water uptake and the percentage change in Tg values. Post-ANOVA pair-wise comparisons were conducted using Mann-Whitney-U tests. Results. 3-E&RA/BG and 3-E&RA/WMTA exhibited values of maximum WS and net water uptake that were significantly higher when compared to 3-E&RA. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in terms of SL between all the adhesives. The addition of the Bioglass® 45S5 and MTA to the 3-E&RA showed no reduction of the Tg after 60 days of storage in deionized water. ATR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) of the filled resin disks soaked in DPBS for 60 days showed the presence of carbonate ions in different chemical phases. Conclusion. Dentine bonding agents comprising calcium-silicates are not inert materials in a simulated oral environment and apatite formation may occur in the intra-oral conditions. Clinical significance. A bioactive dental material which forms apatite on the surface would have several benefits including closure of gaps forming at the resin–dentine interface and potentially better bond strength over time (less degradation of bond).

Bismuth subsalicylate as filler particle for an experimental epoxy-based root canal sealer

AIM: To evaluate the influence of bismuth subsalicylate addition in different concentrations on theproperties ofan experimental epoxy-based root canal sealer. METHODS: Bismuth subsalicylate in 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and 120 wt% was added tothe sealer. Flow, film thickness, working time, setting time, dimensional change, sorption, solubility and cytotoxicity were evaluated according to ISO standard. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey'stest with a significance level of 5% for all tests. RESULTS:The flow, working and setting times significantly decreased withincreasing particle concentration. The film thickness, dimensional change, water sorption and solubility values significantly increased with higher particle amount. The results for cytotoxicity showed no statistically significant differences among the particle proportions. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the addition up to 80% wt of bismuth subsalicylate appears to be a promising filler particle to root canal sealer development.

Antibakteriyel içeren geleneksel yapıştırıcı simanların su emilimi

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the water sorption of the polycarboxylate, and glass ionomer cement containing a mixture of 5% chlorhexidine diacetate/ cetrimide. Material and Methods: Seven cement discs from each material were manufactured. Antibacterial agents with a concentration of 5% were added to the powders of the cements. Specimens were subjected to water sorption test. The data were measured at day 1, week 1, month 1, and months 6. Values were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Fisher’s LSD test (p<0.05).Results: The water sorption values of polycarboxylate cement was higher than glass ionomer. While the sorption values of polycarboxylate cement with anti-bacterial agent were lower than its control, except for day 1, this situation is contrary for glass ionomer cement. Conclusion: While the addition of chlorhexidine diacetate/ cetrimide mixture decreased the water sorption of polycarboxylate cement, increased the water sorption of glass ionomer cement.

Cellulose loading and water sorption value as important parameters for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose

The enzymatic hydrolysis of cotton raw cellulose (RC) samples, sieved RC samples through meshes <100 (CS1), 100–200 (C12), 200–400 (C24), mercerized RC samples (M-C), freeze-dried RC (RC-FD) samples, microcrystalline cellulose Avicel, bacterial cellulose (BC), raw sisal pulp and mercerized sisal pulp (S-M) was performed at cellulose-to-cellulase mass ratios of 1,000:1, 699:1, 400:1, 100:1 and 10:1. The index of crystallinity and water sorption values were quantified for all samples. The morphological features were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For cellulose-to-cellulase mass ratio of 100:1 and 10:1, the maximum hydrolysis extents of cellulose samples after 24 h reaction could not be correlated with their physical characteristics. However, hydrolyses of samples with large water sorption values were faster than those with lower water sorption values. The hydrolysis efficiency decreased when the cellulose-to-cellulase mass ratio was greater than 400:1; under this condition a remarkable dependence of the hydrolysis yield on the type of cellulosic sample was observed. The water sorption ability could be directly correlated with the hydrolysis extent, except for RC-FD and BC samples, which presented the lowest values. In the former, freeze-drying has led to pore collapse, with concomitant reduction of the amount of adsorbed water. For the latter sample, the densely packed structure made the water sorption slower than in all other samples. Despite of this fact, the presence of nanofibrils on the surface of BC (as detected by SEM) improved the enzyme adsorption, indicating that analysis by complementary techniques should be performed in order to predict the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency.

Properties of 2,2‐Bis[p‐(2′‐hydroxy‐3′‐methacryloxy propoxy)phenyl]propane/Isobornyl (Meth)acrylate copolymers

AbstractIsobornyl acrylate (IBOA) and isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) were used to replace triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) as reactive diluents in dental restorative materials. Photopolymerization behaviors of mixtures of IBO(M)A and 2,2‐bis[p‐(2′‐hydroxy‐3′‐methacryloxy propoxy)phenyl]propane (Bis‐GMA) were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The degree of conversion, volume shrinkage, contact angle, water sorption, water solubility, flexural strength, and modulus values of the Bis‐GMA/IBO(M)A formulations were measured and compared with those of a Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA formulation. The results illustrate that the degree of conversion, volume shrinkage, contact angle, water sorption, flexural strength, and modulus values of the Bis‐GMA/IBO(M)A systems were all lower than those of the Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA system; the water solubility values of the Bis‐GMA/IBO(M)A systems were higher than that of the Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

An evaluation of water absorption of Giomer in comparison to other resin-based restorative materials

Polymeric composites have been widely used as dental restorative materials. A fundamental knowledge and understanding of the behavior of these materials in the oral cavity is essential to improve their properties and performance. The goal of this study was to measure water sorption of four composite resins containing different filler and resin matrix contents. Materials and method: Resin composite specimens giomer (Beautifil II) Filtek™ P90, Filtek™ Z350 XT, and Tetric N- Ceram were prepared in a cylindrical mould of 3mm thickness and 6mm diameter (n=10) and light cured . All specimens placed in silica-gel desiccators at 37˚C for seven days, a constant weight was obtained. All samples were immersed in deionized distilled water at 37˚C and weighed at suitable time interval once a week for 30 days. Water sorption was calculated based on ISO 4049. Data were subjected to student t- test. Results: Silorane and Giomer composites showed the lowest values of water sorption, while Z350 and Tetric N-Ceram displayed the highest values at a period of 4 weeks. Conclusion: Each resin- matrix composite varied in water sorption which may affect clinical service. The attained water sorption values are mainly influenced by the generic type of material and variations occurring between materials of the same type may result from differences in resin matrix compositions.

Effect of cellulose physical characteristics, especially the water sorption value, on the efficiency of its hydrolysis catalyzed by free or immobilized cellulase

Cellulase, an enzymatic complex that synergically promotes the degradation of cellulose to glucose and cellobiose, free or adsorbed onto Si/SiO(2) wafers at 60°C has been employed as catalyst in the hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel), microcrystalline cellulose pre-treated with hot phosphoric acid (CP), cotton cellulose (CC) and eucalyptus cellulose (EC). The physical characteristics such as index of crystallinity (I(C)), degree of polymerization (DP) and water sorption values were determined for all samples. The largest conversion rates of cellulose into the above-mentioned products using free cellulase were observed for samples with the largest water sorption values; conversion rates showed no correlation with either I(C) or DP of the biopolymer. Cellulose with large water sorption value possesses large pore volumes, hence higher accessibility. The catalytic efficiency of immobilized cellulase could not be correlated with the physical characteristics of cellulose samples. The hydrolysis rates of the same cellulose samples with immobilized cellulase were lower than those by the free enzyme, due to the diffusion barrier (biopolymer chains approaching to the immobilized enzyme) and less effective contact between the enzyme active site and its substrate. Immobilized cellulase, unlike its free counterpart, can be recycled at least six times without loss of catalytic activity, leading to higher overall cellulose conversion.