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Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry

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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2019) | Viewed by 59916

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Prof. Dr. Antonella Polimeni

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Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Roma, Italy
Interests: pediatric dentistry; oral cancer; orthodontics; oral health; periodontics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge on the application of innovative nanotechnologies and nanomaterials that cross through a translational approach, bringing together all the various specialties involved in the study of dentistry and applied to the biomedical research.

The approach for studying oral diseases (inflammatory, degenerative, metabolic, and neoplastic) has changed dramatically in recent years with the advent of new methods of analysis (from anatomy to clinical–instrumental pathophysiological interpretation, from molecular biology to proteomics, from functional and morphological analysis, structural and ultrastructural, to the studies in vitro and in a single cell). There is also increasing evidence of the importance of the involvement of stem compartments and their use, as in the case of human-derived mesenchymal cells taken from dental pulp and cells of the microenvironment in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Finally, it seems important to underline the growing development of experimental medicine and medical/surgical biotechnology as the evaluation and the use of new biomaterials–biomimetics combined with sophisticated and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Prof. Dr. Antonella Polimeni
Guest Editor

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Keywords

nanostructures
nanomaterials
nanotechnology in dentistry

Published Papers (14 papers)

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20 pages, 5067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineral-Doped Poly(L-lactide) Acid Scaffolds Enriched with Exosomes Improve Osteogenic Commitment of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

by Maria Giovanna Gandolfi, Chiara Gardin, Fausto Zamparini, Letizia Ferroni, Micaela Degli Esposti, Greta Parchi, Batur Ercan, Lucia Manzoli, Fabio Fava, Paola Fabbri, Carlo Prati and Barbara Zavan

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(3), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10030432 - 29 Feb 2020

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 4536

Abstract

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells are extracellular vesicles released to facilitate cell communication and function. Recently, polylactic acid (PLA), calcium silicates (CaSi), and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) have been used to produce bioresorbable functional mineral-doped porous scaffolds-through thermally induced phase separation technique, as materials for bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mineral-doped PLA-based porous scaffolds enriched with exosome vesicles (EVs) on osteogenic commitment of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs). Two different mineral-doped scaffolds were produced: PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD and PLA-5CaSi-5DCPD. Scaffolds surface micromorphology was investigated by ESEM-EDX before and after 28 days immersion in simulated body fluid (HBSS). Exosomes were deposited on the surface of the scaffolds and the effect of exosome-enriched scaffolds on osteogenic commitment of hAD-MSCs cultured in proximity of the scaffolds has been evaluated by real time PCR. In addition, the biocompatibility was evaluated by direct-contact seeding hAD-MSCs on scaffolds surface-using MTT viability test. In both formulations, ESEM showed pores similar in shape (circular and elliptic) and size (from 10–30 µm diameter). The porosity of the scaffolds decreased after 28 days immersion in simulated body fluid. Mineral-doped scaffolds showed a dynamic surface and created a suitable bone-forming microenvironment. The presence of the mineral fillers increased the osteogenic commitment of hAD-MSCs. Exosomes were easily entrapped on the surface of the scaffolds and their presence improved gene expression of major markers of osteogenesis such as collagen type I, osteopontin, osteonectin, osteocalcin. The experimental scaffolds enriched with exosomes, in particular PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD, increased the osteogenic commitment of MSCs. In conclusion, the enrichment of bioresorbable functional scaffolds with exosomes is confirmed as a potential strategy to improve bone regeneration procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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14 pages, 3465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vascular Wall–Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation on 3D Biodegradable Highly Porous CaSi-DCPD Doped Poly (α-hydroxy) Acids Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

by Monica Forni, Chiara Bernardini, Fausto Zamparini, Augusta Zannoni, Roberta Salaroli, Domenico Ventrella, Greta Parchi, Micaela Degli Esposti, Antonella Polimeni, Paola Fabbri, Fabio Fava, Carlo Prati and Maria Giovanna Gandolfi

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10020243 - 29 Jan 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3262

