The aim of this study was to investigate the bond strength of resin composites to the dentin surface after the removal of amalgam restorations. The dentin surfaces of amalgam-removed molars were subjected to different surface treatments (n=45). Following ortho-phosphoric acid, sandblasting, and Er:YAG laser the samples were divided into 3 subgroups, and samples were formed using different universal adhesives (Solare Universal Bond, Gluma Bond Universal, Scotchbond Universal Plus) and nanohybrid composites (G-aenial A’CHORD, Charisma Topaz, Filtek Z550). The microshear bond strength (µSBS) was measured in each group, and the data were statistically analysed via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc test. The 3M subgroup (39.91 MPa) had the highest bond strength on the laser-treated dentin surfaces, whereas the lowest value was measured in the Kulzer subgroup (3.61 MPa) on the sandblasted dentin surfaces. Composite resin adhesion to amalgam-contaminated dentin surfaces with surface modifications, especially laser treatment, yielded successful results.

The objective of the work was to prepare dual-functional TiO₂-containing phosphate glasses to integrate ion-releasing ability and photocatalytic activity into a single material system. The glasses were prepared using the liquid phase method. The obtained glasses exhibited an amorphous structure and were composed of orthophosphate and pyrophosphate groups, which can therefore be classified as phosphate invert glasses. Structural analyses showed that titanium existed in both TiO₄ tetrahedral and TiO₆ octahedral coordination environments. The aging process promoted the formation of TiO₆-rich phases on the glass surface. Glasses that were heat-treated at 600°C exhibited partial crystallization of anatase TiO₂ while retaining the amorphous phosphate glass matrix. The heat-treated glass exhibited photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation, as confirmed by methylene blue degradation, while maintaining sustained ion release. Therefore, TiO₂-containing phosphate glasses exhibit dual functionality, combining therapeutic ion release and photocatalytic activity. The properties of the obtained glasses may stimulate beneficial physiological responses and provide antibacterial effects, supporting their potential application as dual-functional dental biomaterials.

Composite granules of β-tricalcium phosphate (βTCP) derived from limestone were fabricated by mixing with polyacrylic acid (PAA) for potential bone substitute applications. Samples with varying ratios were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity analysis, and diametral tensile strength (DTS) testing. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of βTCP, with peak intensities increasing as βTCP content increased. FTIR showed C=O stretching of –COOH and symmetric COO⁻ vibrations, with ν_s(COO⁻) bands appearing in composites, indicating interactions between PAA and βTCP through Ca²⁺–carboxylate coordination. SEM revealed a porous structure in the composite granules, with pore size increased with βTCP content. Porosity was higher in all composite granules compared to PAA granules, while DTS values improved with increasing βTCP, indicating enhanced mechanical strength. In conclusion, composite granules were successfully fabricated by mixing βTCP derived from limestone with PAA, exhibiting promising characteristics as synthetic bone substitutes.

The increasing prevalence of denture use, particularly among the elderly population, necessitates effective strategies against Candida-containing polymicrobial biofilms. This study investigated novel temporary (biocompatible hydrogel) and permanent (sealant) denture coatings designed to selectively inhibit associated pathogens. Seven biomaterials were screened using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays against Candida albicans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Streptococcus mutans. Coatings were applied to acrylic surfaces and evaluated for physicochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy using biofilm models and colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. Results demonstrated that poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate / titanium dioxide (PEGDA/TiO₂) and Sealant/TiO₂ formulations exhibited significant, selective antimicrobial activity. This efficacy is attributed to altered surface hydrophilicity and the specific mechanisms of incorporated agents. These findings underscore the potential of biocompatible, bio-selective coatings in preventing denture-associated infections. Additional research involving a broader spectrum of oral microbes is required to further validate these preventive applications.

This study evaluated the monomer conversion (DC), surface microhardness, elemental release, and cytotoxicity of experimental dental sealants containing monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM), strontium/fluoride-bioactive glass nanoparticles (Sr/F-BAGs), and ε-polylysine. Experimental sealants with (TS1) and without additives (TS0) were compared to commercial sealants (Clinpro and BeautiSealant). DC was measured after light-curing for 40 s. Surface microhardness and elemental release in deionized water were determined after 4-week water storage. Cell viability of the extract was also examined. TS1 exhibited a DC of 82%, significantly higher than commercial materials (65–73%, p<0.05). Surface microhardness of TS1 (14.8 VHN) was comparable to commercial sealants (p>0.05). TS1 released Ca, Sr, and P ions, while commercial materials released mainly fluoride. All materials showed >70% cell viability. The experimental dental sealant demonstrated satisfactory polymerization and mechanical properties with enhanced multi-ion release, suggesting potential for improved bioactivity of the material to help prevent caries associated with restoration and sealant (CARS).

