Bifunctional Smart Hydrogel Dressing with Strain Sensitivity and NIR-Responsive Performance

Smart response hydrogel has a broad application prospect in human health real-time monitoring due to its responses to a variety of stimuli. In this study, we developed a novel smart hydrogel dressing based on conductive MXene nanosheets and a temperature-sensitive PNIPAm polymer. γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570) was selected to functionalize the surface of MXene further to improve the interface compatibility between MXene and PNIPAm. Our prepared K-M/PNIPAm hydrogel was found to have a strain-sensitive property, as well as a respond to NIR phase change and volume change. When applied as a strain flexible sensor, this K-M/PNIPAm hydrogel exhibited a high strain sensitivity with a gauge factor (GF) of 4.491, a broad working strain range of ≈250%, a fast response of ∼160 ms, and good cycle stability (i.e., 3000 s at 20% strain). Besides, this K-M/PNIPAm hydrogel can be used as an efficient NIR light-controlled drug release carrier to achieve on-demand drug release. This work paved the way for the application of smart response hydrogel in human health real-time monitoring and NIR-controlled drug release functions.

3D printing fluorescent material with tunable optical properties

The 3D printing of fluorescent materials could help develop, validate, and translate imaging technologies, including systems for fluorescence-guided surgery. Despite advances in 3D printing techniques for optical targets, no comprehensive method has been demonstrated for the simultaneous incorporation of fluorophores and fine-tuning of absorption and scattering properties. Here, we introduce a photopolymer-based 3D printing method for manufacturing fluorescent material with tunable optical properties. The results demonstrate the ability to 3D print various individual fluorophores at reasonably high fluorescence yields, including IR-125, quantum dots, methylene blue, and rhodamine 590. Furthermore, tuning of the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients is demonstrated within the relevant mamalian soft tissue coefficient ranges of 0.005-0.05 mm-1 and 0.2-1.5 mm-1, respectively. Fabrication of fluorophore-doped biomimicking and complex geometric structures validated the ability to print feature sizes less than 200 μm. The presented methods and optical characterization techniques provide the foundation for the manufacturing of solid 3D printed fluorescent structures, with direct relevance to biomedical optics and the broad adoption of fast manufacturing methods in fluorescence imaging.

A Near-Infrared-Triggered Dynamic Wrinkling Biointerface for Noninvasive Harvesting of Practical Cell Sheets

Cell sheet engineering represents a new era of precise and efficient regenerative medicine, but its efficacy is limited by the elaborative preparation and the weak mechanics. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR)-triggered dynamic wrinkling biointerface was designed for rapid acquisition of practical cell sheets. The biocompatible NIR can initiate the photothermal-mechanical linkage cascade to efficiently dissolve the collagen supporting layer and release the high-quality cell sheets. The interfacial shear force generates with the dynamic wrinkling, playing an active role in accelerating the cell sheet release. High-quality and self-supporting cell sheets can be harvested within a few minutes, demonstrating a new paradigm of photothermal-mechanical manipulation. The transplantable cell sheets with outstanding physiological and mechanical performances were proven to promote wound healing in skin regeneration. This method may open a completely new front in thermal and mechanical responsive cascade to harvest cell sheets, facilitating their wide applications in regenerative medicine.

Spatiotemporal patterning of photoresponsive DNA-based hydrogels to tune local cell responses

Understanding the spatiotemporal effects of surface topographies and modulated stiffness and anisotropic stresses of hydrogels on cell growth remains a biophysical challenge. Here we introduce the photolithographic patterning or two-photon laser scanning confocal microscopy patterning of a series of o-nitrobenzylphosphate ester nucleic acid-based polyacrylamide hydrogel films generating periodically-spaced circular patterned domains surrounded by continuous hydrogel matrices. The patterning processes lead to guided modulated stiffness differences between the patterned domains and the surrounding hydrogel matrices, and to the selective functionalization of sub-regions of the films with nucleic acid anchoring tethers. HeLa cells are deposited on the circularly-shaped domains functionalized with the MUC-1 aptamers. Initiation of the hybridization chain reaction by nucleic acid tethers associated with the continuous hydrogel matrix results in stress-induced ordered orthogonal shape-changes on the patterned domains, leading to ordered shapes of cell aggregates bound to the patterns.

Performance optimization of CdS precipitated graphene oxide/polyacrylic acid composite for efficient photodegradation of chlortetracycline

Here a CdS embedded poly acrylic acid (PAA)/graphene oxide (GO) polymeric composite was prepared for the efficient degradation of chlortetracycline (CTC) driven by visible light irradiation. The structure-activity relationship of GO/PAA-CdS was confirmed through the photocatalytic evaluation of a series of samples prepared by varying GO concentration, molar ratio of Cd:S and the amount of crosslinking agent. Through the composition, morphology, photoelectrochemical characterizations and degradation kinetic studies, it could be confirmed that the enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the controlled growth of CdS nanoparticles by polymer net structure and effective electron transfer along GO nanosheets. The photodegradation of CTC was confirmed to be mainly governed by O₂^- and OH radicals generated from GO/PAA-CdS. The degradation intermediates of CTC were confirmed by LC-MS, and possible degradation pathways were proposed based on the prediction of radical attacking sites according to Fukui function values obtained through Density Functional Theory (DFT). Moreover, it was found that the catalytic activity of the photocatalyst was maintained after several cycles confirming the enhanced anti-photocorrosion of GO/PAA-CdS. This research provided an efficient approach by a novel photocatalyst for the removal of CTC from wastewater.

Fabrication of Chitosan-Based Intumescent Flame Retardant Coating for Improving Flame Retardancy of Polyacrylonitrile Fabric

In order to improve the flame retardancy of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fabrics, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was first grafted onto the surface of PAN fabric (PAN-g-GMA) by means of UV-induced photo grafting polymerization process. Then, PAN-g-GMA was chemically grafted with chitosan to obtain a bigrafted PAN fabric (PAN-g-GMA-g-CS). Finally, the flame-retardant PAN fabric (FR-PAN) was prepared by phosphorylation. The structure and elemental analysis of the samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The thermal degradation properties and combustion characteristics of the fabrics were accessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and cone calorimeter (CC). The results show that the onset thermal decomposition temperature of FR-PAN fabric is lower than that of the control sample due to the degradation of the grafting groups. The combustion test indicates that the FR-PAN fabric has an excellent flame-retardant property and the combustion rate is significantly reduced. In addition, the char residue of the burned FR-PAN fabric is over 97%, indicating excellent char-forming ability.

Characterization of Ivoclar Vivadent Dental Restoration Material for 137CS Retrospective Radiation Dosimetry

Retrospective dosimetry is the method of using materials on or near a person who is exposed to ionizing radiation to determine the amount of radiation received by the person. A possible candidate material for retrospective dosimetry is Ivoclar Vivadent IPS e.max® CAD ceramic dental restoration material, which exhibits radiation-induced thermoluminescence when exposed to gamma- and x-ray radiation from a Cs source. The purpose of this paper is to characterize the material and study the behavior of the thermoluminescence signal with radiation dose and with delay time between radiation exposure and thermoluminescence measurement. The first glow peak is well-modeled by a first-order glow curve deconvolution formula. The height of the first glow peak is approximately linear with dose. The fading of the signal with time is approximately described by a power law curve with cutoff. The material appears to be suitable for retrospective radiation dosimetry.

