Chemistry of Silanes: Interfaces in Dental Polymers and Composites.

The performance and service life of glass-or ceramic-filled polymeric composites depend on the nature of their resin, filler and interfacial phases as well as the efficacy of the polymerization process. The synergy that exists between the organic polymer matrix and the usually inorganic reinforcing filler phase is principally mediated by the interfacial/interphasial phase. This latter phase develops as a result of the dual reactivity of a silane coupling agent, (YRSiX3), a bifunctional molecule capable of reacting with the silanol groups of glass or ceramic fillers via its silane functional group (-SiX3) to form Si-O-Si- bonds to filler surfaces, and also with the resin phase by graft copolymerization via its Y functional group, usually a methacrylic vinyl group.

Shear bond strength of experimental methacrylated beta-cyclodextrin-based formulations.

Previous studies have shown that methacrylated beta-cyclodextrins (MCDs) can be used as comonomers in resin-based dental composites. These MCDs by virtue of having several polymerizable methacrylate groups and hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, may also promote bonding of dental composites to dentin. This study evaluated MCDs as adhesive comonomers, and optimized comonomer and polymerization initiator concentrations for maximum shear bond strength (SBS).

Wear and mechanical properties of nano-silica-fused whisker composites.

Resin composites must be improved if they are to overcome the high failure rates in large stress-bearing posterior restorations. This study aimed to improve wear resistance via nano-silica-fused whiskers. It was hypothesized that nano-silica-fused whiskers would significantly improve composite mechanical properties and wear resistance.

Fast setting calcium phosphate-chitosan scaffold: mechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) sets in situ to form hydroxyapatite and is highly promising for a wide range of clinical applications. However, its low strength limits its use to only non-stress applications, and its lack of macroporosity hinders cell infiltration, bone ingrowth and implant fixation. The aim of this study was to develop strong and macroporous CPC scaffolds by incorporating chitosan and water-soluble mannitol, and to examine the biocompatibility of the new graft with an osteoblast cell line and an enzymatic assay.

Dentin adhesion and microleakage of a resin-based calcium phosphate pulp capping and basing cement.

An experimental resin-based bioactive calcium phosphate cement, intended as a pulp capping and basing material, was evaluated for dentin shear bond strength and microleakage. The interfacial morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For microleakage, dentin cavities without (Group A) or after (Group B) acid etching were restored with the calcium phosphate cement.

Effect of thermal cycling on whisker-reinforced dental resin composites.

The mechanical properties of dental resin composites need to be improved in order to extend their use to high stress-bearing applications such as crown and bridge restorations. Recent studies used single crystal ceramic whiskers to reinforce dental composites. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thermal cycling on whisker-reinforced composites.

Effects of fiber length and volume fraction on the reinforcement of calcium phosphate cement.

A self-setting calcium phosphate cement (CPC) transforms into solid hydroxyapatite during setting at body temperature, and has been used in a number of medical and dental procedures. However, the inferior mechanical properties of CPC prohibits its use in unsupported defects, stress-bearing locations or reconstruction of thin bones. The aim of the present study was to strengthen CPC with fiber reinforcement, to examine the effect of fiber length and volume fraction, and to investigate the reinforcement mechanisms.

Formation of macropores in calcium phosphate cement implants.

A calcium phosphate cement (CPC) was shown to harden at ambient temperatures and form hydroxyapatite as the only end-product. Animal study results showed that CPC resorbed slowly and was replaced by new bone. For some clinical applications, it would be desirable to have macropores built into the CPC implant to obtain a more rapid resorption and concomitant osseointegration of the implant.

Hydrolysis of tetracalcium phosphate under a near-constant-composition condition--effects of pH and particle size.

Tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) is a component of a number of calcium phosphate cements used clinically for bone defect repairs. The strength, phase composition, and solubility of the set cement are highly dependent on the reactions of the cement components during setting. This study investigated hydrolysis reactions of TTCP under solution compositions chosen to mimic the compositions of the cement liquid during setting.

Three-body wear of dental resin composites reinforced with silica-fused whiskers.

Objective: Recent studies used silica-fused whiskers to increase the strength and toughness of resin composites. This study investigated the three-body wear of whisker composites. It was hypothesized that the whisker composites would be more wear resistant than composites reinforced with fine glass particles, and the whisker-to-silica filler ratio would significantly affect wear.

Effects of polymerization initiator complexation in methacrylated beta-cyclodextrin formulations.

Objectives: Methacrylated beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) is a candidate dental monomer that can complex molecules within its hydrophobic cavity. This study determined the effects of complexation of polymerization initiators such as camphorquinone (CQ) and ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (4E) with MCD on the flexural strength (FS) and degree of conversion (DC) of resulting dental composite formulations.

Methods: Complexation of CQ and 4E with MCD was studied by thin layer chromatography.

Strong and bioactive composites containing nano-silica-fused whiskers for bone repair.

Self-hardening calcium phosphate cement (CPC) sets to form hydroxyapatite with high osteoconductivity, but its brittleness and low strength limit its use to only non-stress bearing locations. Previous studies developed bioactive composites containing hydroxyapatite fillers in Bis-GMA-based composites for bone repair applications, and they possessed higher strength values. However, these strengths were still lower than the strength of cortical bone.

Self-hardening calcium phosphate composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) sets in situ to form solid hydroxyapatite, can conform to complex cavity shapes without machining, has excellent osteoconductivity, and is able to be resorbed and replaced by new bone. Therefore, CPC is promising for craniofacial and orthopaedic repairs. However, its low strength and lack of macroporosity limit its use.

