Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are widely used in diagnostics, drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and photo-thermal therapy due to their surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence, and easy-surface functionalization. According to recent studies, GNPs display a positive effect on the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. The aim of this study was to develop a new approach for bone tissue regeneration based on the utilization of a biodegradable hydrogel loaded with GNPs. We have used photo-curable gelatin hydrogels (Gel) in order to provide a proof of principle of GNPs in regeneration strategies for bone tissue repair. We have investigated the effects of these Gel–GNP composite hydrogels both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro results showed that the hydrogels loaded with GNPs promote proliferation, differentiation, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activities of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as they differentiate towards osteoblast cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the in vivo results showed that these hydrogels loaded with high concentrations of GNPs had a significant influence on new bone formation. Through these in vitro and vivo tests, we found that the Gel–GNP can be a useful material for bone tissue engineering.

Kwak EJ, et al. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2016 Jun;16(2):81-88. http://dx.doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2016.16.2.81

Electrospun chitosan (CTS) nanofibers have been well known for use as a wound dressing in the biomedical field. Nevertheless, fatal bacterial infections are still a serious problem when CTS nanofibers are used for wound treatment. In this study, we designed a novel wound dressing based on blending the chitosan with polyurethane (CTS/PU) containing silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) in order to enhance both antibacterial activity and mechanical strength. This fiber sheet was produced using the electrospinning (ELSP) technique. The CTS/PU containing AgSD fiber sheet was characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The physicochemical properties of the CTS/PU/AgSD fiber sheets were also characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The electrospun fibers were morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For an in vitro evaluation, the CTS/PU/AgSD fiber sheets were tested for their antibacterial activity against gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results indicate that CTS/PU/AgSD fiber sheets have strong antimicrobial activity as displayed by inhibition of bacterial growth and prevention of infection during the healing process. These results indicate that this material would be good for use as a wound dressing material.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of changes in age-related physiological muscular and dental factors on masticatory function. This study was conducted in 211 healthy participants divided into four different age groups: 20–45 years (Gr1); 45–60 years (Gr2); 61–70 years (Gr3); and ≥71 years (Gr4). For objective evaluation of masticatory function, the masticatory performance, bite force, posterior bite area (PBA), functional tooth units (FTUs), the number of remaining teeth, tongue pressure, masseter muscle thickness (MMT), and handgrip strength were examined. Food intake ability (FIA) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 score were assessed subjectively using questionnaires. A significant decrease in the number of remaining teeth, FTUs, handgrip strength, and FIA was found in Gr4, and a significant decrease in the tongue pressure, PBA, and bite force was found in those aged ≥61 years. In groups 1 and 3, an association of the PBA with masticatory performance was observed. However, there was no significant decreasing trend in the MMT with respect to masticatory performance with aging. With sufficient FTUs and posterior tooth support, although age-dependent decreases in the bite force, tongue pressure and handgrip strength were observed, masticatory performance was maintained. Establishing the PBA by improving occlusion through dental treatment is thought to be important for masticatory function.