Radiation induced crosslinking of polyacrylamide incorporated low molecular weights natural polymers for possible use in the agricultural applications

Superabsorbent hydrogels based on polyacrylamide (PAAm) and Na-alginate (Alg) or chitosan (CS) were synthesized by γ-rays. The effect of dose and copolymer composition on gel content and water absorbency of PAAm/Alg, PAAm/CS and PAAm/Alg/CS hydrogels were studied. The gel content and water absorbency follows the order PAAm/Alg>PAAm/Alg/CS>PAAm/CS. The effect of different cations, fertilizers, buffers on water absorbency of the hydrogels was investigated. Water retention capability of swollen hydrogels as a function of time was studied. PAAm/Alg hydrogel has a high water retention capability. An application of the prepared hydrogels in agricultural fields was performed using maize plants. The results showed that the presence of hydrogels had growth promotion effect on quality and quantity of maize plants. The plants treated by PAAm/Alg hydrogels showed 50% increase in the grain yield suggesting their possible use as a soil conditioner and a water reservoir for plant-soil system.

Photothermally triggered actuation of hybrid materials as a new platform for in vitro cell manipulation

Mechanical forces in the cell's natural environment have a crucial impact on growth, differentiation and behaviour. Few areas of biology can be understood without taking into account how both individual cells and cell networks sense and transduce physical stresses. However, the field is currently held back by the limitations of the available methods to apply physiologically relevant stress profiles on cells, particularly with sub-cellular resolution, in controlled in vitro experiments. Here we report a new type of active cell culture material that allows highly localized, directional and reversible deformation of the cell growth substrate, with control at scales ranging from the entire surface to the subcellular, and response times on the order of seconds. These capabilities are not matched by any other method, and this versatile material has the potential to bridge the performance gap between the existing single cell micro-manipulation and 2D cell sheet mechanical stimulation techniques.

Synthesis and characterization of polyacrylic acid- grafted-carboxylic graphene/titanium nanotube composite for the effective removal of enrofloxacin from aqueous solutions: Adsorption and photocatalytic degradation studies

Polyacrylic acid-grafted-carboxylic graphene/titanium nanotube (PAA-g-CGR/TNT) composite was synthesized. It was effectively used as adsorbent as well as photocatalyst. The composite was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, Surface Area Analyzer, XPS and DRS. The photocatalytic activity of PAA-g-CGR/TNT composite was evaluated on the basis of the degradation of pollutants by using sunlight. The band gap of the prepared photocatalyst was found to be 2.6eV. The removal of the antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR) was achieved by two step mechanism based on adsorption and photodegradation. The maximum adsorption was observed at pH 5.0. The best fitted kinetic model was found to be pseudo-second-order. The maximum adsorption was observed at 30°C. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 13.40mg/g. The kinetics of photodegradation of ENR onto PAA-g-CGR/TNT composite follow first-order kinetics and optimum pH was found to be 5.0. The regeneration and reuse of the adsorbent-cum-photocatalyst were also examined upto five cycles.

Air Ambient-Operated pNIPAM-Based Flexible Actuators Stimulated by Human Body Temperature and Sunlight

Harnessing a natural power source such as the human body temperature or sunlight should realize ultimate low-power devices. In particular, macroscale and flexible actuators that do not require an artificial power source have tremendous potential. Here we propose and demonstrate electrically powerless polymer-based actuators operated at ambient conditions using a packaging technique in which the stimulating power source is produced by heat from the human body or sunlight. The actuating angle, force, and reliability are discussed as functions of temperature and exposure to sunlight. Furthermore, a wearable device platform and a smart curtain actuated by the temperature of human skin and sunlight, respectively, are demonstrated as the first proof-of-concepts. These nature-powered actuators should realize a new class of ultimate low-power devices.

Self-folding thermo-magnetically responsive soft microgrippers

Hydrogels such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (pNIPAM-AAc) can be photopatterned to create a wide range of actuatable and self-folding microstructures. Mechanical motion is derived from the large and reversible swelling response of this cross-linked hydrogel in varying thermal or pH environments. This action is facilitated by their network structure and capacity for large strain. However, due to the low modulus of such hydrogels, they have limited gripping ability of relevance to surgical excision or robotic tasks such as pick-and-place. Using experiments and modeling, we design, fabricate, and characterize photopatterned, self-folding functional microgrippers that combine a swellable, photo-cross-linked pNIPAM-AAc soft-hydrogel with a nonswellable and stiff segmented polymer (polypropylene fumarate, PPF). We also show that we can embed iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles into the porous hydrogel layer, allowing the microgrippers to be responsive and remotely guided using magnetic fields. Using finite element models, we investigate the influence of the thickness and the modulus of both the hydrogel and stiff polymer layers on the self-folding characteristics of the microgrippers. Finally, we illustrate operation and functionality of these polymeric microgrippers for soft robotic and surgical applications.

Enhanced dewaterability of waste-activated sludge by combined cationic polyacrylamide and magnetic field pretreatment

The potential function of combining magnetic field (MF) pretreatment with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) additive on enhancing the dewaterability of waste-activated sludge was investigated in the present work. Two reactors were involved in a specially designed experimental apparatus, one of which was built with MF accessories. Several parameters were conducted, including CPAM dosages, MF strengths and processing times, respectively. Capillary suction time (CST) and specific resistance to filtration (SRF) were used to evaluate sludge dewaterability. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentration was also determined in an attempt to identify the observed changes in dewaterability. It was indicated by the results that both CPAM conditioning and MF pretreatment on sludge can lower CST and SRF values. However, subjecting to a combination of MF pretreatment and CPAM conditioning, sludge dewaterability was significantly enhanced beyond the level observed of CPAM addition alone. The lowest CST and SRF values of 36.5 s and 0.75×10(12) m kg(-1), respectively, were obtained when sludge was co-conditioned by CPAM (at a dosage of 40 mg L(-1)) and MF (at an induction of 40 mT) for 30 min, suggesting the optimal condition for enhancing sludge dewaterability. It is also shown from the significant correlations between EPS, protein, polysaccharide and CST/SRF that the increment of EPS concentration in sludge supernatant may be the major reason for the enhancement of dewaterability.

Effect of simulated microwave disinfection on the linear dimensional change, hardness and impact strength of acrylic resins processed by different polymerization cycles

AIM

This study investigated the effect of simulated microwave disinfection (SMD) on the linear dimensional changes, hardness and impact strength of acrylic resins under different polymerization cycles.

METHDOS

Metal dies with referential points were embedded in flasks with dental stone. Samples of Classico and Vipi acrylic resins were made following the manufacturers' recommendations. The assessed polymerization cycles were: A) water bath at 74 ºC for 9 h; B) water bath at 74 ºC for 8 h and temperature increased to 100 ºC for 1 h; C) water bath at 74 ºC for 2 h and temperature increased to 100 ºC for 1 h; and D) water bath at 120 ºC and pressure of 60 pounds. Linear dimensional distances in length and width were measured after SMD and water storage at 37 ºC for 7 and 30 days using an optical microscope. SMD was carried out with the samples immersed in 150 mL of water in an oven (650 W for 3 min). A load of 25 gf for 10 s was used in the hardness test. Charpy impact test was performed with 40 kpcm. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%).

RESULTS

The Classico resin was dimensionally steady in length in the A and D cycles for all periods, while the Vipi resin was steady in the A, B and C cycles for all periods. The Classico resin was dimensionally steady in width in the C and D cycles for all periods, and the Vipi resin was steady in all cycles and periods. The hardness values for Classico resin were steady in all cycles and periods, while the Vipi resin was steady only in the C cycle for all periods. Impact strength values for Classico resin were steady in the A, C and D cycles for all periods, while Vipi resin was steady in all cycles and periods.

CONCLUSION

SMD promoted different effects on the linear dimensional changes, hardness and impact strength of acrylic resins submitted to different polymerization cycles when after SMD and water storage were considered.