Titanium implants require surface modifications to overcome biological inertia and enhance osteointegration. Macrophage polarization is critical in regulating osteogenesis which affects inflammation and tissue repair. Strontium has been shown to enhance bone formation, and Sr²⁺ ions have also been found to influence immune responses and inflammation, suggesting potential applications in bone repair and regeneration. Our research utilized phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) surface modification to immobilize Sr²⁺ ions within the PTL coating, thereby obtaining two distinct morphological coatings: Sr-incorporation PTL-nanofilm (PSR-nanofilm) and Sr-incorporation PTL-coating (PSR-coating). Through a combination of in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, this study demonstrated that PSR-coating implants with rough titanium surfaces enhance osteogenesis compared to PSR-nanofilm implants. This effect is attributed to their ability to polarize macrophages into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype during the early stage of implantation, followed by a transition to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype at a later stage via the sustained release of Sr²⁺

Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) is widely used in bone tissue engineering but lacks intrinsic bioactivity. In this study, carbonate substituted hydroxyapatite (CHA) was incorporated into PCL using direct powder extrusion (DPE) three-dimensional (3D) printing to fabricate scaffolds with controlled CHA contents. Structural and thermal analyses confirmed that CHA retained its apatite crystal structure and acted as a mild nucleating agent without significantly altering PCL thermal behavior. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with multi-scale spatial statistical analysis revealed scale-dependent particle distribution, with near-random arrangements at the nearest-neighbor scale and increasing mesoscale clustering at higher CHA contents. Mechanical testing showed that compressive and tensile elastic moduli increased with CHA addition up to 10 wt%, followed by a decrease at higher loadings. Annealing enhanced elastic modulus by improving interlayer bonding and internal structural homogeneity. These findings demonstrate that CHA content and spatial particle organization govern the mechanical performance of DPE 3D printed PCL-CHA scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

This study focuses on optimizing Biodentine by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) loaded with the antimicrobial agent cefixime to enhance both its mechanical properties and antibacterial efficacy. ZnO NPs were synthesized using zinc acetate dihydrate and oxalic acid via the sol-gel method, and cefixime was loaded through solvent-mediated techniques. Characterization via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), and zeta potential confirmed the successful formation and stability of the nanoparticles. These drug-loaded NPs were then integrated into Biodentine for mechanical and structural evaluation. Results showed improved surface area, microhardness (Vickers), compressive strength, and reduced solubility without significantly altering the setting time. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and SEM analyses confirmed uniform nanoparticle dispersion and elemental composition, while pH remained within safe limits. The modified Biodentine demonstrated superior performance and antimicrobial potential, making it promising for long-term dental restorations. The study concludes that ZnO-cefixime nanocomposite Biodentine offers dual advantages of mechanical strength and infection control.

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae with potential as a marine-derived biomaterial for oral healthcare. This study compared crude fucoidan, purified fucoidan, and low-molecular-weight fucoidan (LMF) to clarify the relationship between physicochemical properties and biological activity. Iodine content was quantified by mass spectrometry, collagenase inhibition against MMP-8 and MMP-13 and antioxidant capacity were evaluated using biochemical assays, and cellular responses were assessed in oral squamous carcinoma (SAS) cells and normal fibroblasts. Among the preparations, LMF showed the highest iodine content and the strongest inhibition of collagenases and reactive oxygen species. Fucoidan selectively reduced the viability of SAS cells while sparing fibroblasts. RNA sequencing revealed activation of apoptosis-related pathways and suppression of survival signaling in SAS cells, whereas fibroblasts exhibited stress-adaptive transcriptional profiles. These results indicate that LMF exerts selective cytotoxic and tissue-protective effects, supporting its application as a functional dental biomaterial.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a promising source for regenerative medicine due to their multilineage differentiation ability. We established a feeder-free xeno-reduced workflow to merge iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) into uniform hybrid spheroids for bone repair. iPSCs were differentiated into MSCs (CD73⁺/CD90⁺/CD105⁺; osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic) and ECs using a defined kit with brief fetal bovine serum exposure, yielding CD31⁺ cells that formed tube-like networks on the Matrigel. MSCs and ECs (5:1) were seeded in low-adhesion MicoCell^® microwells, self-assembled within 4 h into hundreds of compact size-controlled spheroids, and maintained for 72 h under serum-free conditions. After clear unobstructed brain/body imaging cocktails and computational analysis (CUBIC) clearing and confocal immunofluorescence, CD90 and CD31 signals showed a distinct spatial organization within the three-dimensional structures, indicating the coexistence of both lineages. Notably, lumen formation was not observed at this stage. Overall, our feeder-free single-source system provides a reproducible platform for subsequent vascular maturation studies.

