Dual-Function Femtosecond Laser: β-TCP Structuring and AgNP Synthesis via Photoreduction with Azorean Green Tea for Enhanced Osteointegration and Antibacterial Properties.

β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a well-established biomaterial for bone regeneration, highly regarded for its biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. However, its clinical efficacy is often compromised by susceptibility to bacterial infections. In this study, we address this limitation by integrating femtosecond (fs)-laser processing with the concurrent synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) mediated by Azorean green tea leaf extract (GTLE), which is known for its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Enhancing Dental Pulp Stem Cell Proliferation and Odontogenic Differentiation with Protein Phosphatase 1-Disrupting Peptide: An In Vitro Study.

The reparative and regenerative capabilities of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are crucial for responding to pulp injuries, with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) playing a significant role in regulating cellular functions pertinent to tissue healing. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the effects of a novel cell-penetrating peptide Modified Sperm Stop 1-MSS1, that disrupts PP1, on the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Employing MSS1 as a bioportide, DPSCs were cultured and characterized for metabolic activity, cell proliferation, and cell morphology alongside the odontogenic differentiation through gene expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity analysis.

Improving the Antimicrobial Potency of Berberine for Endodontic Canal Irrigation Using Polymeric Nanoparticles.

To address the challenges posed by biofilm presence and achieve a substantial reduction in bacterial load within root canals during endodontic treatment, various irrigants, including nanoparticle suspensions, have been recommended. Berberine (BBR), a natural alkaloid derived from various plants, has demonstrated potential applications in dentistry treatments due to its prominent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to produce and characterize a novel polymeric nanoparticle of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) loaded with berberine and evaluate its antimicrobial activity against relevant endodontic pathogens, , and .

Integrative tissue, cellular and molecular responsiveness of an innovative ex vivo model of the Staphylococcus aureus-mediated bone infection.

Osteomyelitis is a pathological condition of the bone, frequently associated with the presence of infectious agents - namely Staphylococcus aureus - that induce inflammation and tissue destruction. Recent advances in the understanding of its pathophysiology and the identification of innovative therapeutic approaches were gathered from experimental in vitro and in vivo systems. However, cell culture models offer limited representativeness of the cellular functionality and the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, further failing to mimic the three-dimensional tissue organization; and animal models allow for limited mechanistic assessment given the complex nature of systemic and paracrine regulatory systems and are endorsed with ethical constraints.

Ex Vivo Osteogenesis Induced by Calcium Silicate-Based Cement Extracts.

Calcium silicate-based cements are used in a variety of clinical conditions affecting the pulp tissue, relying on their inductive effect on tissue mineralization. This work aimed to evaluate the biological response of calcium silicate-based cements with distinct properties-the fast-setting Biodentine™ and TotalFill BC RRM™ Fast Putty, and the classical slow-setting ProRoot MTA, in an ex vivo model of bone development. Briefly, eleven-day-old embryonic chick femurs were cultured for 10 days in organotypic conditions, being exposed to the set cements' eluates and, at the end of the culture period, evaluated for osteogenesis/bone formation by combining microtomographic analysis and histological histomorphometric assessment.

Repurposing sarecycline for osteoinductive therapies: an in vitro and ex vivo assessment.

Introduction: Tetracyclines (TCs) embrace a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics with unrelated effects at sub-antimicrobial levels, including an effective anti-inflammatory activity and stimulation of osteogenesis, allowing their repurposing for different clinical applications. Recently, sarecycline (SA)-a new-generation molecule with a narrower antimicrobial spectrum-was clinically approved due to its anti-inflammatory profile and reduced adverse effects verified with prolonged use. Notwithstanding, little is known about its osteogenic potential, previously verified for early generation TCs.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles affect osteoblast-derived exosome cargos and impair osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are the most widely used metallic biomaterials in total joint replacement; however, increasing evidence supports the degradation of its surface due to corrosion and wear processes releasing debris (ions, and micro and nanoparticles) and contribute to particle-induced osteolysis and implant loosening. Cell-to-cell communication involving several cell types is one of the major biological processes occurring during bone healing and regeneration at the implant-bone interface. In addition to the internal response of cells to the uptake and intracellular localization of wear debris, a red flag is the ability of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (mimicking wear debris) to alter cellular communication with the tissue background, disturbing the balance between osseous tissue integrity and bone regenerative processes.

Full physicochemical and biocompatibility characterization of a supercritical CO sterilized nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan biodegradable scaffold for periodontal bone regeneration.

Despite bone's innate self-renewal capability, some periodontal pathologic and traumatic defects' size inhibits full spontaneous regeneration. This current research characterized a 3D porous biodegradable nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan (nHAp/CS, 70/30) scaffold for periodontal bone regeneration, which preparation method includes the final solvent extraction and sterilization through supercritical CO (scCO). Micro-CT analysis revealed the fully interconnected porous microstructure of the nHAp/CS scaffold (total porosity 78 %, medium pore size 200 μm) which is critical for bone regeneration.

