The Effect of Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles/Graphene Oxide Composites on the Differentiation and Mineralization of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Fabrication of Electrospun Double Layered Biomimetic Collagen-Chitosan Polymeric Membranes with Zinc-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Additives

Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to promote bone regeneration, including guided bone regeneration (GBR), where barrier membranes play a crucial role in segregating soft tissue and facilitating bone growth. This study emphasizes the importance of considering specific tissue requirements in the design of materials for tissue regeneration, with a focus on the development of a double-layered membrane to mimic both soft and hard tissues within the context of GBR. The hard tissue-facing layer comprises collagen and zinc-doped bioactive glass to support bone tissue regeneration, while the soft tissue-facing layer combines collagen and chitosan. The electrospinning technique was employed to achieve the production of nanofibers resembling extracellular matrix fibers. The production of nano-sized (~116 nm) bioactive glasses was achieved by microemulsion assisted sol-gel method. The bioactive glass-containing layers developed hydroxyapatite on their surfaces starting from the first week of simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion, demonstrating that the membranes possessed favorable bioactivity properties. Moreover, all membranes exhibited distinct degradation behaviors in various mediums. However, weight loss exceeding 50% was observed in all tested samples after four weeks in both SBF and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The double-layered membranes were also subjected to mechanical testing, revealing a tensile strength of approximately 4 MPa. The double-layered membranes containing zinc-doped bioactive glass demonstrated cell viability of over 70% across all tested concentrations (0.2, 0.1, and 0.02 g/mL), confirming the excellent biocompatibility of the membranes. The fabricated polymer bioactive glass composite double-layered membranes are strong candidates with the potential to be utilized in tissue engineering applications.

Applications of Graphene Family Nanomaterials in Regenerative Medicine: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs) have attracted considerable attention in diverse fields from engineering and electronics to biomedical applications because of their distinctive physicochemical properties such as large specific surface area, high mechanical strength, and favorable hydrophilic nature. Moreover, GFNs have demonstrated the ability to create an anti-inflammatory environment and exhibit antibacterial effects. Consequently, these materials hold immense potential in facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, further promoting the repair and regeneration of various tissues, including bone, nerve, oral, myocardial, and vascular tissues. Note that challenges still persist in current applications, including concerns regarding biosecurity risks, inadequate adhesion performance, and unsuitable degradability as matrix materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current advancements in the utilization of GFNs in regenerative medicine, as well as their molecular mechanism and signaling targets in facilitating tissue repair and regeneration. Future research prospects for GFNs, such as potential in promoting ocular tissue regeneration, are also discussed in details. We hope to offer a valuable reference for the clinical application of GFNs in the treatment of bone defects, nerve damage, periodontitis, and atherosclerosis.

Engineering mesoporous bioactive glasses for emerging stimuli-responsive drug delivery and theranostic applications

Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs), which belong to the category of modern porous nanomaterials, have garnered significant attention due to their impressive biological activities, appealing physicochemical properties, and desirable morphological features. They hold immense potential for utilization in diverse fields, including adsorption, separation, catalysis, bioengineering, and medicine. Despite possessing interior porous structures, excellent morphological characteristics, and superior biocompatibility, primitive MBGs face challenges related to weak encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, and mechanical strength when applied in biomedical fields. It is important to note that the advantageous attributes of MBGs can be effectively preserved by incorporating supramolecular assemblies, miscellaneous metal species, and their conjugates into the material surfaces or intrinsic mesoporous networks. The innovative advancements in these modified colloidal inorganic nanocarriers inspire researchers to explore novel applications, such as stimuli-responsive drug delivery, with exceptional in-vivo performances. In view of the above, we outline the fabrication process of calcium-silicon-phosphorus based MBGs, followed by discussions on their significant progress in various engineered strategies involving surface functionalization, nanostructures, and network modification. Furthermore, we emphasize the recent advancements in the textural and physicochemical properties of MBGs, along with their theranostic potentials in multiple cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Lastly, we recapitulate compelling viewpoints, with specific considerations given from bench to bedside.

