FT-IR spectroscopy of fluoro-substituted hydroxyapatite: strengths and limitations

α-Tricalcium phosphate cement reinforced with silk fibroin: A high strength biomimetic bone cement with chloride-substituted hydroxyapatite

In the past decades, bone defects have become an increasing factor in the development of disability in patients, impacting their quality of life. Large bone defects have minor chances to self-repair, requiring surgical intervention. Therefore, α-TCP-based cements are rigorously studied for the development of bone filling and replacement applications due to the possibility of application in minimally invasive procedures. However, α-TCP-based cements do not present adequate mechanical properties for most orthopedic applications. The aim of this study is to develop a biomimetic α-TCP cement reinforced with 0.250-1.000 wt% of silk fibroin using non-dialyzed SF solutions. Samples with SF additions higher than 0.250 wt% presented complete transformation of the α-TCP to a biphasic CDHA/HAp-Cl material, which could enhance the osteoconductivity of the material. Samples reinforced with concentrations of 0.500 wt% SF showed an increase of 450% of the fracture toughness and 182% of the compressive strength of the control sample, even with 31.09% porosity, which demonstrates good coupling between the SF and the CPs. All samples reinforced with SF showed a microstructure with smaller needle-like crystals when compared to the control sample, which possibly contributed to the material's reinforcement. Moreover, the composition of reinforced samples did not affect the cytotoxicity of the CPCs and enhanced the cell viability presented by the CPC without SF addition. Hence, biomimetic CPCs with mechanical reinforcement through the addition of SF were successfully obtained through the developed methodology, with the potential to be further evaluated as a suitable material for bone regeneration.

Excess heat capacity and entropy of mixing along the hydroxyapatite-chlorapatite and hydroxyapatite-fluorapatite binaries

The heat capacity, C _p, of synthetic hydroxyapatite [Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH-OH-Ap], as well as of ten compositions along the OH-Ap-chlorapatite (Cl-Ap) join and 12 compositions along the OH-Ap-fluorapatite (F-Ap) join have been measured using relaxation calorimetry (heat capacity option of the Physical Properties Measurement System-PPMS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the temperature range of 5-764 K. Apatites along the Cl-OH and F-OH joins were synthesized at 1100 °C and 300 MPa in an internally heated gas pressure vessel via an exchange process between synthetic fluorapatite or chlorapatite crystals (200-500 μm size) and a series of Ca(OH)₂-H₂O solutions with specific compositions and amounts relative to the starting apatite. The standard third-law entropy of OH-Ap, derived from the low-temperature heat capacity measurements, is S° = 386.3 ± 2.5 J mol^-1 K^-1, which is ~ 1% lower than that resulting from low-temperature adiabatic calorimetry data on OH-Ap from the 1950's. The heat capacity of OH-Ap above 298.15 K shows a hump-shaped anomaly centred around 442 K. Based on published structural and calorimetric work, this feature is interpreted to result from a monoclinic to hexagonal phase transition. Super ambient C _p up to this transition can be represented by the polynomial: C p OH - Ap 298 K - 442 K J mol - 1 K - 1 = 1013.7 - 13735.5 T - 0.5 + 2.616718 10 7 T - 2 - 3.551381 10 9 T - 3 . . The DSC data above this transition were combined with heat capacities computed using density functional theory and can be given by the C _p polynomial: C p OH - Ap > 442 K J mol - 1 K - 1 = 877.2 - 11393.7 T - 0.5 + 5.452030 10 7 T - 2 - 1.394125 10 10 T - 3 . Positive excess heat capacities of mixing, ∆C _p ^ex, in the order of 1-2 J mol^-1 K^-1, occur in both solid solutions at around 70 K. They are significant at these conditions exceeding the 2σ-uncertainty of the data. This positive ∆C _p ^ex is compensated by a negative ∆C _p ^ex of the same order at around 250 K in both binaries. At higher temperatures (up to 1200 K), ∆C _p ^ex is zero within error for all solid solution members. As a consequence, the calorimetric entropies, S_cal, show no deviation from ideal mixing behaviour within a 2σ-uncertainty for both joins. Excess entropies of mixing, ∆S^ex, are thus zero for the OH-Ap-F-Ap, as well as for the OH-Ap-Cl-Ap join. The C _p-T behaviour of the OH-Ap endmember is discussed in relation to that of the F- and Cl-endmembers.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00269-021-01167-1.

Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery: Physicochemistry and Applications

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) has been the gold standard in the biomedical field due to its composition and similarity to human bone. Properties such as shape, size, morphology, and ionic substitution can be tailored through the use of different synthesis techniques and compounds. Regardless of the ability to determine its physicochemical properties, a conclusion for the correlation with the biological response it is yet to be found. Hence, a special focus on the most desirable properties for an appropriate biological response needs to be addressed. This review provides an overview of the fundamental properties of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and the characterization of physicochemical properties involved in their biological response and role as a drug delivery system. A summary of the main chemical properties and applications of hydroxyapatite, the advantages of using nanoparticles, and the influence of shape, size, functional group, morphology, and crystalline phase in the biological response is presented. A special emphasis was placed on the analysis of chemical and physical interactions of the nanoparticles and the cargo, which was explained through the use of spectroscopic and physical techniques such as FTIR, Raman, XRD, SEM, DLS, and BET. We discuss the properties tailored for hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for a specific biomolecule based on the compilation of studies performed on proteins, peptides, drugs, and genetic material.

Fluorapatite ceramics for bone tissue regeneration: Synthesis, characterization and assessment of biomedical potential

Calcium phosphates, due to their similarity to the inorganic fraction of mineralized tissues, are of great importance in treatment of bone defects. In order to improve the biological activity of hydroxyapatite (HAP), its fluoride-substituted modification (FAP) was synthesized using the sol-gel method and calcined at three different temperatures in the range of 800-1200 °C. Physicochemical and biological properties were evaluated to indicate which material would support bone regeneration the best. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that fluoride ions were incorporated into the apatite lattice structure. In studies it was found that fluorapatite sintered at the highest temperature had the lowest porosity, no internal pores and the highest density. In vitro ion reactivity assessments showed that during the 28-day immersion of the samples in the simulated body fluid, the uptake of calcium and phosphorus ions was inversely correlated to the calcination temperature. All tested materials were non-toxic since the cytotoxicity MTT assay demonstrated that the viability of preosteoblast cells incubated with sample extracts was high. Fluorapatite sintered at 800 °C was determined to be of optimal porosity and fluoride release capacity and then used in cell proliferation studies. The results showed that it significantly shortened the doubling time and thus enhanced the proliferation of osteogenic cells, as compared to the fluoride solutions and control group. Therefore, this material is proposed for the use in orthopedic applications and bone tissue engineering.

Evaluation of fluorinated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as an antibacterial material for catheter coating

Background

Catheter-related infection of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is one of the serious factors of peritonitis. However, an antibacterial PD catheter has not been commercially available in Japan yet. From an infection control viewpoint, it is necessary to develop an antibacterial coating material for catheters with a long-term effectiveness.

Methods

Fluorinated hydroxyapatite (F-HAp) nanoparticles were prepared by a wet chemical process. F-HAps with different F substitution contents were prepared by adjusting the feed ratio of F ions versus sites of OH groups in HAp structures. The characterization and evaluation of F-HAps were conducted using several analytical equipment and an antibacterial powder assay.

Results

The F-HAp nanoparticles possessed highly crystalline and dispersibility. The F-HAps were named as F(30)-HAp, F(50)-HAp, and F(100)-HAp and were 24, 52, and 84% of the actual F substitution content, respectively. The nanomaterials showed acidic resistance, i.e., chemical stability, compared to normal HAp. In an antibacterial assay of F(100)-HAp with 50 mg in 0.2 mL of NaCl aqueous solution, four types of causative bacteria of catheter-related infections,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,Enterobacter aerogenes, andKlebsiella pneumoniaewere used. The antibacterial activities of F(100)-HAp showed 50–60% against the microorganisms. F ions were gradually released and finally plateaued at 24 weeks.

Conclusions

The retention possibility of the antibacterial effect of F(100)-HAp potentially lasted for 24 weeks based on the F ions release behavior. It is expected that the antibacterial performance can be improved by the precise control of material engineering technology, although the duration of the effect has not yet been satisfactory for a PD catheter.