Fast-Setting Calcium Silicate-Based Pulp Capping Cements-Integrated Antibacterial, Irritation and Cytocompatibility Assessment.

Calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) are endodontic materials widely used in vital pulp-capping approaches. Concerning the clinical application, the reduced set time and pre-mixed formulations are relevant characteristics during the operative management of pulpal exposure, aiming to optimise the work time and improve cross-infection/asepsis control. Additionally, clinical success seems to be greatly dependent on the biological performance of the materials that directly contact the living pulp.

Fabrication of antibacterial and biocompatible 3D printed Manuka-Gelatin based patch for wound healing applications.

Development of multifunctional 3D patches with appropriate antibacterial and biocompatible properties is needed to deal with wound care regeneration. Combining gelatin-based hydrogel with a well-known natural antibacterial honey (Manuka honey, MH) in a 3D patch can provide improved printability and at the same time provide favourable biological effects that may be useful in regenerative wound treatment. In this study, an antibacterial Manuka-Gelatin 3D patches was developed by an extrusion-based printing process, with controlled porosity, high shape fidelity, and structural stability.

Eco-friendly fabricated multibioactive Ca(II)-antibiotic coordination framework coating on zinc towards improved bone tissue regeneration.

Zinc is a biodegradable candidate material for bone regeneration; however, concomitant implant-related infection and rejection require new solutions to raise the biomedical potential of zinc. Functionalization towards localized drug administration with bioactive frameworks can be a solution. It is herein reported for the first time an eco-friendly approach for coating zinc with multibioactive antibiotic coordination frameworks (ACF).

Enhanced antibacterial activity of Rosehip extract-functionalized Mg(OH) nanoparticles: An in vitro and in vivo study.

The development of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents against pathogenic bacteria has emerged as one of the leading global healthcare challenges. In this study, Mg(OH) NPs with controlled morphology and nanometric size, using two distinct counterions, chloride or nitrate, have been synthesized using Rosehip (RH) extract that has privileges beyond conventional chemical and physical methods. Various physicochemical techniques were used to characterize the RH-functionalized Mg-based NPs.

Fabrication of a biodegradable and cytocompatible magnesium/nanohydroxyapatite/fluorapatite composite by upward friction stir processing for biomedical applications.

Biodegradable magnesium (Mg)-based metal matrix composites are promising candidates for orthopaedic applications since magnesium is an abundant mineral in the human body. To improve the bioactivity and cytocompatibility of these Mg composites, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP) and fluorapatite (FA) microparticles synthesised by a citrate-derived hydrothermal method were introduced into a Mg matrix. These innovative Mg/HAP/FA composites were produced by multi-pass upward friction stir processing (UFSP).

Microgap and bacterial microleakage during the osseointegration period: An in vitro assessment of the cover screw and healing abutment in a platform-switched implant system.

Statement Of Problem: Microgap and bacterial microleakage at the implant-prosthetic abutment interface are recognized concerns for implant-supported restorations, leading to inflammation of the peri-implant tissues, with deleterious consequences for crestal bone levels. However, little is known regarding the interface established between the implant and the healing abutment or cover screw placed for the osseointegration phase.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to characterize the implant-cover screw and implant-healing abutment interfaces of a platform-switched implant system to determine the microgap and bacterial microleakage of the system and evaluate the biological response and functionality of an interface sealing agent.

Microgap and microleakage of a hybrid connection platform-switched implant system in the absence or presence of a silicone-based sealing agent.

The present study aims to characterize, for the first time, the microgap and bacterial microleakage of a platform-switched implant system with hybrid connection, screwed at distinct torque values (manufacturer recommended torque-25 N cm-and a reduced torque-5 N cm-mimicking the long-term functional use), in the absence or presence of a silicon-based sealing agent. Microgap was determined through scanning electron microscopy and bacterial microleakage was evaluated in vitro, upon Enterococcus faecalis colonization of the system. The sealing efficacy was evaluated in the absence or presence of a commercially available silicon-based sealer.

Rosehip Extract-Functionalized Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles and Its Effect on Osteoblastic and Osteoclastic Cells.

Considering the role of magnesium in bone metabolism and the increasing relevance of plant-mediated green-synthesis, this work compares the bone cytocompatibility of magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles (NPs) produced by using pure water, Mg(OH), or a rosehip (RH) aqueous extract, Mg(OH)RH. The NPs were evaluated for dose- and time-dependent effects on human osteoblastic and osteoclastic response, due to the direct involvement of the two cell types in bone metabolism. Mg(OH) NPs presented nanoplatelet-like morphology (mean diameter ~90 nm) and a crystalline structure (XRD analysis); the RH-mediated synthesis yielded smaller rounded particles (mean diameter <10 nm) with decreased crystallinity.