EFFECT OF LIGHT CURING UNIT CHARACTERISTICS ON LIGHT INTENSITY OUTPUT, DEPTH OF CURE AND SURFACE MICRO-HARDNESS OF DENTAL RESIN COMPOSITE

BACKGROUND

Modern dental composite restorations are wholly dependent on the use of Visible Light Curing devices. The characteristics of these devices may influence the quality of composite resin restorations.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the characteristics of light curing units (LCUs) in dental clinics in Nairobi and their effect on light intensity output, depth of cure (DOC) and surface micro-hardness (SMH) of dental resin composite.

DESIGN

Laboratory based, cross-sectional analytical study.

SETTING

Public and private dental clinics in Nairobi, Kenya.

SUBJECTS

Eighty three LCUs which were in use in private and public dental health facilities in Nairobi, Kenya and resin composite specimens.

RESULTS

Of the 83 LCUs studied, 43 (51.8%) were Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and 39(47.0%) were Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen (QTH) and 1 (1.2%) was Plasma Arc Curing (PAC) light. Mean light intensity for QTH and LED lights was 526.59 mW/cm2 and 493.67 mW/cm2 respectively (p=0.574), while the mean DOC for QTH lights was 1.71 mm and LED was 1.67 mm (p=0.690). Mean Vickers Hardness Number (VHN) for LED was 57.44 and for QTH was 44.14 (p=0.713). Mean light intensity for LCUs < or = 5 years was 596.03 mW/cm2 and 363.17 mW/cm2 for units > 5 years old (p=0.024). The mean DOC for the two age groups was 1.74 mm and 1.57 mm respectively (p=0.073). For SMH, the < or = 5 years and >5 years age groups gave a mean VHN of 58.81 and 51.46 respectively (p=0.1). On maintenance history, the frequency of routine inspection, duration since the last repair/replacement of a part or other maintenance activity and the nature of the last maintenance activity were determined and were not found to have influenced the light intensity, DOC and SMH.

CONCLUSION

The LCU age has a statistically significant influence on its light intensity (p=0.024) while the type and maintenance history have no significant influence on its light intensity and composite DOC and SMH (p=0.574, p=0.690, p=0.713 respectively).

A novel method of estimating dose responses for polymer gels using texture analysis of scanning electron microscopy images

Polymer gels are regarded as a potential dosimeter for independent validation of absorbed doses in clinical radiotherapy. Several imaging modalities have been used to convert radiation-induced polymerization to absorbed doses from a macro-scale viewpoint. This study developed a novel dose conversion mechanism by texture analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The modified N-isopropyl-acrylamide (NIPAM) gels were prepared under normoxic conditions, and were administered radiation doses from 5 to 20 Gy. After freeze drying, the gel samples were sliced for SEM scanning with 50×, 500×, and 3500× magnifications. Four texture indices were calculated based on the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). The results showed that entropy and homogeneity were more suitable than contrast and energy as dose indices for higher linearity and sensitivity of the dose response curves. After parameter optimization, an R² value of 0.993 can be achieved for homogeneity using 500× magnified SEM images with 27 pixel offsets and no outlier exclusion. For dose verification, the percentage errors between the prescribed dose and the measured dose for 5, 10, 15, and 20 Gy were −7.60%, 5.80%, 2.53%, and −0.95%, respectively. We conclude that texture analysis can be applied to the SEM images of gel dosimeters to accurately convert micro-scale structural features to absorbed doses. The proposed method may extend the feasibility of applying gel dosimeters in the fields of diagnostic radiology and radiation protection.

Heterogeneous fenton degradation of azo dyes catalyzed by modified polyacrylonitrile fiber fe complexes: QSPR (quantitative structure peorperty relationship) study

The amidoximated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber Fe complexes were prepared and used as the heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for the degradation of 28 anionic water soluble azo dyes in water under visible irradiation. The multiple linear regression (MLR) method was employed to develop the quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) model equations for the decoloration and mineralization of azo dyes. Moreover, the predictive ability of the QSPR model equations was assessed using Leave-one-out (LOO) and cross-validation (CV) methods. Additionally, the effect of Fe content of catalyst and the sodium chloride in water on QSPR model equations were also investigated. The results indicated that the heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of the azo dyes with different structures was conducted in the presence of the amidoximated PAN fiber Fe complex. The QSPR model equations for the dye decoloration and mineralization were successfully developed using MLR technique. MW/S (molecular weight divided by the number of sulphonate groups) and NN=N (the number of azo linkage) are considered as the most important determining factor for the dye degradation and mineralization, and there is a significant negative correlation between MW/S or NN=N and degradation percentage or total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Moreover, LOO and CV analysis suggested that the obtained QSPR model equations have the better prediction ability. The variation in Fe content of catalyst and the addition of sodium chloride did not alter the nature of the QSPR model equations.

Structural study of photodegraded acrylic-coated lime wood using Fourier transform infrared and two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy

The weathering of acrylic films and acrylic-coated lime wood (Tillia cordata Mill.) were examined using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy. The obtained results showed chemical changes induced by exposure to weathering conditions, in both films and coated wood. The observed spectral changes of the acrylic films refer to the absorption band assigned to the C-O stretching, which progressively decreases with increasing exposure time. In the spectra of treated wood samples the main signal indicating the advance of oxidation during the photodegradation exposure is the gradual increase and broadening of the band in the carbonyl region. This is due to the formation of the non-hydrogen bonded aliphatic carboxylic acids and γ-lactone structures in the acrylic resin and of the nonconjugated ketones, carboxyl groups, and lactones in wood. As a consequence, the increase of the 1734 cm(-1) band is due to the degradation of lignin from wood surface. These observations are also supported by the decreased intensities of the bands at 1598 and 1505 cm(-1), assigned to C=C of aromatic skeletal (lignin). The relative intensity of the characteristic aromatic lignin band at 1505 cm(-1) decreases up to 25% of its original value after weathering, being less than half of the value obtained for uncoated wood. Two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) correlation spectroscopy was used to identify the sequence of the modifications of the different stretching vibrations bands under the weathering conditions, the method allowing the prediction of the order of degradation reactions. The acrylic resin degradation starts with the formation of radicals by abstraction of the tertiary hydrogen atoms of the methyl acrylate units and the α-CH3 groups from the ethyl methacrylate units. The subsequent decomposition and oxidation led to the formation of alcohol groups, hydroperoxides, ketones, and/or carboxylic acid groups. The 2D IR correlation spectra of weathered impregnated wood also revealed the elimination of low molecular weight compounds following the degradation of lignin and carbohydrates components from wood.

Microwave irradiation as an alternative method for disinfection of denture base acrylic resins

AIM

This study evaluated the effect of microwave irradiation as an alternative method for disinfection of different types of denture base acrylic resins.

METHODS

Twenty-four samples for each conventional, microwaved and characterized heat-cured acrylic resin were made and subjected to sterilization with ethylene oxide for the groups: 1) irradiated samples; 2) non-irradiated samples; and 3) samples without yeast. Each group was subdivided according to inoculation with C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. The samples were inoculated with 100 µL of inoculum of each species of Candida and later placed in an incubator at 37 °C for 1 hr to perform the first adhesion. After this time, each well was supplemented with sterile media and the plate was once again taken to a stove for incubation at 37 °C for 6 hr. The samples were immersed in 100 mL of sterile water and irradiated with microwave at 650 W for 3 min. Control samples were considered as the non-irradiated group. After incubation for 48 hr, irradiated and non-irradiated samples were subjected to a digital colony counter.

RESULTS

Control group (non-irradiated) showed microbial growth for resins and the means of ufc/mL were without statistically significant differences. Microwave irradiated samples (experimental group) promoted no viable colonies for all Candida species and types of acrylic resins. The means of ufc/mL were without statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Microwave irradiation was an effective method for disinfection of the acrylic resins inoculated with C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis.

Ultrasonic measurement of the effects of adhesive application and power density on the polymerization behavior of core build-up resins

OBJECTIVE

To use ultrasonic measurements to monitor the effects of adhesive application and power density on the polymerization behavior of dual-cured core build-up resins.

METHODS

Ultrasonic measurements were carried out using a pulser-receiver, transducers and an oscilloscope. The core build-up resins were mixed, inserted into a transparent mold and then placed onto a sample stage with or without self-etch adhesive. Power densities of 0 (no light irradiation), 200 and 600 mW/cm(2) were used for curing. The transit time through the core build-up resin disk was divided by the specimen thickness to obtain the longitudinal sound velocity (V).

RESULTS

Light irradiation of the core build-up resins at a power density of 600 mW/cm(2) caused V values to rise to an initial plateau of 1550-1650 m/s, then to rise rapidly to a second plateau of 2800-3200 m/s. The rate of V increase was slower when the resin cements were light-irradiated and became faster when irradiated at a higher power density. There were no significant differences between the groups with or without adhesive.

CONCLUSIONS

The polymerization behavior of the core build-up resins was affected by the power density of the curing unit. The influence of adhesive application differed among the core build-up resins tested.

Polyacrylonitrile/manganese acetate composite nanofibers and their catalysis performance on chromium (VI) reduction by oxalic acid

Polyacrylonitrile(PAN)/manganese acetate(Mn(CH(3)COO)(2)) composite nanofibers have been fabricated by electrospinning, a simple and effective technology. The obtained composite nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). The composite nanofibers are amorphous in structure, continuous, even and smooth. At the same time, the reduction performance of Cr(VI) by oxalic acid in the presence of the composite nanofibers is also investigated. The results indicate that the composite nanofibers have exhibited excellent catalysis performance for Cr(VI) reduction from a Cr(2)O(7)(2-)-containing solution by oxalic acid. And the critical parameters, such as the catalyst dosage, oxalic acid content, chromium concentration, the pH value of the reaction solution and light have important impact on the reduction process. Under the simulated solar light irradiation, after only 60 min, 1.2mM initial Cr(VI) solution was reduced absolutely in the presence of PAN/Mn(CH(3)COO)(2) composite nanofibers containing 17.5 wt.% Mn(CH(3)COO)(2) by 0.3 mL 0.5M oxalic acid. In light, the reduction of Cr(VI) by oxalic acid is markedly accelerated.

Immobilization of streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase onto a biotinylated poly(acrylic acid) backbone that had been radiation-grafted to a PTFE film

Films of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were modified by radiation graft polymerization of acrylic acid (AAc). Optimal conditions for efficient AAc grafting were studied, including pre-irradiation dose in air, monomer concentration, temperature and time of the grafting process. Carboxylic groups of the grafted polyAAc were activated with carbodiimide (EDC) for biotinylation by reaction with 5-(biotinamido) pentylamine. Streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (SA-HRP) was immobilized by affinity complexation of the SA with the biotin groups on the PTFE surface. The amount of active HRP immobilized on the PTFE films was determined as a function of the extent of polyAAc grafting. This study has demonstrated the utility of combining the processes of (a) radiation grafting of polymers with reactive groups onto inert polymers such as PTFE, (b) biotinylation of the graft polymer reactive groups, (c) immobilization of streptavidin on the biotinylated surface sites, followed by (d) immobilization of biotinylated, biologically active molecules via complexation of their conjugates with streptavidin. In this study, the last two steps were combined by immobilizing the complex of streptavidin and biotinylated HRP onto the biotinylated surface sites. The unique nature of this process is the ability to immobilize biotinylated molecules on an inert surface as PTFE.

Scanning electron microscopy and roughness study of dental composite degradation

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the use of mouthwashes, consumption of soft drinks, as well as the type of light curing unit (LCU), would change the surface roughness (Ra) and morphology of a nanofilled composite resin (Z350® 3M ESPE). Samples (80) were divided into eight groups: Halogen LCU, group 1, saliva (control); group 2, Pepsi Twist®; group 3, Listerine®; group 4, Colgate Plax®; LED LCU, group 5, saliva; group 6, Pepsi Twist®; group 7, Listerine®; group 8, Colgate Plax®. Ra values were measured at baseline, and after 7 and 14 days. One specimen of each group was prepared for scanning electron microscopy analysis after 14 days. The data were subjected to multifactor analysis of variance at a 95% confidence followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference post-hoc test. All the treatments resulted in morphological changes in composite resin surface, and the most significant change was in Pepsi Twist® groups. The samples of G6 had the greatest increase in Ra. The immersion of nanofilled resin in mouthwashes with alcohol and soft drink increases the surface roughness. Polymerization by halogen LCU (reduced light intensity) associated with alcohol contained mouthwash resulted in significant roughness on the composite.

Ultrasound stimuli on viscometric change of aqueous copolymers having acrylic acid and N-isopropyl acrylamide for thermo-sensitive segments

Ultrasound (US) was used to change the shear viscosity of an aqueous solution of copolymers having acrylic acid (AA) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) segments. The US effect on the shear viscosity of the copolymers containing 10, 50 and 90 mol% of the NIPAM group having thermo-responsible property was examined when the US was exposed to the aqueous solution at different temperatures. The shear viscosity of the solution had a significant change at about 30-35°C when the viscosity was measured in the range of 0-60°C. While, the viscosity decreased with the increase of the temperature, the US operated at 28, 45 and 100 kHz also induced significant reduction of the shear viscosity. Evidence of the US effect on the shear viscosity reduction was observed by measurement of FT-IR spectra of the copolymer solution when the US was exposed. It was noted that considerable change of the spectra at the 28 kHz US was observed relative to that of the 45 and 100 kHz US. The tendency of the change in the shear viscosity and IR spectra was almost similar. Furthermore, the shear viscosity and IR spectra changed gradually to recover its original value as the US was stopped. This was due to the breaking and reformation of the hydrogen bonding between NIPAM and AA segments when the US was exposed and stopped, respectively.

Optical characteristics of cartilage at a wavelength of 1560 nm and their dynamic behavior under laser heating conditions

A double-integrating-sphere system was used to measure the diffuse transmittance, diffuse reflectance, and collimated transmittance of cartilage and polyacrylamide hydrogel samples as a function of temperature under 1560-nm laser heating conditions. The dynamic behavior of the absorption and scattering coefficients and scattering anisotropy of the biomaterials was calculated by the inverse Monte Carlo method. The absorption coefficient of the cartilage and hydrogel samples proved to be linear in temperature. Raising the temperature of the cartilage samples to 80°C caused their absorption coefficient to decrease by some 25%. The temperature-induced change of the absorption spectrum of the interstitial water was found to be responsible for the clarification of the cartilage tissue observed to occur under 1560-nm laser heating conditions. The temperature field produced in the tissue by the laser energy deposited therein was calculated using a bioheat transfer equation with temperature-dependent parameters. The calculation results demonstrated that the temperature-induced changes of the optical parameters of biological tissues should be taken into account to make their 1560-nm laser treatment effective and safe.

The use of ultraviolet LED illumination for composite resin removal: an in vitro study

It may be difficult to recognize composite resin restorations that are correctly shade-matched and well-placed by visual and tactile inspection alone--which can make the replacement of an existing resin restoration challenging. Many composite resins fluoresce under UV light, which can help dentists to detect resin material. This article explores a technique that utilizes a UV LED to cause composite resin to fluoresce. A UV/visible light spectrofluorometer was used to measure fluorescence excitation and emission maxima of 14 composite resin brands. Control samples of dentin and enamel were measured in a similar manner. Subsequently, each brand of composite resin was placed in extracted teeth and relative fluorescence was assessed. The composite resins were then removed and each tooth was inspected using UV light to detect remaining resin. Results from this study indicated that the optimal excitation wavelength was 385-395 nm, while 460 nm was determined to be the mean emission maxima. This study revealed three types of resin: highly fluorescent, moderately fluorescent, and weakly fluorescent. In each instance, the UV light revealed the presence of resin after all resin was believed to have been removed. Based on the results of this study, the use of UV illumination can be a useful technique for determining if composite resin has been removed completely.

[Effect of microwave plasma parameters on the surface modification of denture base resins]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the working parameters of the microwave plasma for surface modification of denture base resins.

METHODS

Using orthogonal test method, 80 specimens of denture material were divided into 16 groups for testing. At the gas flow of 13.7 cm3/min, the specimens were tested under the working condition of different microwave powers (100, 150, 200 and 250 W), different gasses (oxygen, air, argon, oxygen and argon mixture), different gas pressure (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 kPa), and varying processing time (1, 2, 5, and 8 min). Each group of specimens was treated with the microwave plasma and the contact angles were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The pictures of instantaneous droplet morphology were obtained from each group of samples, and the values of contact angle were measured. The contact angle was 68.86 degrees in the untreated group, and the angles of several treated groups were 48.15 degrees , 40.7 degrees and 32.76 degrees, showing a statistically significant variation of the contact angle after the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Processing time of 8 min, microwave power at 100 W, total pressure in the chamber at 0.8 kPa, and the presence of oxygen constitute the optimal condition of microwave plasma for surface modification of denture base resins. Under these conditions, the smallest contact angle of the denture base resins is 34.58 degrees, suggesting a good effect of surface modification.

Comparative properties of low-shrinkage composite resins

OBJECTIVE

To measure the polymerization shrinkage, wear, surface roughness, gloss, color stability, and stain resistance of N'Durance, SureFil SDR, and Filtek LS, and compare those values to currently used clinically successful composites.

METHODS

Polymerization shrinkage: Specimens were placed into an AcuVol, and percent volume shrinkage calculated after light curing. Wear: Specimens were loaded in the University of Alabama at Burlington wear machine. Volumetric loss was determined using a 3D noncontact profilometer (Proscan 2000). Gloss and Ra: Gloss was measured with gloss meter using 60 degress geometry in a gloss unit. Surface roughness was measured with a 3D noncontact profilometer. Color stability: Initial and after storage (distilled water, ultraviolet light, and staining solution) L*a*b* values were measured using a spectrophotometer against white and black backgrounds.

RESULTS

Filtek LS had the lowest polymerization shrinkage values. Gloss and roughness average values were similar for all materials measured. Color stability measurements for all composite resins in water and UV light were less than 3. All composite resins had similar values when placed in the staining solution.

CONCLUSION

Low-shrinkage composite resin restorative materials have mechanical and physical properties similar to clinically successful composite resins.

Preparation and photocatalytic performance of Fe (III)-amidoximated PAN fiber complex for oxidative degradation of azo dye under visible light irradiation

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber was modified with hydroxylamine hydrochloride to introduce amidoxime groups onto the fiber surface. These amidoxime groups were used to react with Fe (III) ions to prepare Fe (III)-amidoximated PAN fiber complex, which was characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, DMA, and DRS respectively. Then the photocatalytic activity of Fe-AO-PAN was evaluated in the degradation of a typical azo dye, C. I. Reactive Red 195 in the presence of H(2)O(2) under visible light irradiation. Moreover, the effect of the Fe content of Fe-AO-PAN on dye degradation was also investigated. The results indicated that Fe (III) ions can crosslink between the modified PAN fiber chains by the coordination of Fe (III) ions with the amino nitrogen atoms and hydroxyl oxygen atoms of the amidoximation groups to form Fe (III)-amidoximated PAN fiber complex, and the Fe content of which is mainly determined by Fe (III) ions and amidoximation groups. Fe (III)-amidoximated PAN fiber complex is found to be activated in the visible light region. Moreover, Fe (III)-amidoximated PAN fiber complex shows the catalytic activity for dye degradation by H(2)O(2) at pH=6.0 in the dark, and can be significantly enhanced by increasing light irradiation and Fe content, therefore, it can be used as a new heterogeneous Fenton photocatalyst for the effective decomposition of the dye in water. In addition, ESR spectra confirm that Fe (III)-amidoximated PAN fiber complex can generate more OH radicals from H(2)O(2) under visible light irradiation, leading to dye degradation. A possible mechanism of photocatalysis is proposed.

Accommodating brightness and exposure levels in densitometry of stained polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels

Flatbed scanner densitometers can be operated under various illumination and recording exposure levels. In this work, we show that optical density measurement accuracy, sensitivity, and stability of stained polyacrylamide electrophoresis gel densitometry are crucially dependent on these two factors (brightness and exposure level), notwithstanding that the source is monochromatic, spatially uniform, and the measurements are made using an accurately calibrated step wedge in tandem. We further outline a method to accommodate the intensity deviations over a range of illumination and exposure levels in order to maintain sensitivity and repeatability in the computed optical densities. Comparisons were also made with results from a commercial densitometer.

Ultrasound stimulus effect on hydrogen bonding in networked alumina and polyacrylic acid slurry

The influence of ultrasound (US) on the viscosity of aqueous slurry composing polyacrylic acid (PAA) and alumina was studied. For exposure to an aqueous slurry solution, US waves emitted at three different frequencies of 28, 45, and 100 kHz were used. Results show that the stimulus effect of US on viscosity change was a breakage of the hydrogen bonding networks of alumina and PAA in the slurry solution. That decrease in viscosity was enhanced strongly by US exposure as the output power was increased from 175 to 300 W. In addition, a lower US frequency was effective for slurry viscosity reduction. The reduced viscosity of the slurry also depended on the solution pH. After US was stopped, the viscosity increased gradually and recovered to its original value within about 15 min. The stimulus effect on the viscosity change was cycled by US.

Influence of different exposure time required to stabilize hardness values of composite resin restorations

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if Knoop hardness values (KHN) for top and bottom surfaces of resin composite materials can reach a plateau within a clinically acceptable photoactivation time.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Four light-curing units (LCUs) were evaluated in this study (n=5): QTH (Optilux501: 550 mW/cm2) and LEDs (FreeLight2: 1100 mW/cm2; UltraLume5: 900 mW/cm2; and Radii: 750 mW/cm2). Composite resin discs (4 mm x 2 mm) of Heliomolar (Ivoclar/Vivadent) and Herculite XRV (Kerr) were tested using five photoactivation times (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 seconds). KHN were obtained for each test specimen and comparisons between LCUs, depths, and photoactivation times were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and polynomial regression analysis.

RESULTS

Data for Heliomolar discs using linear regression found a relationship between the independent variables KHN and time with the Optilux501 at the top and bottom surfaces (r2=0.68/ r2=0.66). Radii presented a linear regression at the top surface (r2=0.75) and a quadratic regression at the bottom (r2=0.94). A quadratic regression was also detected for UltraLume5 and FreeLight2 at both top (r2=0.84/ r2=0.94) and bottom surfaces (r2=0.97/ r2=0.90), respectively, reaching a plateau at 80 seconds in all cases. For Herculite XRV, a quadratic regression was observed for all LCUs at the top and bottom surfaces and 80 seconds irradiation time was needed to reach a plateau in KHN.

CONCLUSION

There is a specific, but not clinically acceptable, photoactivation time that KHN at both top and bottom surfaces can reach a plateau and is dependent on LCUs and the resin-composite tested.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The LCUs and the resin-composite formulation affected the exposure time required to stabilize hardness values. The overall performance of LED LCUs was better than the QTH LCU regardless of the material evaluated.

Flexural strength and hardness of reline and denture base acrylic resins after different exposure times of microwave disinfection

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of microwave disinfection on the flexural strength and Vickers hardness of 4 autopolymerized resins (Kooliner [K], Tokuso Rebase Fast [T], Ufi Gel Hard [U], and New Truliner [N]) and 1 denture base resin (Lucitone 550 [L]).

METHOD AND MATERIALS

For each material, 48 specimens (64 x 10 x 3.3 mm) were made and divided into 6 equal groups (n = 8). In the control group, specimens were untreated. Before testing, specimens were immersed in 200 mL of distilled water and submitted to disinfection for 1 of the following irradiation times: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes. The irradiation procedure was performed twice. The flexural strength was determined using a testing machine MTS-810 and measurements of Vickers hardness were made on Micromet 2100. The values were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P = .05).

RESULTS

The K material showed a significant increase (P = .0010) in flexural strength following 5 minutes of disinfection compared to control specimens. The flexural strength mean values of materials T, U, and N were not significantly affected (P > .05) by disinfection. Compared to the control group, the K material showed a significant increase in hardness (P < .001) following disinfection for 3, 4, and 5 minutes. For material U, disinfection for 4 and 5 minutes produced specimens with significantly increased hardness values (P < .001) compared to the control group. For material N, disinfection for 5 minutes resulted in significantly higher hardness values (P < .001) than the control group.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of the irradiation time, the flexural strength and hardness of the materials evaluated were not detrimentally affected by microwave disinfection.

Characterization of a highly cross-linked ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene in clinical use in total hip arthroplasty

This article reports on a commercially available extensively cross-linked ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene (HXPE) produced by subjecting molded GUR 1050 ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to 100 +/- 10 kGy of electron beam radiation followed by melt annealing and sterilization by gas plasma. When compared to contemporary conventional molded GUR 1050 UHMWPE sterilized by 37 kGy of gamma radiation, the HXPE material has enhanced wear properties, has no detectable free radicals, and is resistant to oxidation and oxidative-related material property changes. The relative wear improvement of the HXPE is maintained in the presence of bone cement or alumina particles. The HXPE produced greater than 90% fewer wear particles in all size ranges and statistically significantly (P < .0001) smaller average-size particles than did the conventional UHMWPE.

Fabrication of large area resin microlens arrays using gas-assisted ultraviolet embossing

Large-area microlens arrays are becoming important components in many applications such as LCD-TV diffusers. This paper reports a uniform pressure, low temperature process for their fabrication. The process integrates gas-assisted embossing and UV-curing embossing. During the process, the 230mm x 203mm PMMA substrate is pressed against the stainless-steel stamper coated with UV-curable resin. Under the gas pressuring and UV irradiating, a large array of microlens can be formed. By using this process, high embossing temperature and high embossing pressure can be avoided. Little residual stress is observed in the embossed PMMA substrate. The uniformity of large-area fabrication and optical properties of fabricated resin microlens array have been verified. This study has successfully shown the potential of this gas-assisted UV embossing process for the replication of large-area microstructures.

The use of light-cured acrylic resin for custom trays by undergraduate dental students: a survey

INTRODUCTION

It is unknown how the use of a light-cured acrylic resin is appreciated over the traditional chemically cured resins for the construction of custom trays in a teaching environment.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the acceptance of light-cured acrylic resin for custom trays by dental students.

METHOD

A questionnaire addressing the use and handling properties of both light-cured (Megatray, Megadent, Germany) and chemically-cured (Excel, Wright Health Group, UK) custom tray materials was distributed amongst undergraduate dental students of the University of the Western Cape.

RESULTS

Of a total of 196 dental students, 38 were absent on the day of the survey. Of the 158 questionnaires that were distributed and returned, 18 did not meet the inclusion criteria and 1 person chose not to participate. Of the 139 participating students, 98 were in 4th year, 41 in 5th year. With regards to the light-cured acrylic custom tray material, 77% used it most often, 64% said it saved time and 62 % said that it was easier to handle. Fifty two percent indicated that both types of materials should be taught in undergraduate training, 26% preferred the light-cured acrylic resin custom tray material, 20% suggested that only the light-cured resin be used and no one suggested the chemically-cured resin exclusively.

CONCLUSIONS

Most undergraduate students positively accepted the light-cured resin, but training in the use of both materials was recommended.

Assessing the efficacy of denture cleaners with quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF)

The aim of this study was to evaluate Quantitative Light Induced Fluorescence (QLF) analysis as a means of determining the ability of denture cleaners to remove stain from denture teeth. This study investigated the appearance of acrylic resin denture teeth subjected to QLF conditions in vitro. It aimed to determine if QLF was an appropriate method for detecting stain and its removal on acrylic resin denture teeth in vitro and also to develop a quantitative and reproducible method for assessing the efficacy of denture cleaners using QLF. This study showed that not all acrylic resin denture teeth fluoresced under QLF examination. QLF demonstrated the ability to detect and quantify longitudinal changes in stain removal by the various denture cleaners used in the study.

Mechanical properties of provisional crown and bridge materials: chemical-curing versus dual-curing systems

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM) of provisional crown and bridge materials at different storage times after mixing using materials with different curing mechanisms (dual-curing vs. self-curing).

METHODS

FS and FM of four proprietary materials (Trim, Luxatemp AM Plus, Luxatemp AM Plus Solar and Cool Temp Natural) were tested in a 3-point bending test according to EN ISO 4049:2000 at various times after mixing (37 degrees C dry/water) including thermocycling (5000x, 5-55 degrees C). Mean values of all measurements were calculated and subjected to the Games-Howell test (p=0.05) as well as a regression analysis (p=0.05). A two-way ANOVA (p=0.05) was used to identify the influence of the curing mechanism and chemical nature of the materials used.

RESULTS

FS ranged between 11.1 and 24.0 MPa and FM between 82.5 and 548.2 MPa for all tested materials except for the dual-curing material (FS: 82.4 MPa; FM: 2060 MPa) 10 min after mixing. The r2-values, describing the goodness-of-fit of the regression curve for the relation between the mechanical properties and storage time, ranged from 0.701 to 0.979 for the composite based materials and 0.671 to 0.685 for the methacrylate resin. The chemical nature and curing mechanism significantly influenced (p<0.001) the mechanical properties, however, the influence of the curing mechanism disappeared at progressive points in time after mixing comparing Luxatemp AM Plus versus Luxatemp AM Plus Solar.

CONCLUSIONS

FS and FM significantly depend on the time after mixing. Composite resin based materials are preferred versus methacrylate resins due to more favourable mechanical properties. If a high mechanical strength is indispensable directly after fabrication, a dual-curing provisional material is recommended.

Precuring of self-etching bonding agents and its effect on bond strength of resin composite to dentin and enamel

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare shear bond strength of 3 self-etching bonding agents to enamel and dentin when the bonding agent is light cured before the application of resin composite or co-cured together with the resin composite.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

One hundred twenty extracted teeth were wet ground to create a flat bonding area on enamel and dentin. Three bonding agents (Adper Prompt-L-Pop, Clearfil SE Bond, and Xeno III) were applied to either dentin or enamel according to the manufacturers' directions. In half of the specimens, bonding agents were light cured immediately after their application (Group PRC). The other half were not light cured until resin composite application (Group COC). Resin composite was placed into a Teflon tube and light cured over the adhesive. Specimens were stored in deionized water for 24 hours at room temperature before being loaded in shear until failure with an Instron testing machine. Shear bond strength (in megapascals) was analyzed with 2-factor ANOVA, separate single-factor ANOVA models for cure and material, and Tukey's Honestly Significant Differences multiple comparison procedure. All testing was performed at the 5% significance level (n=10).