Effect of mechanochemical activation of natural phosphorite structure as well as phosphorus solubility

Mechanochemical treatment of phosphate rock is considered as an effective and ecologically clean way of treating the medium- and low-grade phosphorite which could be used as fertilizer instead of the high-grade phosphorite. In order to investigate the effects of different milling times on the mechanochemically activated phosphorite (lower total phosphorus content) by more efficient milling equipment with enhanced milling speed, phosphorus solubility in citric acid and structural characteristics of natural and mechanochemically activated phosphorite from Yichang, China were studied using scanning electron microscope, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Phosphorus solubility in citric acid increased proportionately with the milling time until 30 min (57.51%), but then gradually reached an equilibrium with the maximum (59.03%) in 50 min. These changes were mainly manifested in considerably reduced particle size, decreased crystallinity and increased structural defects of phosphorite due to substitution of PO43- with CO32- and the incorporation of OH-. With the incorporation of CO32- and OH-, the non-activated carbonate-fluorapatite (type B) was transformed into a mixture of carbonate-fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, fluorocarbon hydroxyapatite and/or carbonate apatite, respectively during the process of mechanochemical activation. As a result of the structural and phase transformations after mechanochemical activation, phosphorus solubility remarkably increased.

In-vitro bioactivity evaluation and physical properties of an epoxy-based dental sealer reinforced with synthesized fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass nanofillers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical properties and bioactivity potential of epoxy-based dental sealers modified with synthesized bioactive glass (BAG), hydroxyapatite (HA) and fluorine substituted hydroxyapatite (FHA) nanoparticles.

The synthesized powders were incorporated at 10% and 20% into the epoxy-based dental sealer. The setting time, flow and solubility and microhardness of the modified and unmodified samples were examined. The bioactivity was evaluated using FESEM-EDX and elemental mapping, ATR-FTIR and XRD.

The flow value of all of the experimental groups except the FHA modified samples, was greater than 20 mm. Concerning solubility, no specimens exhibited more than 1% weight loss. The solubility value of the FHA groups was statistically significant lower than other groups (p ≤ 0.001). The mean hardness values of all of the modified samples were significantly higher than the unmodified group (p ≤ 0.001).

Regarding bioactivity, in vitro study revealed that after 3 days immersion in SBF a compact and continuous calcium phosphate layer formed on the surface of epoxy sealers containing BAG and HA nanoparticles.

Based on these results, the addition of BAG and HA nanoparticles did not adversely alter the physical properties of epoxy sealers. Additionally, they improved the in vitro bioactivity of the epoxy sealer.

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Since root canal sealers are in direct contact with the periapical tissue, ideally, they should be composed of a bioactive material.

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It is important that the added bioactive fillers don't adversely affect the physical properties of the material.

Qualitative analysis on crystal growth of synthetic hydroxyapatite influenced by fluoride concentration

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to analyze the crystal growth of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) particles in pH 7.0 supersaturated solutions with different fluoride concentrations by FE-SEM, FE-TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and FTIR.

DESIGN

Eight groups of pH 7.0 calcium phosphate supersaturated solutions were prepared with different fluoride concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 ppm). Each solution was introduced into the reactive column containing the synthetic HA for 48 h. The resulting products were prepared for FE-SEM, FE-TEM, XRD, and FTIR.

RESULTS

The FE-SEM examination revealed various morphological changes of the crystals, with additional, less-ordered crystallites in experimental solutions containing more than 8 ppm of fluoride. FE-TEM examination showed an additional amorphous layer on the surface of the crystals with the presence of fluoride, whereas definite lattice structures completely reached the surface of the crystals without fluorides. XRD data showed that all crystals had the same patterns as the unreacted synthetic HA, regardless of fluoride concentration. With FTIR results, the intensity of the OH-libration mode decreased when adding fluoride, compared to that of pristine HA. The resulting crystals were considered to be partially fluoridated HA under room temperature and pH 7.0 supersaturated solutions.

CONCLUSION

Under the experimental conditions in this study, fluorides mainly react with the surface of the seed HA and have an impact on the growth of HA in a less effective manner as the concentration of fluoride increases.