Tailored gelatin methacryloyl-based hydrogel with near-infrared responsive delivery of Qiai essential oils boosting reactive oxygen species scavenging, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities for diabetic wound healing

The management of diabetic wounds poses a substantial economic and medical burden for diabetic patients. Oxidative stress and persistent bacterial infections are considered to be the primary factors. Qiai essential oil (QEO) exhibits various pharmacological characteristics, including inflammatory-reducing, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, the hydrophobic nature and propensity for explosive release of this substance present constraints on its potential for future applications. Here, we developed a stimulus-responsive hydrogel to overcome the multiple limitations of QEO-based wound dressings. The QEO was encapsulated within graphene oxide (GO) through repeated extrusion using an extruder. Subsequently, QEO@GO nanoparticles were incorporated into a Gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel. The QEO@GO-GelMA hydrogel demonstrated controlled release ablation, photothermal antibacterial effects, and contact ablation against two representative bacterial strains. It effectively reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, promoted angiogenesis, and decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), thereby accelerating the healing process of diabetic wounds. In addition, in vitro and in vivo tests provided further evidence of the favorable biocompatibility of this multifunctional hydrogel dressing. Overall, the QEO@GO-GelMA hydrogel provides numerous benefits, encompassing antimicrobial properties, ROS-scavenging abilities, anti-inflammatory effects, and the capacity to expedite diabetic wound healing. These attributes make it an optimal choice for diabetic wound management.

Effect of Bioactive Glasses and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Dental Pulp Cells

Ideal regeneration of hard tissue and dental pulp has been reported with the use of a combination of bioactive glass and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). However, no previous study has investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the processes induced by this combination in dental pulp cells. This study aimed to examine the cellular phenotype and transcriptional changes induced by the combination of bioactive glass solution (BG) and bFGF in dental pulp cells using phase-contrast microscopy, a cell counting kit-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase staining, and RNA sequence analysis. bFGF induced elongation of the cell process and increased the number of cells. Whereas BG did not increase ALP activity, it induced extracellular matrix-related genes in the dental pulp. In addition, the combination of BG and bFGF induces gliogenesis-related genes in the nervous system. This is to say, bFGF increased the viability of dental pulp cells, bioactive glass induced odontogenesis, and a dual stimulation with bioactive glass and bFGF induced the wound healing of the nerve system in the dental pulp. Taken together, bioactive glass and bFGF may be useful for the regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex.

Advances and challenges in regenerative dentistry: A systematic review of calcium phosphate and silicate-based materials on human dental pulp stem cells

Conventional dentistry faces limitations in preserving tooth health due to the finite lifespan of restorative materials. Regenerative dentistry, utilizing stem cells and bioactive materials, offers a promising approach for regenerating dental tissues. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and bioactive materials like calcium phosphate (CaP) and silicate-based materials have shown potential for dental tissue regeneration. This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of CaP and silicate-based materials on hDPSCs through in vitro studies published since 2015. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was implemented in PubMed MedLine, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases. Eligibility criteria were established using the PICOS scheme. Data extraction and risk of bias (RoB) assessment were conducted, with the included studies assessed for bias using the Office of Health and Translation (OHAT) RoB tool. The research has been registered at OSF Registries. Ten in vitro studies met the eligibility criteria out of 1088 initial studies. Methodological heterogeneity and the use of self-synthesized biomaterials with limited generalizability were observed in the included study. The findings highlight the positive effect of CaP and silicate-based materials on hDPSCs viability, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. While the overall RoB assessment indicated satisfactory credibility of the reviewed studies, the limited number of studies and methodological heterogeneity pose challenges for quantitative research. In conclusion, this systematic review provides valuable insights into the effects of CaP and silicate-based materials on hDPSCs. Further research is awaited to enhance our understanding and optimize regenerative dental treatments using bioactive materials and hDPSCs, which promise to improve patient outcomes.

Nanomaterials Modulating the Fate of Dental-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Involved in Oral Tissue Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

The critical challenges in repairing oral soft and hard tissue defects are infection control and the recovery of functions. Compared to conventional tissue regeneration methods, nano-bioactive materials have become the optimal materials with excellent physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are a particular type of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) with great potential in tissue regeneration and differentiation. This paper presents a review of the application of various nano-bioactive materials for the induction of differentiation of DMSCs in oral and maxillofacial restorations in recent years, outlining the characteristics of DMSCs, detailing the biological regulatory effects of various nano-materials on stem cells and summarizing the material-induced differentiation of DMSCs into multiple types of tissue-induced regeneration strategies. Nanomaterials are different and complementary to each other. These studies are helpful for the development of new nanoscientific research technology and the clinical transformation of tissue reconstruction technology and provide a theoretical basis for the application of nanomaterial-modified dental implants. We extensively searched for papers related to tissue engineering bioactive constructs based on MSCs and nanomaterials in the databases of PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "mesenchymal stem cells", "nanotechnology", "biomaterials", "dentistry" and "tissue regeneration". From 2013 to 2023, we selected approximately 150 articles that align with our philosophy.