Bioactive and biopassive treatment of poly(ethylene terephthalate) multifilament textile yarns to improve/prevent fibroblast viability.

To modulate the physicochemical features of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) multifilaments surface composing a complex textile structure (core and shell system), intended to improve upon current implants for high extension injuries of the Achilles tendon or even for its total replacement, two surface treatments with different purposes (bioactive and biopassive) were studied. The first treatment is based on amino groups grafting using ethylenediamine molecules to be applied in the structure core to improve cell adhesion and proliferation. The other treatment relates to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating to be applied in the structure shell to decrease its coefficient of friction and avoid adhesions.

Porous tantalum oxide with osteoconductive elements and antibacterial core-shell nanoparticles: A new generation of materials for dental implants.

Implant surfaces with cytocompatible and antibacterial properties are extremely desirable for the prevention of implant's infection and the promotion of osseointegration. In this work, both micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and DC magnetron sputtering techniques were combined in order to endow tantalum-based surfaces with osteoblastic cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity. Porous TaO layers containing calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) were produced by MAO (TaCaP) to mimic the bone tissue morphology and chemical composition (Ca/P ratio close to 1.

Effects of 660-nm and 780-nm Laser Therapy on ST88-14 Schwann Cells.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the comparative effects of red (660-nm) and near-infrared (780-nm) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on viability, mitochondrial activity, morphology and gene expression of growth factors on Schwann cells (SC). ST88-14 cells were grown in RPMI 1640 with 10 mM of HEPES, 2 mM of glutamine, 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution at 37°C in humidified atmosphere of 5% CO . Cells were detached with trypsin and centrifugated at 231 g for 5 min at 10°C, and the pellet (8 × 10  cells/tube) was irradiated at the bottom of 50 ml polypropylene tube with a Twin-Laser system (660 and 780 nm, 40 mW, 1 mW cm , 3.

Efficacy and Cytotoxicity of Binary Mixtures as Root Canal Filling Solvents.

Objectives: This study reports the efficacy of two solvent mixtures on the dissolution of gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer, together with the cytotoxicity.

Methods: Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), orange oil, tetrachloroethylene, MEK/tetrachloroethylene (1:1), MEK/orange oil (1:1), and chloroform (control) were tested. Twelve groups ( = 15) of standardized stainless-steel molds filled with softened gutta-percha cones and twelve ( = 15) filled with AH Plus were immersed in the corresponding mixture or individual solvent, in an ultrasonic bath, for either 2 or 5 min.

Citrate zinc hydroxyapatite nanorods with enhanced cytocompatibility and osteogenesis for bone regeneration.

The development of biomaterials that mimicking the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles existent in the immature bone tissue is crucial, especially to accelerate the bone remodeling and regeneration. In this work, it was developed for the first time, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (NPs) incorporating citrate and zinc (cit-Zn-Hap) in their composition towards a one-step hydrothermal procedure. For comparison purposes, hydroxyapatite NPs incorporating only zinc (Zn-Hap) or citrate (cit-Hap), as well as hydroxyapatite without any of these elements (Hap) were synthesised.

Influence of PLLA/PCL/HA Scaffold Fiber Orientation on Mechanical Properties and Osteoblast Behavior.

Scaffolds based on aligned and non-aligned poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers obtained by electrospinning, associated to electrosprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) for tissue engineering applications were developed and their performance was compared in terms of their morphology and biological and mechanical behaviors. The morphological results assessed by scanning electron microscopy showed a mesh of PLLA/PCL fibers (random and perfectly aligned) associated with aggregates of nanophased HA. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry confirmed the homogeneity in the blends and the presence of nanoHA in the scaffold.

Understanding intracellular trafficking and anti-inflammatory effects of minocycline chitosan-nanoparticles in human gingival fibroblasts for periodontal disease treatment.

Periodontal diseases remain a challenge due to a complex interplay of factors involving a chronic inflammatory activation and bacteria internalization in periodontal cells. In this work, chitosan-nanoparticles loaded with minocycline (MH-NPs), a tetracycline with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, were developed for in situ delivery in the periodontal milieu aiming to improve drug effectiveness. A general cytocompatibility evaluation and a detailed approach to address the cellular uptake process, trafficking pathways and the modulation of relevant inflammatory gene expression was conducted using human gingival fibroblasts.

Nano-hydroxyapatite in oral care cosmetics: characterization and cytotoxicity assessment.

Nano-hydroxyapatite has been used as an oral care ingredient, being incorporated in several products for the treatment of dental hypersensitivity and enamel remineralisation. Despite its promising results, regulatory and safety concerns have been discussed and questioned by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) regarding the usage of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in oral care products. In this work, a commercially available nano-hydroxyapatite was characterized and its cytocompatibility towards human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated, as well as its irritation potential using the in vitro HET-CAM assay.