Effect of fluorine substitution on sintering behaviour, mechanical and bioactivity of hydroxyapatite

Fluorine substituted hydroxyapatite (FAp) with different degree of fluorine (F) substitution, has been synthesized using hydrothermal synthesis method. In the present work, as synthesized powders were consolidated by sintering at 1200 °C in air for 1 h. The sintered specimens were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis. Further, fluorine intake in the sintered specimens was evaluated using ion chromatography (IC). XRD peaks clearly showed biphasic nature of the sintered specimen. However, the sintered samples containing more than ∼60% fluorine substitution showed no β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) phase formation. The IC results revealed that the degree of fluoridation decreased significantly in the sintered specimen compare to the respective as synthesized powders. The effect of actual fluorine content in the sintered specimens was further evaluated in terms of sinterability, surface energy, mechanical properties and in vitro cytocompatibility study. The surface energy of the sintered specimen decreased from 51.8 mN/m to 42.5 mN/m, in which degree of fluoridation varies from 0% to 110%. The in vitro cytocompatibility of the sintered specimen were carried out against mouse osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1). In vitro study showed that all the samples were nontoxic but cell proliferation for the samples containing more than 40% fluorine substitution became significantly low.

Characterization, Bioactivity and Antibacterial Properties of Copper-Based TiO2 Bioceramic Coatings Fabricated on Titanium

The bioactive and anti-bacterial Cu-based bioceramic TiO2 coatings have been fabricated on cp-Ti (Grade 2) by two-steps. These two-steps combine micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and physical vapor deposition–thermal evaporation (PVD-TE) techniques for dental implant applications. As a first step, all surfaces of cp-Ti substrate were coated by MAO technique in an alkaline electrolyte, consisting of Na3PO4 and KOH in de-ionized water. Then, as a second step, a copper (Cu) nano-layer with 5 nm thickness was deposited on the MAO by PVD-TE technique. Phase structure, morphology, elemental amounts, thickness, roughness and wettability of the MAO and Cu-based MAO coating surfaces were characterized by XRD (powder- and TF-XRD), SEM, EDS, eddy current device, surface profilometer and contact angle goniometer, respectively. The powder- and TF-XRD spectral analyses showed that Ti, TiO2, anatase-TiO2 and rutile-TiO2 existed on the MAO and Cu-based MAO coatings’ surfaces. All coatings’ surfaces were porous and rough, owing to the presence of micro sparks through MAO. Furthermore, the surface morphology of Cu-based MAO was not changed. Also, the Cu-based MAO coating has more hydrophilic properties than the MAO coating. In vitro bioactivity and in vitro antibacterial properties of the coatings have been investigated by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 36.5 °C for 28 days and bacterial adhesion for gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria, respectively. The apatite layer was formed on the MAO and Cu-based MAO surfaces at post-immersion in SBF and therefore, the bioactivity of Cu-based MAO surface was increased to the MAO surface. Also, for S. aureus and E. coli, the antibacterial properties of Cu-based MAO coatings were significantly improved compared to one of the uncoated MAO surfaces. These results suggested that Cu-based MAO coatings on cp-Ti could be a promising candidate for biomedical dental implant applications.

Mechanism of Action of TiF4 on Dental Enamel Surface: SEM/EDX, KOH-Soluble F, and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the action of TiF4 on sound and carious bovine and human enamel. Sound (S) and pre-demineralised (DE) bovine and human (primary and permanent) enamel samples were treated with TiF4 (pH 1.0) or NaF varnishes (pH 5.0), containing 0.95, 1.95, or 2.45% F for 12 h. The enamel surfaces were analysed using SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) (n = 10, 5 S and 5 DE) and KOH-soluble fluoride was quantified (n = 20, 10 S and 10 DE). Hydroxyapatite powder produced by precipitation method was treated with the corresponding fluoride solutions for 1 min (n = 2). The formed compounds were detected using X-ray diffraction (XRD). All TiF4 varnishes produced a coating layer rich in Ti and F on all types of enamel surface, with micro-cracks in its extension. TiF4 (1.95 and 2.45% F) provided higher fluoride deposition than NaF, especially for bovine enamel (p < 0.0001). It also induced a higher fluoride deposition on DE samples compared to S samples (p < 0.0001), except for primary enamel. The Ti content was higher for bovine and human primary enamel than human permanent enamel, with some differences between S and DE. The XRD analysis showed that TiF4 induced the formation of new compounds such as CaF2, TiO2, and Ti(HPO4)2·H2O. In conclusion, TiF4 (>0.95% F) interacts better, when compared to NaF, with bovine and human primary enamel than with human permanent enamel. TiF4 provoked higher F deposition compared to NaF. Carious enamel showed higher F uptake than sound enamel by TiF4 application, while Ti uptake was dependent on the enamel condition and origin.