Various adhesive systems are available for direct resin-composite restorations. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between environmental factors and the bond strength of universal adhesives (8th generation). This study evaluated the influence of the bonding environment on the bond strength to bovine teeth by comparing four universal adhesives with two two-step self-etch adhesives (2-SEA). Bonding was performed under simulated laboratory, rubber-dam, and intraoral conditions with temperature and relative humidity of 23°C and 50%; 30°C and 50%; and 30°C and 95%, respectively. The micro-tensile bond strengths of the adhesives were not significantly different between the rubber-dam and laboratory conditions. However, the bond strength values for three universal adhesives were significantly lower under intraoral conditions. This study suggested that high-humidity conditions, such as in the oral cavity, may affect the bonding performance of universal adhesives. However, the influence of humidity might be limited when using 2-SEA or under rubber-dam isolation.

This study aims to evaluate the bacterial activity of Barangan peel against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) using in silico and in vitro methods. In silico conducted with AutoDock 4.0 evaluated ligand binding to GtfB (PDB ID: 3AIB), SwissADME, ProTox-II, and PASS online assessed pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and biological activity profiles. Antibacterial activity of Barangan peel at 10%, 20%, 35%, and 50% concentrations against S. mutans was determined using agar assays. The inhibition zones and colony count data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (p≤0.05). Results showed Barangan peel phytochemical has low toxicity (Class 5–6, LD50 >2,000 mg/kg) and high biological potential for non-phenolic terpenoids (Pa=0.405). Cyclopropa stigmat steroid has the strongest affinities (−8.00 kcal/mol). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was at a 10% concentration, while the inhibition zone diameter and colony count showed significant differences (p<0.05) for all concentrations. Barangan peel phytochemicals exhibited favorable toxicity profiles and potent inhibitory activity against S. mutans.

Dental hypersensitivity, a prevalent oral health issue, is closely associated with the exposure of dentinal tubules. Biomimetic mineralization has emerged as a promising approach to occlude these tubules and mitigate sensitivity. This study explores the potential of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), a synthetic polypeptide, in dentinal tubule occlusion and its efficacy in reducing dental hypersensitivity. Building on previous findings that ELP can promote enamel regeneration, we extended its application to dentin repair. The structure of ELP was verified by time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS). ELP-treated dentin was remineralized, and tubule occlusion was assessed over 7 days using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The new layer was further analyzed by focused ion beam-transmission electron microscopy (FIB-TEM).Our in vitro results demonstrate that ELP effectively facilitates the occlusion of dentinal tubules, showcasing its robust biomimetic mineralization capacity. This study provides a new and promising avenue for addressing dental hypersensitivity

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of incorporating bioactive glass into glass-ionomer cement (GIc) as a pulp-capping material using a human tooth-pulp culture model. Experimental groups included GIc mixed with three bioglasses (45S5, 45S5.5Zn, 45S5.5Sr), β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), ProRoot MTA, or Biodentine powder. Capping with unmodified GIc and Biodentine served as controls. Pulpal healing was assessed via histology following a 28-day culture period. Fisher’s exact tests determined differences in mineral foci formation and pulp-tissue organization (p<0.05). Initiation of pulp mineralization was observed only when pulps were capped with GIc_45S5 or Biodentine. While bioactive glass-modified GIcs demonstrated biocompatibility and promoted early pulpal healing (cell-rich eosinophilic zones), their mineralization potential remained lower than that of the calcium-silicate cement, Biodentine. These findings suggest that GIc_45S5 offers a potential preclinical alternative for pulp-capping, though its bioactivity requires further optimization.

This study investigated a combined strategy using collagen crosslinking and polymer-induced liquid precursors (PILP)-based remineralization to enhance collagen biostability and resistance to collagenase degradation in sound (SD), denatured (DD), and caries-affected dentin (CAD). Ultra-thin demineralized collagen films and acid-etched dentin beams with demineralized layers (DL) were treated with 1% cranberry-extract (CR) collagen crosslinker for 30 s, followed by PILP remineralization for 1–7 days. Biostability was assessed by collagenase-induced weight loss and hydroxyproline release; structural and remineralization changes were evaluated via electron microscopes. Both CR and PILP individually improved collagen biostability, with greater effects in SD than DD. CR crosslinking was more effective than PILP alone. Notably, the combined CR-PILP approach produced the greatest enhancement in biostability. Electron microscopes confirmed that this dual treatment preserved the DL from enzymatic digestion and dramatically accelerated mineral deposition in both SD and CAD. These findings support the potential of this synergistic strategy for improving dentin restoration durability.