Marine-derived biowaste increment is enormous, yet could be converted into valuable biomaterial, e.g., hydroxyapatite-based bioceramic. Bioceramic material possesses superiority in terms of thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. Bioceramic material also has a high level of biocompatibility when projected into biological tissues. Tuning the porosity of bioceramic material could also provide benefits for bioseparation application, i.e., ultrafiltration ceramic membrane filtration for food and dairy separation processes. This work presents the investigation of hydroxyapatite conversion from crab-shells marine-based biowaste, by comparing three different methods, i.e., microwave, coprecipitation, and sol–gel. The dried crab-shells were milled and calcinated as calcium precursor, then synthesized into hydroxyapatite with the addition of phosphates precursors via microwave, coprecipitation, or sol–gel. The compound and elemental analysis, degree of crystallinity, and particle shape were compared. The chemical compounds and elements from three different methods were similar, yet the degree of crystallinity was different. Higher Ca/P ratio offer benefit in producing a bioceramic ultrafiltration membrane, due to low sintering temperature. The hydroxyapatite from coprecipitation and sol–gel methods showed a significant degree of crystallinity compared with that of the microwave route. However, due to the presence of Fe and Sr impurities, the secondary phase of Ca₉FeH(PO₄)₇ was found in the sol–gel method. The secondary phase compound has high absorbance capacity, an advantage for bioceramic ultrafiltration membranes. Furthermore, the sol–gel method could produce a snake-like shape, compared to the oval shape of the coprecipitation route, another benefit to fabricate porous bioceramic for a membrane filter.

Metformin is a versatile drug with numerous medical uses. It is known primarily as an anti-hyperglycemic drug that has become the main oral blood-glucose-lowering medication for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus globally. Its use has been reported in a variety of oral conditions and dentistry in general. Recent clinical trials have indicated the effectiveness of adjunct topical application of metformin in improving the periodontal parameters of patients with diabetes and periodontitis. Additionally, studies have suggested that metformin stimulates odontogenic differentiation and mineral synthesis of stem cells in the tooth pulp. Metformin also stimulates osteoblast proliferation, decreases osteoclast activity and exerts regenerative effects on periodontal bone, thus making it a viable candidate for periodontal regeneration. Metformin monotherapy significantly enhances osseointegration of endosseous implants and has been reported to have anti-cancer effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma by impeding tumor progression. Animal studies have indicated that metformin improves orthodontic tooth movement and resists orthodontic appliance corrosion. This narrative review aims to provide a current summary of research highlighting the prospective uses of metformin in dentistry.

Introduction: To improve the clinical outcomes and long-term durability of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture-based resins, they have undergone several developments and changes in their chemical composition to enhance their mechanical properties, including reinforcing them with natural fibers. Aim: This systematic review aimed to explore the influence of plant fiber reinforcement on the mechanical characteristics of PMMA denture resins. Material and methods: For this purpose, the formulated focus question was ‘Does incorporating plant fibers in PMMA denture resins improve their mechanical strength?’ Using the PRISMA protocol, three electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect) were searched using the specific search words: (plant fibers, natural fibers, and PMMA) denture base resins between 2014 and 2024. After evaluating the papers against the inclusion criteria, only those that met all requirements were included in the study. Additionally, all articles were screened for quality assessment, with particular attention to potential bias arising from experimental design and methodological reporting. Results: This review included eight experimental laboratory-based studies that met the inclusion criteria. All studies had low risk of bias, except one, which had moderate risk of bias. The evaluation of reinforced resins’ flexural strength was a noticeable trend observed in studies, with the maximum weight percentage utilized in the studies being 10 wt%. While flexural strength was primarily assessed by the majority of studies, other mechanical properties – including hardness, impact strength, tensile strength, and compressive strength – were also evaluated. Conclusions: The analysis revealed that the flexural strength and surface hardness of PMMA denture resins were significantly enhanced through the addition of plant fiber reinforcement. However, limited and inconclusive data are present for other mechanical properties (impact, compressive, and tensile strength). Extended experimental studies related to aging and various storage protocols, as well as clinical trials, are essential to determine its clinical relevance and longevity

Objective: To investigate the relationship between concentration of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and Piper nigrum (PN) on the inhibition zone of S. mutan, Lactobacili and E.coli and their effect on the physicomechanical properties of conventional Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC). Study Design and Setting: This experimental study tested the antibacterial activity and microhardness of modified-GIC at Baqai Medical University and NED University Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: The herbs were added to GIC in 4-16% concentration separately and in combination. Sample characterization was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in 4000-700 cm-1 range. The antibacterial efficacy was tested in-vitro using disc diffusion method on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar plates. Microhardness was tested by Vickers microhardness tester. The pH was measured using digital pH meter and the data was analyzed using Anova test on SPSS software to compare the inhibition zones and a Post-hoc Tukey’s test was conducted. Results: An increase was observed in the inhibitory zone of group 2 (GIC + GG), group 3 (GIC + PN) and group 4 (GIC+GG+PN) as compared to that of conventional GIC (control group) and the increase was more pronounced for GG as compared to PN. The modified groups showed increase in pH at all intervals. Microhardness of modified groups was equal to control group indicating that the addition of herbs into conventional GIC did not impact its physicomechanical properties. Conclusions: The tests revealed improved antibacterial activity of herb-modified GIC without significant changes in the physicomechanical properties

The effects of Candida albicans biofilm growth under treatment with cleaning agents on the deterioration of denture acrylic resin (PMMA) and a nano-filled restorative composite resin were examined in vitro. A total of 240 PMMA (Travelon™) and nano-filled composite (Filtek™ Z350XT) specimens were fabricated. Baseline surface hardness VHN, arithmetic mean surface roughness (Sa, in nm), and flexural strength (ISO 20795-1) were measured. The specimens underwent a Candida albicans ATCC 10231 biofilm challenge for 90 days and were then immersed in 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 15% aqueous patchouli extract (Pogostemon cablin). Power analysis (α = 0.05, power = 80%) was used to determine sample sizes and effect sizes, and partial eta-squared (η²) was calculated for all significant comparisons. In comparison to PMMA (98.60 ± 0.55 VHN; p < 0.001, η² = 0.92), the nano-filled composite showed significantly greater baseline hardness (156.67 ± 0.58 VHN) and surface smoothness (Sa = 75.60 ± 5.20 nm vs. 256.30 ± 18.50 nm; p < 0.001, η² = 0.89). Greater PMMA surface roughness was associated with significantly higher biofilm accumulation and mechanical deterioration (14.14% flexural strength decrease; p < 0.001). Significant degradation occurred after exposure to NaOCl, and PMMA showed the greatest flexural strength loss (36.13%; p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant material degradation was observed with patchouli extract (p > 0.05). Both disinfectants demonstrated limited efficacy against mature biofilms, whereas NaOCl was highly effective against planktonic C. albicans. In comparison to PMMA, nano-filled composite had superior surface and mechanical properties associated with enhanced resistance to chemical and biofilm-related deterioration. However, the constraints of the mono-species model warrant potential clinical consideration. NaOCl demonstrated substantial antifungal activity but was associated with severe material degradation, whereas patchouli extract preserved material integrity but exhibited modest anti-biofilm efficacy. Therefore, material-specific cleaning protocols might be warranted. Further investigation of complex models is necessary to balance antimicrobial effectiveness against long-term prosthetic durability.