Evaluation of the in vitro biodegradation and biological behavior of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/nano-fluorhydroxyapatite composite microsphere-sintered scaffold for bone tissue engineering

The objective of this research was to study the degradation and biological characteristics of the three-dimensional porous composite scaffold made of poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)/nano-fluorhydroxyapatite microsphere using sintering method for potential bone tissue engineering. Our previous experimental results demonstrated that poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)/nano-fluorhydroxyapatite composite scaffold with a ratio of 4:1 sintered at 90ºC for 2 h has the greatest mechanical properties and a proper pore structure for bone repair applications. The weight loss percentage of both poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)/nano-fluorhydroxyapatite and poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) scaffolds demonstrated a monotonic trend with increasing degradation time, that is, the incorporation of nano-fluorhydroxyapatite into polymeric scaffold could lead to weight loss in comparison with that of pure poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid). The pH change for composite scaffolds showed that there was a slight decrease until 2 weeks after immersion in simulated body fluid, followed by a significant increase in the pH of simulated body fluid without a scaffold at the end of immersion time. The mechanical properties of composite scaffold were higher than that of poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) scaffold at total time of incubation in simulated body fluid; however, it should be noted that the incorporation of nano-fluorhydroxyapatite into composite scaffold leads to decline in the relatively significant mechanical strength and modulus during hydrolytic degradation. In addition, MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase activity results defined that a general trend of increasing cell viability was seen for poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)/nano-fluorhydroxyapatite scaffold sintered by time when compared to control group. Eventually, experimental results exhibited poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)/nano-fluorhydroxyapatite microsphere-sintered scaffold is a promising scaffold for bone repair.

Hybrid chitosan/β-1,3-glucan matrix of bone scaffold enhances osteoblast adhesion, spreading and proliferation via promotion of serum protein adsorption

Initial protein adsorption to the material surface is crucial for osteoblast adhesion, survival, and rapid proliferation resulting in intensive new bone formation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that modification of a chitosan matrix of chitosan/hydroxyapatite (chit/HA) biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications with linear β-1,3-glucan (curdlan) leads to promotion of serum protein adsorption to the resultant scaffold (chit/glu/HA) and thus in enhancement of osteoblast adhesion, spreading and proliferation. Fabricated biomaterials were pre-adsorbed with different protein solutions and then protein adsorption and osteoblast behavior on the scaffolds were compared. Moreover, surface chemical composition, wettability and surface energy of biomaterials were compared. Modification of the chitosan matrix with β-1,3-glucan introduces a greater polarpart in the resultant chitosan/β-1,3-glucan matrix presumably resulting from more OH groups within the curdlan structure. Moreover, FTIR-ATR results suggest that there might be some sort of chemical interaction between the NH group of chitosan and the OH group of β-1,3-glucan. As a consequence, the chit/glu/HA scaffold adsorbs significantly more adhesion proteins that are crucial for osteoblasts compared to the chit/HA material, providing a higher density culture of well-spread osteoblasts on its surface. Obtained results revealed that not only is chit/glu/HA biomaterial a promising scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications, but the specific polysaccharide chit/glu matrix itself is promising for use in the biomedical material field to modify various biomaterials in order to enhance osteoblast adhesion and proliferation on their surfaces.