Chemical and Structural Assessment of New Dental Composites with Graphene Exposed to Staining Agents

Among the newest trends in dental composites is the use of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles to assure better cohesion of the composite and superior properties. Our research used GO to enhance several hydroxyapatite (HA) nanofiller distribution and cohesion in three experimental composites CC, GS, GZ exposed to coffee and red wine staining environments. The presence of silane A-174 on the filler surface was evidenced by FT-IR spectroscopy. Experimental composites were characterized through color stability after 30 days of staining in red wine and coffee, sorption and solubility in distilled water and artificial saliva. Surface properties were measured by optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, and antibacterial properties wer e assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A colour stability test revealed the best results for GS, followed by GZ, with less stability for CC. Topographical and morphological aspects revealed a synergism between GZ sample nanofiller components that conducted to the lower surface roughness, with less in the GS sample. However, surface roughness variation due to the stain was affected less than colour stability at the macroscopic level. Antibacterial testing revealed good effect against Staphylococcus aureus and a moderate effect against Escherichia coli.

Mesoporous Bioactive Nanoparticles for Bone Tissue Applications

Research in nanomaterials with applications in bone regeneration therapies has experienced a very significant advance with the development of bioactive mesoporous nanoparticles (MBNPs). These nanomaterials consist of small spherical particles that exhibit chemical properties and porous structures that stimulate bone tissue regeneration, since they have a composition similar to that of conventional sol-gel bioactive glasses and high specific surface area and porosity values. The rational design of mesoporosity and their ability to incorporate drugs make MBNPs an excellent tool for the treatment of bone defects, as well as the pathologies that cause them, such as osteoporosis, bone cancer, and infection, among others. Moreover, the small size of MBNPs allows them to penetrate inside the cells, provoking specific cellular responses that conventional bone grafts cannot perform. In this review, different aspects of MBNPs are comprehensively collected and discussed, including synthesis strategies, behavior as drug delivery systems, incorporation of therapeutic ions, formation of composites, specific cellular response and, finally, in vivo studies that have been performed to date.

Preparation, Characterization, and Drug Delivery of Hexagonal Boron Nitride-Borate Bioactive Glass Biomimetic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

In this study, biomimetic borate-based bioactive glass scaffolds containing hexagonal boron nitride hBN nanoparticles (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2% by weight) were manufactured with the polymer foam replication technique to be used in hard tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. To create three-dimensional cylindrical-shaped scaffolds, polyurethane foams were used as templates and covered using a suspension of glass and hBN powder mixture. Then, a heat treatment was applied at 570 °C in an air atmosphere to remove the polymer foam from the structure and to sinter the glass structures. The structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of the fabricated composites were examined in detail. The in vitro bioactivity of the prepared composites was tested in simulated body fluid, and the release behavior of gentamicin sulfate and 5-fluorouracil from glass scaffolds were analyzed separately as a function of time. The cytotoxicity was investigated using osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The findings indicated that the hBN nanoparticles, up to a certain concentration in the glass matrix, improved the mechanical strength of the glass scaffolds, which mimic the cancellous bone. Additionally, the inclusion of hBN nanoparticles enhanced the in vitro hydroxyapatite-forming ability of bioactive glass composites. The presence of hBN nanoparticles accelerated the drug release rates of the system. It was concluded that bioactive glass/hBN composite scaffolds mimicking native bone tissue could be used for bone tissue repair and regeneration applications.