RESULTS

Light-curing the adhesive separately produced significantly higher bond strengths to dentin (P <.001) than did the co-cure method. Group PRC did not produce significantly different bond strengths to enamel (P = .420).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-curing of self-etching adhesives before curing of the resin composite produces greater bond strength to dentin. The curing technique has no significant effect on enamel bond strength of self-etching adhesives.

Influence of microwave disinfection on the dimensional stability of intact and relined acrylic resin denture bases

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Microwave irradiation has been suggested as a method to disinfect denture bases. However, the effect of microwave heating on the dimensional stability of the relined denture bases is unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensional stability of intact and relined acrylic resin denture bases after microwave disinfection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A standard brass cast simulating an edentulous maxillary arch was machined and used to fabricate 2- and 4-mm-thick denture bases (n=200), which were processed with heat-polymerized acrylic resin (Lucitone 550). The 2-mm thick-specimens (n=160) were relined with 2 mm of autopolymerizing resin (Tokuso Rebase Fast, Ufi Gel Hard, Kooliner, or New Truliner). Distances between 5 removable pins on the standard brass cast were measured with a Nikon optical comparator, and the area (mm) formed by the distance between 5 pins was calculated and served as baseline. During fabrication, the pins were transferred to the intaglio surface of the specimens. Differences between the baseline area and those subsequently determined for the specimens were used to calculate the percent dimensional changes. The intact and relined denture bases were divided into 4 groups (n=10) and evaluated after: polymerization (control group P); 1 cycle of microwave disinfection (MW); daily microwave disinfection for 7 days (control group MW7); water storage for 7 days (WS7). Microwave irradiation was performed for 6 minutes at 650 W. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (alpha=.05).

RESULTS

Intact specimens and those relined with Kooliner and New Truliner showed increased shrinkage after 1 (P=.05, .018, and .001, respectively) and 7 (P <.001, .003, and <.001, respectively) cycles of microwave disinfection. With the exception of specimens relined with Kooliner, intact specimens showed greater shrinkage than the relined specimens after 7 cycles of microwave disinfection.

CONCLUSIONS

Microwave disinfection produced increased shrinkage of intact specimens and those relined with New Truliner and Kooliner.

X-ray CT dose in normoxic polyacrylamide gel dosimetry

This study reports on the effects of x-ray CT dose in CT imaged normoxic polyacrylamide (nPAG) gel dosimeters. The investigation is partitioned into three sections. First, the CT dose absorbed in nPAG is quantified under a range of typical gel CT imaging protocols. It is found that the maximum absorbed CT dose occurs for volumetric imaging and is in the range of 4.6 +/- 0.2 cGy/image. This does scales linearly with image averaging. Second, using Raman spectroscopy, the response of nPAG to CT imaging photon energies (i.e., 120-140 kVp) is established and compared to the well known dose response of nPAG exposed to 6 MV photons. It is found that nPAG exhibits a weaker response (per unit dose) to 140-kVp incident photons as compared to 6 MV incident photons (slopes m6 mv = -0.0374 +/- 0.0006 Gy(-1) and m140 kVp = -0.016 +/- 0.001 Gy(-1)). Finally, using the above data, an induced change in CT number (deltaN(CT)) is calculated for nPAG imaged using a range of gel imaging protocols. It is found that under typical imaging protocols (120-140 kVp, 200 mAs, approximately 16-32 image averages) a deltaN(CT) < 0.2 H is induced in active nPAG dosimeters. This deltaN(CT) is below the current limit of detectability of CT nPAG polymer gel dosimetry. Under expanded imaging protocols (e.g., very high number of image averages) an induced deltaN(CT) of approximately 0.5 H is possible. In these situations the additional polymerization occurring in nPAG due to the imaging process may need to be accounted for.

In-vitro investigation on suitability of light-cured resins for interocclusal splints : part II: surface hardness

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to determine the surface hardness of light- and auto-cured resins for the fabrication of occlusal splints employing Vickers hardness measurements.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

In this study we used three auto-polymerized resins (Palapress, Orthocryl, Steady-Resin M) and four light-polymerized resins (Acrylight, Primosplint, Triad Tran- Sheet Colorless and Triad TranSheet Pink). The Vickers hardness measurement was carried out by means of a universal Durimet indenter applying a test load of 50 g for 30 seconds. The light-cured resins were polymerized in a Tagris Power light oven for 10 and 15 minutes each. Three separate test series were carried out (the hardness of plates under optimal conditions and of occlusal splints was measured, and the curing of light-polymerizing materials in layers of varying depth was evaluated). Data underwent statistical analysis via ANOVA and the Scheffé test.

RESULTS

The microhardness determined in each case amounted to values between 10.4 HV 0.5 and 39.3 HV 0.5. The Vickers hardness determined for the plates that had been produced under optimal conditions demonstrated that their surface was significantly (p < 0.05) harder than that of cylinders and splints. The hardness values of the light-cured material Triad TranSheet Pink (39.3 HV 0.5) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of all other resins. In all auto-polymerized resins, the surface hardness of the samples we examined (in the form of plates and splints) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of the light-cured materials Triad TranSheet Pink and Colorless.

CONCLUSION

The results we have obtained so far concerning surface hardness indicate that, in the fabrication of occlusal splints, light-cured resins may represent an alternative to auto-polymerizing materials.

Hardness comparison of bulk-filled/transtooth and incremental-filled/occlusally irradiated composite resins

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Use of a bulk-fill/transtooth composite resin insertion/irradiation technique may not provide as well polymerized a restoration as when using a conventional incremental placement/irradiation technique. Little information exists as to how the hardness of restorations produced by the 2 techniques compare.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of composite resin placement and an irradiation technique on the axial hardness at various depths in a Class I composite resin to include the influence of composite resin filler classification and shade.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cylindrical Class I preparations were made in 70 recently extracted human molars and restored with either a light (A1) or dark shade (A4) of a microfill, microhybrid, or nanohybrid composite resin, or with a single shade of a translucent material. Half were placed using a conventional 2-mm-thick incremental-fill/occlusal irradiation technique, and half using a bulk-fill/transtooth irradiation method (n=5). Specimens were sectioned occluso-apically and axial Knoop hardness values were obtained at depths of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm. Hardness at 0.5 mm was used as a control to compare to deeper readings. Statistical analyses consisted of multiple ANOVAs and Dunnett's post-hoc tests performed at appropriately determined significance levels.

RESULTS

For 3 multishaded materials tested, axial hardness values were relatively unaffected by composite resin shade or filler classification for the incremental technique, but were significantly affected by these factors when using the bulk-fill/transtooth irradiation method. A single shade translucent material was not affected in either the bulk or incremental condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a bulk-fill/transtooth irradiation technique for composite resin placement does not result in axial hardness values equivalent to that of an incremental-fill/occlusal irradiation technique.

Evaluation of Fluorescence of Dental Composites Using Contrast Ratios to Adjacent Tooth Structure: A Pilot Study

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Fluorescence is an optical signal that is present in natural teeth and some dental restorative materials as a consequence of its molecules energetic decrease. Restorative materials need to match the fluorescence properties of surrounding tooth structure to achieve the best esthetics and appear undetectable.

PURPOSE

The fluorescence of 10 commercial composites (shade A2 or equivalent) was tested against that of tooth structure using contrast differences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-three standard preparations (3.0-mm wide and 2.00-mm depth) were done on mean maxillaries incisors and divided into 10 groups containing three test samples each. High-definition images of the restored areas and adjacent tooth structure were obtained both under white light of the visible spectrum (control) and ultraviolet light (UV-A=300/ 400 nm). The contrast between composites and tooth structure, expressed in absolute values, was analyzed through digital processing Matlab and Origin softwares and by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p<or= 0.05; statistical differences between groups*).