Preparation and Characterizations of Dispersible Fluorinated Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles with Weak Antibacterial Activity

To develop a nanoscaled coating material for medical devices possessing weak antibacterial activity, dispersible and crystalline fluorinated hydroxyapatite (F-HAp) nanoparticles were prepared using antisintering agent to avoid calcination-induced sintering. The product was identical to fluorapatite, as determined by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The primary particles generally showed rod-shaped morphology with a length of 367 ± 67 nm and a width of 223 ± 21 nm measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dispersed average particle size (313 ± 51 nm) in ethanol analyzed by dynamic light scattering was almost the same as that obtained from the SEM images. In the evaluation of solubility in acidic aqueous solution, F-HAp and original hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles started to dissolve at around pH 3.4 and 4.2, respectively. Thus, the stability of F-HAp in a living body increased compared with original HAp. The antibacterial activity of F-HAp nanoparticles was higher than that of fluoride in sodium fluoride alone or the original HAp nanoparticles. However, it was estimated that the effect of F-HAp was much lower compared with that of silver, one of the popular antibacterial materials. Thus, the dispersed F-HAp nanoparticles possessing weak antimicrobial activity can be useful without severe damage to the living tissue.

In vivo study and thermodynamic investigation of two lanthanum complexes, La(dpp)3 and La(XT), for the treatment of bone resorption disorders

Bone density diseases such as osteoporosis affect a significant number of people worldwide. Lanthanide ions are functional mimics of calcium ions, able to substitute for Ca2+ in the bone mineral component, hydroxyapatite (HAP). Bone undergoes a continuous remodelling cycle and lanthanides can affect this cycle, exerting a positive influence on bone mineral. We have been engaged in efforts to find new lanthanide containing complexes as active agents for treatment of these diseases and have identified two lead compounds, 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethylpyridin-4(1H)-one (Hdpp) and a phosphinate-EDTA derivative, bis[[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]-methyl]phosphinate (H5XT). In this paper, we report in vivo data for the first time for the two lead compounds. The pharmacokinetics of La(dpp)3 suggest the complex is rapidly cleared from plasma. We demonstrate that La3+ accumulates in the bone following IV dose of either La(dpp)3 or La(XT) and we have investigated the influence of each chelating ligand on the incorporation of La3+ into HAP using ITC and HAP-binding studies.

Effects of fluoridation of porcine hydroxyapatite on osteoblastic activity of human MG63 cells

Biological hydroxyapatite, derived from animal bones, is the most widely used bone substitute in orthopedic and dental treatments. Fluorine is the trace element involved in bone remodeling and has been confirmed to promote osteogenesis when administered at the appropriate dose. To take advantage of this knowledge, fluorinated porcine hydroxyapatite (FPHA) incorporating increasing levels of fluoride was derived from cancellous porcine bone through straightforward chemical and thermal treatments. Physiochemical characteristics, including crystalline phases, functional groups and dissolution behavior, were investigated on this novel FPHA. Human osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on the FPHA to examine cell attachment, cytoskeleton, proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation for in vitro cellular evaluation. Results suggest that fluoride ions released from the FPHA play a significant role in stimulating osteoblastic activity in vitro, and appropriate level of fluoridation (1.5 to 3.1 atomic percents of fluorine) for the FPHA could be selected with high potential for use as a bone substitute.

Effect of Trimetaphosphate and Fluoride Association on Hydroxyapatite Dissolution and Precipitation In Vitro

The present study analyzed the action of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) and/or fluoride on hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite powder was suspended in different solutions: deionized water, 500 µg F/mL, 1,100 µg F/mL, 1%TMP, 3%TMP, 500 µg F/mL plus 1%TMP and 500 µg F/mL plus 3%TMP. The pH value of the solutions was reduced to 4.0 and after 30 min, raised to 7.0 (three times). After pH-cycling, the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The concentrations of calcium fluoride, fluoride, calcium and phosphorus were also determined. Adding 1% or 3% TMP to the solution containing 500 µg F/mL produced a higher quantity of calcium fluoride compared to samples prepared in a 1,100 µg F/mL solution. Regarding the calcium concentration, samples prepared in solutions of 1,100 µg F/mL and 500 µg F/mL plus TMP were statistically similar and showed higher values. Using solutions of 1,100 µg F/mL and 500 µg F/mL plus TMP resulted in a calcium/phosphorus ratio close to that of hydroxyapatite. It is concluded that the association of TMP and fluoride favored the precipitation of a more stable hydroxyapatite.