Self-hardening calcium phosphate cement-mesh composite: reinforcement, macropores, and cell response.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) self-hardens to form hydroxyapatite, has excellent osteoconductivity and bone-replacement ability, and is promising for craniofacial and orthopedic repair. However, its low strength limits CPC to only nonstress repairs. This study aimed to reinforce CPC with meshes to increase strength, and to form macropores in CPC for bone ingrowth after mesh dissolution.

Effect of chemical structure and composition of the resin phase on mechanical strength and vinyl conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate-based composites.

The mechanical properties of recently developed bioactive, antidemineralizing/remineralizing, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-based composites need improvement. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of structure and composition of resins on the biaxial flexure strength (BFS) and the degree of conversion (DC) of composites attained after photo-polymerization. Two series of 2,2-bis[p-(2'-hydroxy-3'-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (Bis-GMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)/X (X being a neutral or acidic comonomer) ternary resins were prepared and mixed with a mass fraction of 40% of zirconia-hybridized ACP.

Fast-setting calcium phosphate scaffolds with tailored macropore formation rates for bone regeneration.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is highly promising for craniofacial and orthopedic repair because of its ability to self-harden in situ to form hydroxyapatite with excellent osteoconductivity. However, its low strength, long hardening time, and lack of macroporosity limit its use. This study aimed to develop fast-setting and antiwashout CPC scaffolds with high strength and tailored macropore formation rates.

Preparation and Comprehensive Characterization of a Calcium Hydroxyapatite Reference Material.

Numerous biological and chemical studies involve the use of calcium hydroxyapatite (HA), Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. In this study detailed physicochemical characterization of HA, prepared from an aqueous solution, was carried out employing different methods and techniques: chemical and thermal analyses, x-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, scanning and transmission microscopies, and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface-area method. The contents of calcium (Ca(2+)), phosphate (PO4 (3-)), hydroxide (OH(-)), hydrogenphosphate (HPO4 (2-)), water (H2O), carbonate (CO3 (2-)), and trace constituents, the Ca/P molar ratio, crystal size and morphology, surface area, unit-cell parameters, crystallinity, and solubility of this HA were determined.

Properties of Nanostructured Hydroxyapatite Prepared by a Spray Drying Technique.

In previous studies nano sized hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were prepared by solgel or precipitation methods, in which the products were washed by aqueous or non-aqueous liquids to remove impurities or undesired components. The washing is know to modify the surfaces of the cystalline particles. This study evaluated properties of nano HA materials prepared by a spray drying method in which the HA product was not exposed to any liquid after its formation.

Characterization of Combinatorial Polymer Blend Composition Gradients by FTIR Microspectroscopy.

A new FTIR technique was developed for characterizing thin polymer films used in combinatorial materials science. Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy mapping technique was used to determine the composition of polymer blend gradients. Composition gradients were made from poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) in the form of thin films (6 cm × 2 cm) deposited on IR reflective substrates.

Reduction in dentin permeability using mildly supersaturated calcium phosphate solutions.

Treatments that obturate dentin tubules have been used for reducing dentin hypersensitivity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of multiple treatments with a mildly supersaturated calcium phosphate solution on the hydraulic conductance (Lp) of partially occluded dentin discs in vitro. The treatment solution contained 6.

Dental composites based on hybrid and surface-modified amorphous calcium phosphates.

The objectives of this study were to prepare hybrid and surface-modified amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) as fillers for mineral-releasing dental composites, and determine whether the mechanical strength of the composites could be improved without decreasing their remineralization potential. ACP was hybridized with tetraethoxysilane or zirconyl chloride and surface-treated with 3-methacryloxypropoxytrimethoxy silane (MPTMS) or zirconyl dimethacrylate (ZrDMA). Composites fabricated with unmodified ACP (u-ACP), hybrid or surface-modified ACP filler and photo-activated Bis-GMA, TEGDMA and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (BTH resin), Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, HEMA and MPTMS (BTHS resin) or Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, HEMA and ZrDMA (BTHZ resin) were tested for their remineralizing potential and biaxial flexure strength (BFS).

Synergistic reinforcement of in situ hardening calcium phosphate composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) hardens in situ to form solid hydroxyapatite, can conform to complex cavity shapes without machining, has excellent osteoconductivity, and is able to be resorbed and replaced by new bone. Therefore, CPC is promising for use in craniofacial and orthopaedic repairs. However, the low strength and lack of macroporosity of CPC limit its use.

Premixed calcium-phosphate cement pastes.

A self-hardening calcium-phosphate cement (CPC) containing Ca(4)(PO(4))(2)O and CaHPO(4) has been shown in clinical studies to be efficacious for repairing bone defects. This and several other similar CPCs harden in 10 min with the use of a phosphate solution as the liquid and form hydroxyapatite (HA) as the product. The present study investigated the properties of water-free, glycerol-containing CPC pastes that are stable in the package and would harden only after being delivered to a defect site where glycerol-tissue fluids exchange occurs.

Fluoride release from a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement in a continuous-flow system. Effect of pH.

Fluoride is added to many dental restorative materials, including glass-ionomer cements, for the specific purpose of leaching fluoride into the surrounding tissues to provide secondary caries inhibition. During the caries process, an acidic environment attacks the dental tissues as well as the glass-ionomer cement. We hypothesized that pH significantly affects the rate of release of fluoride from the glass-ionomer cement.