Dentin regeneration based on tooth tissue engineering: A review

Missing or damaged teeth due to caries, genetic disorders, oral cancer, or infection may contribute to physical and mental impairment that reduces the quality of life. Despite major progress in dental tissue repair and those replacing missing teeth with prostheses, clinical treatments are not yet entirely satisfactory, as they do not regenerate tissues with natural teeth features. Therefore, much of the focus has centered on tissue engineering (TE) based on dental stem/progenitor cells to create bioengineered dental tissues. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the use of cells in regenerating sections of a tooth or a whole tooth. Tooth tissue engineering (TTE), as a promising method for dental tissue regeneration, can form durable biological substitutes for soft and mineralized dental tissues. The cell-based TE approach, which directly seeds cells and bioactive components onto the biodegradable scaffolds, is currently the most potential method. Three essential components of this strategy are cells, scaffolds, and growth factors (GFs). This study investigates dentin regeneration after an injury such as caries using TE and stem/progenitor cell-based strategies. We begin by discussing about the biological structure of a dentin and dentinogenesis. The engineering of teeth requires knowledge of the processes that underlie the growth of an organ or tissue. Then, the three fundamental requirements for dentin regeneration, namely cell sources, GFs, and scaffolds are covered in the current study, which may ultimately lead to new insights in this field.

Effect of PCL/nHAEA nanocomposite to osteo/odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells

Purpose

The green synthesis of nanoparticles has recently opened up a new route in material production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) synthesized from Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) extract in polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers (PCL/nHAEA) to odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and their potential applications for dentin tissue engineering.

Methods

Green synthesis of nHA via EA extract (nHAEA) was done by the sol–gel technique. Then electrospun nanocomposites containing of PCL blended with nHA (P/nHA) and nHAEA (P/nHAEA) were fabricated, and the characterization was evaluated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the contact angle. The morphology of nanofibers and the cell adhesion capacity of DPSCs on nanofibers were evaluated using SEM. Cytocompatibility was assessed by MTT. Osteo/odontogenic differentiation ability of the nanocomposites were assessed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red S (ARS) staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique.

Results

Viability and adhesion capacity of DPSCs were higher on P/nHAEA nanofibers than PCL and P/nHA nanofibers. ARS assay, ALP activity, and qPCR analysis findings confirmed that the nHAEA blended nanofibrous scaffolds substantially increased osteo/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs.

Conclusion

PCL/nHAEA nanocomposites had a noticeable effect on the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs and may help to improve cell-based dentin regeneration therapies in the future.

Lithium doped biphasic calcium phosphate: Structural analysis and osteo/odontogenic potential in vitro

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) is generally considered a good synthetic bone graft material with osteoinductive potential. Lithium ions are trace elements that play a role in the bone-remodeling process. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lithium ions on the phase, crystal structure, and biological responses of lithium doped BCPs and to identify improvements in their osteogenic properties. Lithium-doped BCP powders with different doping levels (0, 5, 10, and 20 at%) were synthesized via the co-precipitation method. We found that the four types of lithium-doped BCP powders showed different phase compositions of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate. In addition, lithium ions favored entering the β-tricalcium phosphate structure at the Ca (4) sites and calcium vacancy sites [VCa(4)] up to 10 at%. This substitution improves the crystal stabilization by filling the vacancies with Ca2+ and Li+ in all Ca sites. However, when the concentration of Li ions was higher than 10 at%, lithium-induced crystal instability resulted in the burst release of lithium ions, and the osteogenic behavior of human dental pulp stem cells did not improve further. Although lithium ions regulate osteogenic properties, it is important to determine the optimal amount of lithium in BCPs. In this study, the most effective lithium doping level in BCP was approximately 10 at% to improve its biological properties and facilitate medical applications.

Injectable Mesoporous Bioactive Nanoparticles Regenerate Bone Tissue under Osteoporosis Conditions

The osteogenic capability of mesoporous bioactive nanoparticles (MBNPs) in the SiO₂-CaO system has been assessed in vivo using an osteoporotic rabbit model. MBNPs have been prepared using a double template method, resulting in spherical nanoparticles with a porous core-shell structure that has a high surface area and the ability to incorporate the anti-osteoporotic drug ipriflavone. In vitro expression of the pro-inflammatory genes NF-κB1, IL-6, TNF-α, P38 and NOS2 in RAW-264.7 macrophages, indicates that these nanoparticles do not show adverse inflammatory effects. An injectable system has been prepared by suspending MBNPs in a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel, which has been injected intraosseously into cavitary bone defects in osteoporotic rabbits. The histological analyses evidenced that MBNPs promote bone regeneration with a moderate inflammatory response. The incorporation of ipriflavone into these nanoparticles resulted in a higher presence of osteoblasts and enhanced angiogenesis at the defect site, but without showing significant differences in terms of new bone formation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles have emerged as one of the most interesting materials in the field of bone regeneration therapies. For the first time, injectable mesoporous bioactive nanoparticles have been tested in vivo using an osteoporotic animal model. Our findings evidence that MBG nanoparticles can be loaded with an antiosteoporotic drug, ipriflavone, and incorporated in hyaluronic acid to make up an injectable hydrogel. The incorporation of MBG nanoparticles promotes bone regeneration even under osteoporotic conditions, whereas the presence of IP enhances angiogenesis as well as the presence of osteoblast cells lining in the newly formed bone. The injectable device presented in this work opens new possibilities for the intraosseous treatment of osteoporotic bone using minimally invasive surgery.

A Molecular View on Biomaterials and Dental Stem Cells Interactions: Literature Review

Biomaterials and stem cells are essential components in the field of regenerative medicine. Various biomaterials have been designed that have appropriate biochemical and biophysical characteristics to mimic the microenvironment of an extracellular matrix. Dental stem cells (DT-MSCs) represent a novel source for the development of autologous therapies due to their easy availability. Although research on biomaterials and DT-MSCs has progressed, there are still challenges in the characteristics of biomaterials and the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the behavior of DT-MSCs. In this review, the characteristics of biomaterials are summarized, and their classification according to their source, bioactivity, and different biological effects on the expansion and differentiation of DT-MSCs is summarized. Finally, advances in research on the interaction of biomaterials and the molecular components involved (mechanosensors and mechanotransduction) in DT-MSCs during their proliferation and differentiation are analyzed. Understanding the molecular dynamics of DT-MSCs and biomaterials can contribute to research in regenerative medicine and the development of autologous stem cell therapies.

Research on Graphene and Its Derivatives in Oral Disease Treatment

Oral diseases present a global public health problem that imposes heavy financial burdens on individuals and health-care systems. Most oral health conditions can be treated in their early stage. Even if the early symptoms of oral diseases do not seem to cause significant discomfort, prompt treatment is essential for preventing their progression. Biomaterials with superior properties enable dental therapies with applications in restoration, therapeutic drug/protein delivery, and tissue regeneration. Graphene nanomaterials have many unique mechanical and physiochemical properties and can respond to the complex oral microenvironment, which includes oral microbiota colonization and high masticatory force. Research on graphene nanomaterials in dentistry, especially in caries, periodontitis therapy, and implant coatings, is progressing rapidly. Here, we review the development of graphene and its derivatives for dental disease therapy.

Sol-gel bioactive glass containing biomaterials for restorative dentistry: A review

OBJECTIVE

Bioactive glasses (BAGs) have been researched extensively for dentistry due to their favourable biocompatibility and hard tissue bonding ability. However, the specific application of BAGs produced through sol-gel synthesis in restorative dentistry has not been reviewed previously. This review provides a comprehensive account of the principles behind sol-gel derived BAGs and their investigation for dental tissue restoration materials.

METHODS

A search for in vitro and in vivo studies was performed using the databases Web of Science®, Medline®, Scopus® and Google Scholar®. Articles published over the past 20 years were selected and data on the BAG composition and morphology was extracted. Analysis of the effect of specific BAG additives on the properties of experimental dental materials was also performed.

RESULTS

A majority of BAG particles investigated were spheres ranging in size from 5 nm to ~650 µm. Sol-gel BAGs are mainly applied in the treatment of hypersensitive dentine and for pulp-dentine tissue engineering, while a handful have been used in target drug delivery. BAG fillers are promising additives that result in improved biological properties, antibacterial effects, hardness, acid buffering and remineralization. Unfortunately, some detrimental effects on optical properties have been observed with BAG addition. Additionally, in vivo data, investigations into radiopacity and standardization of test protocols are identified as areas for improvement and further studies.

SIGNIFICANCE

Future work should consider the pertinent issues raised in order to improve the quality of available data and expand knowledge in this area of dental biomaterials research and development.

Renewable Carbon Nanomaterials: Novel Resources for Dental Tissue Engineering

Dental tissue engineering (TE) is undergoing significant modifications in dental treatments. TE is based on a triad of stem cells, signaling molecules, and scaffolds that must be understood and calibrated with particular attention to specific dental sectors. Renewable and eco-friendly carbon-based nanomaterials (CBMs), including graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphene quantum dots (GQD), carbon nanotube (CNT), MXenes and carbide, have extraordinary physical, chemical, and biological properties. In addition to having high surface area and mechanical strength, CBMs have greatly influenced dental and biomedical applications. The current study aims to explore the application of CBMs for dental tissue engineering. CBMs are generally shown to have remarkable properties, due to various functional groups that make them ideal materials for biomedical applications, such as dental tissue engineering.