RESULTS

Based on mean values, the composites were ranked in four groups, according to least fluorescence contrast with tooth structure: (Esthet-X [YE]=Esthet-X [A2]=TPH Spectrum [A2]) < (TPH Spectrum [A2] <or= Esthet x [A20]=Fill Magic [A2]) < (Charisma [A2]=Filtek Supreme [A2B]) < (Filtek Supreme [A2E] =Z250 [A2]=Z100 [A2]).

CONCLUSION

There is a considerable variation of fluorescence between the composites and the natural tooth structure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Ideal restorative materials should have fluorescence similar to that of natural teeth. Therefore, it is important to select a composite that possesses adequate fluorescence.

Degree of conversion of dual-cure luting resins light-polymerized through various materials

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of monomer conversion of four dual-cure luting resins irradiated through various restorative materials or dentin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RelyX ARC (3M-ESPE), RelyX Unicem (3M-ESPE), Variolink 2 (Ivoclar,Vivadent), and Panavia F 2.0 (Kuraray) were mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. They were placed under the disks (thickness 1.5 mm) representing a metal restoration, a composite restoration (Sinfony D A3), a fiber-reinforced composite (EverStick 0.5 mm + 1.0 mm Sinfony D A3) restoration, and dentin. Five specimens (thickness 0.6 mm) in each group were irradiated through the disks for 40 s (Optilux-501, 800 mW/cm(2)). Light polymerization of the dual-cure luting resin without the covering disk was used as control. The degree of monomer conversion (DC%) was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)/ATR spectrometry from the bottom of the resin. The infrared spectra were recorded at every 5.2 s for 15 min beginning from the mixing of the resin.

RESULTS

ANOVA revealed significant differences in DC% between the luting resins tested (p<0.001) and the different restorations (p<0.001). RelyX ARC showed the highest degree of conversion 15 min after the start of polymerization, whereas Panavia F 2.0 and RelyX Unicem showed the lowest.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of conversion of dual-cured luting resins differed significantly. Furthermore, the restorative material significantly influenced the DC% of the dual-cure luting resin underneath.

Dentin bond strength of composites with self-etching adhesives using LED curing lights

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) light curing units (LCUs) compared with halogen LCUs on the shear bond strength (SBS) of one nanofill composite (Filtek Supreme) and one microhibrid composite (Artemis) with self-etch adhesives.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The buccal surfaces of 60 non-carious extracted human molars were flattened to expose dentin and, subsequently, polished for 60 seconds with 600-grit wet silicon carbide abrasive paper. Specimens were assigned into six groups (n=10) according to composite material, self-etch adhesive, and curing light used as follows: Group 1: Adper Prompt L-Pop (AP) and Filtek Supreme (FS) using an Elipar Free Light (EFL); Group 2: AP and FS using an Elipar Free Light 2 (EFL2); Group 3: AP and FS using a Hilux Expert (HE) light, Group 4: AdheSE (AS)+Artemis (AR) using an EFL; Group 5: AS+AR using an EFL2; and Group 6: AS+AR using a HE light. The specimens were thermocycled for 500 cycles (5 masculineC-55 masculineC) and then loaded to failure in a Zwick universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/minute. SBS values were calculated as megapascals (MPa) and statistically analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

Mean SBS (+/- standard deviations) values were as follows: Group1: 15.99+/-5.18; Group 2: 18.76+/-6.71; Group 3: 17.70+/-5.04; Group 4: 16.93+/-3.99; Group 5: 18.01+/-5.19, and Group 6: 17.46+/-5.40. There were no statistically significant differences for SBS to dentin among the groups tested.

CONCLUSION

The LED curing lights used in the study seem to be comparable with the halogen curing light for nanofill and microhybrid composites used in conjunction with self-etching systems in dentin. The EFL2 reduces curing time, which can be considered as an advantage.

Dynamic scaling of polymer gels comprising nanoparticles

We present dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements of soft poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) and polyacrylamide (PA) polymer gels prepared with trapped bodies (latex spheres or magnetic nanoparticles). We show that the anomalous diffusivity of the trapped particles can be analyzed in terms of a fractal Gaussian network gel model for the entire time range probed by DLS technique. This model is a generalization of the Rouse model for linear chains extended for structures with power law network connectivity scaling, which includes both percolating and uniform bulk gel limits. For a dilute dispersion of strongly scattering particles trapped in a gel, the scattered electric field correlation function at small wavevector ideally probes self-diffusion of gel portions imprisoning the particles. Our results show that the time-dependent diffusion coefficients calculated from the correlation functions change from a free diffusion regime at short times to an anomalous subdiffusive regime at long times (increasingly arrested displacement). The characteristic time of transition between these regimes depends on scattering vector as approximately q(-2), while the time decay power exponent tends to the value expected for a bulk network at small q. The diffusion curves for all scattering vectors and all samples were scaled to a single master curve.

Synthesis, characterization, shrinkage and curing kinetics of a new low-shrinkage urethane dimethacrylate monomer for dental applications

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to synthesize and characterize an isophorone-based urethane dimethacrylate (IP-UDMA) resin-monomer and to investigate its shrinkage and curing kinetics.

METHODS

The IP-UDMA monomer was synthesized through the reaction of polyethylene glycol 400 and isophorone diisocyanate followed by reacting with HEMA to terminate it with methacrylate end groups. The reaction was followed using a standard back titration method and FTIR spectroscopy. The final product was purified and characterized using FTIR, (1)H NMR, elemental analysis and refractive index measurement. The shrinkage-strain of the specimens photopolymerized at circa 700mW/cm(2) was measured using the bonded-disk technique at 23, 35, and 45 degrees C. Initial shrinkage-strain-rates were obtained by numerical differentiation of shrinkage-strain data with respect to time. Degree-of-conversion of the specimens was measured using FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal curing kinetics of the monomer were also studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

RESULTS

The characterization methods confirmed the suggested reaction route and the synthesized monomer. A low shrinkage-strain of about 4% was obtained for the new monomer. The results showed that the shrinkage-strain-rate of the monomer followed the autocatalytic model of Kamal and Sourour [Kamal MR, Sourour S. Kinetic and thermal characterization of thermoset cure. Polym Eng Sci 1973;13(1):59-64], which is used to describe the reaction kinetics of thermoset resins. The model parameters were calculated by linearization of the equation.

SIGNIFICANCE

The model prediction was in a good agreement with the experimental data. The properties of the new monomer compare favorably with properties of the commercially available resins.

Effect of gamma-irradiation on the structure of poly(ethyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) copolymer networks for biomedical applications

The effect of the sterilization process by gamma-irradiation on the structure of poly(ethyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) copolymer networks, P(EA-co-HEMA) is studied for a broad dose range (7, 15, 25 and 50 kGy) and copolymer composition interval (0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 weight fraction of HEMA in the copolymer). gamma-irradiation promotes chain scission in PHEMA homopolymer but induces new crosslinking points in PEA homopolymer. Both effects are present in the copolymers, with a net result that depends on composition. For copolymers with high HEMA fractions chain scission predominates, while, as the amount of EA in the copolymer increases, the situation changes and the net effect turns out to be an increase in the number of elastically active chains. Further, gamma-irradiation strengthens the gamma relaxation in PHEMA homopolymer, what suggest that the number of interchain hydrogen bonds decreases. FTIR spectroscopy reveals no oxidation as a consequence of the sterilization process.