Uptake of fluoride from aqueous solution on nano-sized hydroxyapatite: examination of a fluoridated surface layer

Hydroxyapatite (Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(2), HAP), both as a synthetic material and as a constituent of bone char, can serve as an effective and relatively inexpensive filter material for fluoride (F(-)) removal from drinking water in low-income countries. Fluoride uptake on HAP can occur through different mechanisms, which are, in principle, influenced by solution composition. Suspensions of HAP (2 g L(-1)) were equilibrated under controlled pH conditions (pH 6.5, 7.3, 9.5) at 25 °C for 28 d after the addition of different F(-) concentrations (0.5-7.0 mM). The reacted HAP solids were examined with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Nano Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (NanoSIMS). Fluoride uptake on HAP was dependent on pH, with the highest capacity at pH 6.5; the lowest uptake was found at pH 9.5. Under all experimental conditions, the thermodynamically stable mineral phase was fluorapatite, (Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)F(2), FAP). Fluoride uptake capacity was quantified on the basis of FTIR and XPS analysis, which was consistent with F(-) uptake from solution. The results of XPS and NanoSIMS analyses indicate that a fluoridated surface layer with a thickness of several nanometers is formed on nanosized HAP.

Effect of fluorine addition on the biological performance of hydroxyapatite coatings on Ti by aerosol deposition

Dense and well-adherent fluoridated hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2− xF x, FHA] coatings with various amounts of fluorine contents ( x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0) were deposited on commercially available pure titanium by aerosol deposition using FHA powders in order to investigate the effect of fluorine content on the properties of the coatings. FHA powders with different compositions were synthesized by solid-state reactions of hydroxyapatite (HA) and fluorapatite (FA) powders at various ratios. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that fluoride ions were successfully incorporated into the HA lattice for both the FHA powders and the FHA coatings. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed dense microstructures and good substrate adhesion of the coatings with high adhesion strengths of more than 33.1 MPa. The dissolution behavior in a tris-buffered saline solution indicated that the dissolution rate of the FHA coatings decreased as a result of increasing the fluorine content in the coatings. In addition, in vitro cellular tests, including cell attachment, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells grown on the coatings, demonstrated that an FHA coating with a moderate degree of F− substitution, x = 1.0, had a stronger stimulating effect on cell proliferation and differentiation. These results suggested that there exists an optimum fluorine content level in the FHA coatings for the best long-term stability and cellular responses.

Alteration of dentin-enamel mechanical properties due to dental whitening treatments

The mechanical properties of dentin and enamel affect the reliability and wear properties of a tooth. This study investigated the influence of clinical dental treatments and procedures, such as whitening treatments or etching prior to restorative procedures. Both autoclaved and non-autoclaved teeth were studied in order to allow for both comparison with published values and improved clinical relevance. Nanoindentation analysis with the Oliver-Pharr model provided elastic modulus and hardness across the dentin-enamel junction (DEJ). Large increases were observed in the elastic modulus of enamel in teeth that had been autoclaved (52.0 GPa versus 113.4 GPa), while smaller increases were observed in the dentin (17.9 GPa versus 27.9 GPa). Likewise, there was an increase in the hardness of enamel (2.0 GPa versus 4.3 GPa) and dentin (0.5 GPa versus 0.7 GPa) with autoclaving. These changes suggested that the range of elastic modulus and hardness values previously reported in the literature may be partially due to the sterilization procedures. Treatment of the exterior of non-autoclaved teeth with Crest Whitestrips, Opalescence or UltraEtch caused changes in the mechanical properties of both the enamel and dentin. Those treated with Crest Whitestrips showed a reduction in the elastic modulus of enamel (55.3 GPa to 32.7 GPa) and increase in the elastic modulus of dentin (17.2 GPa to 24.3 GPa). Opalescence treatments did not significantly affect the enamel properties, but did result in a decrease in the modulus of dentin (18.5 GPa to 15.1 GPa). Additionally, as expected, UltraEtch treatment decreased the modulus and hardness of enamel (48.7 GPa to 38.0 GPa and 1.9 GPa to 1.5 GPa, respectively) and dentin (21.4 GPa to 15.0 GPa and 1.9 GPa to 1.5 GPa, respectively). Changes in the mechanical properties were linked to altered protein concentration within the tooth, as evidenced by fluorescence microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.