Preliminary Assessment of In Vivo Raman Spectroscopy Technique for Bone Quality Evaluation of Augmented Maxillary Sinus Floor

Histomorphometric Assessment of Non-Decalcified Plastic-Embedded Specimens for Evaluation of Bone Regeneration Using Bone Substitute Materials-A Systematic Review

With the implementation of bone substitute materials, regeneration strategies have inevitably evolved over the years. Histomorphometry is the optimal means of quantitative evaluation of bone structure and morphology. This systematic review focuses on determining study models, staining methods and histomorphometric parameters used for bone regeneration research on non-decalcified plastic-embedded specimens over the last 10 years. After being subjected to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 118 studies were included in this review. The results establish the most commonly selected animal model is rat, followed by rabbit, sheep and dog. Strong preference for staining samples with toluidine blue was noted. With regard to histomorphometric parameters, terms related to bone were most frequently assessed, amounting to almost half of recorded parameters. New bone formation was the main descriptor of this category. Residual bone graft and non-bone tissue parameters were also often evaluated. With regard to dynamic histomorphometry, mineral apposition rate (MAR) was the parameter of choice for most researchers, with calcein green being the preferred dye for fluorochrome labelling. An overview of the contemporary literature, as well as weaknesses in the current research protocols have been discussed.

Periodontal Disease Monitoring by Raman Spectroscopy of Phosphates: New Insights into Pyrophosphate Activity

(1) Background: The intent of this survey was to investigate the quality of the alveolar bone by revealing the different phases for calcified tissues independent of the medical history of the patient in relation to periodontal disease by means of Raman spectroscopy and then to correlate the results by suggesting a possible mechanism for the medical impairment; (2) Methods: The investigation was mainly based on Raman spectroscopy that was performed in vivo during surgery for the selected group of patients. The targeted peaks for the Raman spectra were according to the reference compounds (e.g., calcium phosphates, other phosphates); (3) Results: The variation in the intensity of the spectrum correlated to the specific bone constituents' concentrations highlights the bone quality, while some compounds (such as pyrophosphate, PPi) are strongly related to the patient's medical status, and they provide information regarding a physiological process that occurred in the calcified tissues. Moreover, bone sample fluorescence is related to the collagen (Col) content, enabling a complete evaluation of bone quality, revealing the importance of collagen matrix acting as a load-bearing element for Calcium phosphate (CaP) deposition during the complex bone mineralization process; (4) Conclusions: We highlight that Raman spectroscopy can be considered a viable investigative method for in vivo and rapid bone quality valuation through oral health monitoring.

Evaluation of near-infrared Raman spectroscopy in the differentiation of cortical bone, trabecular bone, and Bio-Oss bone graft: an ex-vivo study

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the ability of near-infrared Raman spectroscopy (near-IR RS) to differentiate among cortical bone, trabecular bone, and Bio-Oss, a bovinebone-based graft material.

STUDY DESIGN

We obtained a thinly sliced section of the mandible to collect cortical and trabecular bone samples and placed compacted Bio-Oss bone graft into a partially edentulous mandible in a dry human skull to obtain a comparable Bio-Oss sample. We performed near-IR RS of the 3 samples and evaluated the resultant Raman spectra to evaluate their differences.

RESULTS

We identified 3 sets of spectroscopic markers that differentiated Bio-Oss from human bone. The first consisted of significant shifts in the location of the 960 cm-1 phosphate (PO43-) peak and a reduction in its width, suggesting that Bio-Oss is more crystalline than bone. The second was the reduced carbonate content of Bio-Oss compared to bone, as determined from the 1070 cm-1/960 cm-1 peak area ratio. The final marker was the lack of collagen-associated peaks in Bio-Oss compared to cortical and trabecular bone.

CONCLUSIONS

Near-IR RS can reliably differentiate human cortical and trabecular bone from Bio-Oss via 3 sets of spectral markers associated with mineral crystallinity, carbonate content, and collagen content that differ significantly between them. Integrating this modality into dental practice may assist in implant treatment planning.