Increasing Odontoblast-like Differentiation from Dental Pulp Stem Cells through Increase of β-Catenin/p-GSK-3β Expression by Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field

Odontoblasts produce proteins that form the dentinal extracellular matrix, which can protect the dental pulp from external stimuli and is required for tooth regeneration. This study showed that a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) can regulate cell metabolism and induce cell differentiation. This study determined the frequency of PEMF that is effective for odontoblast differentiation. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were cultured in odontoblast differentiation medium containing dexamethasone, BMP2, TGF-β1, and FGF-2, and then exposed to 10 mT intensity of PEMF at 40, 60, 70, and 150 Hz for 15 min/day. The MTT assay, LDH assay, flow cytometry, protein and gene expression, and immunofluorescence were performed to check if hDPSCs differentiated into odontoblast-like cells. The hDPSCs showed frequency-dependent differences in protein and gene expression. The mesenchymal stem cell markers were reduced to a greater extent at 60 and 70 Hz than at other frequencies, and odontoblast-related markers, particularly β-catenin, p-GSK-3β, and p-p38, were increased at 60 and 70 Hz. Exposure to 10 mT intensity of PEMF at 70 Hz influenced the differentiation of hDPSCs considerably. Taken together, PEMF treatment can promote differentiation of hDPSCs into odontoblast-like cells by increasing p-GSK-3β and β-catenin expression.

Investigation of Bone Growth in Additive-Manufactured Pedicle Screw Implant by Using Ti-6Al-4V and Bioactive Glass Powder Composite

In this study, we optimized the geometry and composition of additive-manufactured pedicle screws. Metal powders of titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) were mixed with reactive glass-ceramic biomaterials of bioactive glass (BG) powders. To optimize the geometry of pedicle screws, we applied a novel numerical approach to proposing the optimal shape of the healing chamber to promote biological healing. We examined the geometry and composition effects of pedicle screw implants on the interfacial autologous bone attachment and bone graft incorporation through in vivo studies. The addition of an optimal amount of BG to Ti-6Al-4V leads to a lower elastic modulus of the ceramic-metal composite material, effectively reducing the stress-shielding effects. Pedicle screw implants with optimal shape design and made of the composite material of Ti-6Al-4V doped with BG fabricated through additive manufacturing exhibit greater osseointegration and a more rapid bone volume fraction during the fracture healing process 120 days after implantation, per in vivo studies.

Nanomaterials in Dentistry: State of the Art and Future Challenges

Nanomaterials are commonly considered as those materials in which the shape and molecular composition at a nanometer scale can be controlled. Subsequently, they present extraordinary properties that are being useful for the development of new and improved applications in many fields, including medicine. In dentistry, several research efforts are being conducted, especially during the last decade, for the improvement of the properties of materials used in dentistry. The objective of the present article is to offer the audience a complete and comprehensive review of the main applications that have been developed in dentistry, by the use of these materials, during the last two decades. It was shown how these materials are improving the treatments in mainly all the important areas of dentistry, such as endodontics, periodontics, implants, tissue engineering and restorative dentistry. The scope of the present review is, subsequently, to revise the main applications regarding nano-shaped materials in dentistry, including nanorods, nanofibers, nanotubes, nanospheres/nanoparticles, and zeolites and other orders porous materials. The results of the bibliographic analysis show that the most explored nanomaterials in dentistry are graphene and carbon nanotubes, and their derivatives. A detailed analysis and a comparative study of their applications show that, although they are quite similar, graphene-based materials seem to be more promising for most of the applications of interest in dentistry. The bibliographic study also demonstrated the potential of zeolite-based materials, although the low number of studies on their applications shows that they have not been totally explored, as well as other porous nanomaterials that have found important applications in medicine, such as metal organic frameworks, have not been explored. Subsequently, it is expected that the research effort will concentrate on graphene and zeolite-based materials in the coming years. Thus, the present review paper presents a detailed bibliographic study, with more than 200 references, in order to briefly describe the main achievements that have been described in dentistry using nanomaterials, compare and analyze them in a critical way, with the aim of predicting the future challenges.