Abstract

Vascularization is a crucial factor when approaching any engineered tissue. Vascular wall–mesenchymal stem cells are an excellent in vitro model to study vascular remodeling due to their strong angiogenic attitude. This study aimed to demonstrate the angiogenic potential of experimental highly porous scaffolds based on polylactic acid (PLA) or poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) doped with calcium silicates (CaSi) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), namely PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD and PCL-10CaSi-10DCPD, designed for the regeneration of bone defects. Vascular wall–mesenchymal stem cells (VW-MSCs) derived from pig thoracic aorta were seeded on the scaffolds and the expression of angiogenic markers, i.e. CD90 (mesenchymal stem/stromal cell surface marker), pericyte genes α-SMA (alpha smooth muscle actin), PDGFR-β (platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β), and NG2 (neuron-glial antigen 2) was evaluated. Pure PLA and pure PCL scaffolds and cell culture plastic were used as controls (3D in vitro model vs. 2D in vitro model). The results clearly demonstrated that the vascular wall mesenchymal cells colonized the scaffolds and were metabolically active. Cells, grown in these 3D systems, showed the typical gene expression profile they have in control 2D culture, although with some main quantitative differences. DNA staining and immunofluorescence assay for alpha-tubulin confirmed a cellular presence on both scaffolds. However, VW-MSCs cultured on PLA-10CaSi-10DCPD showed an individual cells growth, whilst on PCL-10CaSi-10DCPD scaffolds VW-MSCs grew in spherical clusters. In conclusion, vascular wall mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated the ability to colonize PLA and PCL scaffolds doped with CaSi-DCPD for new vessels formation and a potential for tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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15 pages, 8389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sub-Micropillar Spacing Modulates the Spatial Arrangement of Mouse MC3T3-E1 Osteoblastic Cells

by Benedetta Ghezzi, Paola Lagonegro, Naoki Fukata, Ludovica Parisi, Davide Calestani, Carlo Galli, Giancarlo Salviati, Guido M. Macaluso and Francesca Rossi

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(12), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9121701 - 28 Nov 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2850

Abstract

Surface topography is one of the main factors controlling cell responses on implanted devices and a proper definition of the characteristics that optimize cell behavior may be crucial to improve the clinical performances of these implants. Substrate geometry is known to affect cell shape, as cells try to optimize their adhesion by adapting to the irregularities beneath, and this in turn profoundly affects their activity. In the present study, we cultured murine calvaria MC3T3-E1 cells on surfaces with pillars arranged as hexagons with two different spacings and observed their morphology during adhesion and growth. Cells on these highly ordered substrates attached and proliferated effectively, showing a marked preference for minimizing the inter-pillar distance, by following specific pathways across adjacent pillars and displaying consistent morphological modules. Moreover, cell behavior appeared to follow tightly controlled patterns of extracellular protein secretion, which preceded and matched cells and, on a sub-cellular level, cytoplasmic orientation. Taken together, these results outline the close integration of surface features, extracellular proteins alignment and cell arrangement, and provide clues on how to control and direct cell spatial order and cell morphology by simply acting on inter-pillar spacing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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10 pages, 2023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bismuth-Doped Nanohydroxyapatite Coatings on Titanium Implants for Improved Radiopacity and Antimicrobial Activity

by Gabriela Ciobanu and Maria Harja

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(12), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9121696 - 27 Nov 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2867

Abstract

This study aims to present the possibility to obtain bismuth-doped nanohydroxyapatite coatings on the surface of the titanium implants by using a solution-derived process according to an established biomimetic methodology. The bioactivity of the titanium surface was increased by an alkali-thermal treatment. Then, under biomimetic conditions, the titanium surface was coated with a Bi-doped nanohydroxyapatite layer by using a modified supersaturated calcification solution (SCS) containing a bismuth salt. The apatite deposits were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and digital X-rays radiography method. The results indicate that the Bi-doped nanohydroxyapatite coatings on titanium surface were produced. These coatings exhibit a good radiopacity, thus enhancing their applications in dental and orthopedic fields. Additionally, the Bi-doped nanohydroxyapatite coatings show significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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24 pages, 6498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymer Membranes Sonocoated and Electrosprayed with Nano-Hydroxyapatite for Periodontal Tissues Regeneration

by Julia Higuchi, Giuseppino Fortunato, Bartosz Woźniak, Agnieszka Chodara, Sebastian Domaschke, