Chitosan-DNA (CS-DNA) and Chitosan-Pectin (CS-P) hydrogels were formulated as a sustained drug delivery carrier for drug delivery. For this, hydrogels were prepared by emulsion technique: mixing aqueous phase of the CS and DNA or P solution with benzyl alcohol using a high-performance dispersing instrument. Green Propolis (GP) was incorporated by imbibition: hydrogels were placed in GP aqueous solution (70 µg/mL) for 2 h. The specimens were freeze-dried and then characterized using different techniques. In vitro cell viability and morphology were also performed using the MG63 cell line. The presence of P was evidenced by the occurrence of a strong band at 1745 cm⁻¹, also occurring in the blend. DNA and CS-DNA showed a strong band at 1650 cm⁻¹, slightly shifted from the chitosan band. The sorption of GP induced a significant modification of the gel surface morphology and some phase separation occurs between chitosan and DNA. Drug release kinetics in water and in saliva follow a two-step mechanism. Significant biocompatibility revealed that these hydrogels were non-toxic and provided acceptable support for cell survival. Thus, the hydrogel complexation of chitosan with DNA and with Pectin provides favorable micro-environment for cell growth and is a viable alternative drug delivery system for Green Propolis.

This in vitro study evaluated the biocompatibility and abrasivity of whitening and conventional toothpastes. Samples of conventional (non-whitening) - Edel White Infant (EWI) - and whitening toothpastes - Edel White Whitening (EWW), Edel White CAREFORTE (EWC), Colgate Total 12 Ò Professional (C), and Oral-B Whitening (OB) - were dissolved in culture medium (0.2 g sample weight per mL). Human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) were placed in contact with different dilutions of culture media that had been previously exposed to these toothpastes. Cytotoxicity was then assessed using the methyl tetrazolium test (MTT) and the cell survival rate was determined. Genotoxicity was assessed by the micronucleus test (MNT) and the number of micronuclei was determined before and after exposure to the toothpaste solutions. The enamel surface roughness was evaluated in specimens of bovine teeth (n = 10 per group) before and after 10,000 brushing cycles, using the investigated toothpastes. The results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). According to the MTT assay, EWW and OB presented significant cytotoxicity (p < 0.01), but no genotoxic (MNT) effects (p > 0.05). C toothpaste was statistically significantly abrasive to the enamel surface (p < 0.01). The findings of this study may be helpful for individualized selection of commercial toothpastes, as some whitening toothpastes present significant cytotoxicity and conventional toothpaste cause significant surface changes.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the influence of different surface treatments on the flexural strength of a pressable lithium disilicate ceramic. Sixteen bars (16x2x4 mm) were made, divided into subgroups (n = 10), and the following surface treatments were done: C - no treatment; H - etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid; HC - etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid, silanization, and cementation; N – etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid, neutralization with supersaturated solution of sodium bicarbonate, silanization, and cementation; U – etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid, ultrasonic cleaning in distillated water, silanization, and cementation; NU - etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid, neutralization with supersaturated solution of sodium bicarbonate, ultrasonic cleaning in distillated water, silanization and cementation. The three points flexural strength was performed 24 h after cementation and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests (p-value = 0.05). The results showed that the surface treatment had a significant effect (p-value < 0,05) on the flexural strength of the studied ceramic. The N and NU groups showed lower flexural strength than other groups. Thus, it was concluded that neutralization with supersaturated solution of sodium bicarbonate, followed or not by ultrasonic cleaning results in lower mechanical strength of a pressable lithium disilicate ceramic. The etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid did not reduce the flexural strength of this ceramic type.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from Fusarium oxysporum on heat-activated acrylic resin (HAAR) and their influence on resin’s surface roughness, hardness, color alteration and antimicrobial capacity against Candida albicans. Material and Methods: For this, 50 discs of HAAR (2x5 mm) were produced and divided into three groups, Control: HAAR; Ag1: HAAR plus 0.539 mg of AgNPs; and Ag2: HAAR plus 1.1 mg of AgNPs. Knopp hardness (HK), surface roughness (Ra and Rz) and color alteration according to the CIE Lab were measured. Specimens were then evaluated in vitro with regard to C. albicans biofilm formation through formed colony count (CFU/mL). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses were performed. Results: The addition of AgNPs of both concentrations changed Ra, Rz and HK significantly. There was statistically significant difference for L (p=0.00); a*(p=0.00) and b*(p=0.00) parameters. There were no differences between Ag1 and Ag2 biofilm formation, but the comparison of both with the control group presented a significant reduction (p=0.0091) on biofilm formation. SEM and AFM images showed no signs of NPs clustering. Conclusion: It can be concluded tha AgNPs incorporation in HAAR was effective in reducing C. albicans activity, with a slight change in color and hardness of the material, being effective therefore, in regions such as the dental prostheses palate, which have lesser aesthetic appeal. Keywords Acrylic resins; Silver; Antimicrobial agents.

Objective: The electrospinning is a widely adopted technique used to produce the polymeric fibers. The process depends on process parameters (voltage, flow rate and distance from capillary to the collector). The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of these parameters on chitosan fibers, a biopolymer used as scaffolds in dental and oral tissue engineering. Material and Methods: A solution of 7%(m/w) was prepared dissolving 0.7g of chitosan in 7 mL of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and 0.3mL of dichloromethane (DCM) (TFA/DCM - 70:30). After 12 hours, polymer solution (5 mL) was drawn into the syringe and pumped through needles of 0.4 mm internal diameter, at a rate of 0.8 mLh-1, different needle-tip-to-collector distances and voltages, for 10 min. Electrospun fibers micrographies were obtained using the Scanning Electron Microscope for morphological analysis. Results: All voltages showed significant difference (p < 0.0001) between them. At 15kV fibers showed higher concentration of beads. At 10 and 12 cm of distance there was no statistical significance (p > 0.0001) but at 15 cm beads formation increased significantly (p < 0.0001). At 12 cm fibers showed lowest fibers diameter in comparison to 10 and 15 cm (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between 10 and 12 cm (p > 0.0001) but in comparison to 15 cm both distances presented significantly difference (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that morphology, in chitosan electrospun fibers, is influenced by the voltage and distance and this could describe the mohphological control of these structures. KeywordsChitosan; Fibers; Electrochemical.