Heba Mitwalli1, Rashed AlSahafi2, Abdullah Alhussein3, Thomas W Oates4, Mary Anne S Melo5, Hockin H K Xu6, Michael D Weir7. 1. Program in Dental Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Restorative Dental Science, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: hmitwalli@umaryland.edu. 2. Program in Dental Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24211, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: rashed.alsahafi@umaryland.edu. 3. Program in Dental Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Restorative Dental Science, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: aalhussein@umaryland.edu. 4. Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: TOates@umaryland.edu. 5. Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Division of Operative Dentistry, Department of General Dentistry, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: MMelo@umaryland.edu. 6. Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: HXu2@umaryland.edu. 7. Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: michael.weir@umaryland.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Composite restorations with calcium fluoride nanoparticles (nCaF2) can remineralize tooth structure through F and Ca ion release. However, the persistence of ion release is limited. The objectives for this study were to achieve long-term remineralization by developing a rechargeable nCaF2 nanocomposite and investigating the F and Ca recharge and re-release capabilities. METHODS: Three nCaF2 nanocomposites were formulated: (1) BT-nCaF2:Bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA); (2) PE-nCaF2:Pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA); (3) BTM-nCaF2:BisGMA, TEGDMA, and Bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate (Bis-MEP). All formulations contained 15% nCaF2 and 55% glass particles. Initial flexural strength and elastic modulus, F and Ca ion release, recharge and re-release were tested and compared to three commercial fluoride-containing materials. RESULTS: BT and BTM nCaF2 composites were 3-4 times stronger and had elastic modulus 2 times that of resin-modified glass ionomer controls. PE-nCaF2 had comparable strength to RMGIs. All nCaF2 composites had significant F and Ca ion release and ion rechargeability. In F and Ca recharging cycles, PE-nCaF2 had the highest ion recharging capability among nCaF2 groups, followed by BT-nCaF2 and BTM-nCaF2 (p < 0.05). For all recharge cycles, ion release maintained similar levels, demonstrating long-term ion release was possible. Furthermore, after the final recharge cycle, nCaF2 nanocomposites provided continuous ion release for 42 days without further recharge. SIGNIFICANCE: Novel nCaF2 rechargeable nanocomposites exhibited significant F and Ca ion release over multiple recharge cycles, demonstrating continuous long-term ion release. These nanocomposites are promising restorations with lasting remineralization potential.
OBJECTIVES: Composite restorations with calcium fluoride nanoparticles (nCaF2) can remineralize tooth structure through F and Ca ion release. However, the persistence of ion release is limited. The objectives for this study were to achieve long-term remineralization by developing a rechargeable nCaF2 nanocomposite and investigating the F and Ca recharge and re-release capabilities. METHODS: Three nCaF2 nanocomposites were formulated: (1) BT-nCaF2:Bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA); (2) PE-nCaF2:Pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA); (3) BTM-nCaF2:BisGMA, TEGDMA, and Bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate (Bis-MEP). All formulations contained 15% nCaF2 and 55% glass particles. Initial flexural strength and elastic modulus, F and Ca ion release, recharge and re-release were tested and compared to three commercial fluoride-containing materials. RESULTS: BT and BTM nCaF2 composites were 3-4 times stronger and had elastic modulus 2 times that of resin-modified glass ionomer controls. PE-nCaF2 had comparable strength to RMGIs. All nCaF2 composites had significant F and Ca ion release and ion rechargeability. In F and Ca recharging cycles, PE-nCaF2 had the highest ion recharging capability among nCaF2 groups, followed by BT-nCaF2 and BTM-nCaF2 (p < 0.05). For all recharge cycles, ion release maintained similar levels, demonstrating long-term ion release was possible. Furthermore, after the final recharge cycle, nCaF2 nanocomposites provided continuous ion release for 42 days without further recharge. SIGNIFICANCE: Novel nCaF2 rechargeable nanocomposites exhibited significant F and Ca ion release over multiple recharge cycles, demonstrating continuous long-term ion release. These nanocomposites are promising restorations with lasting remineralization potential.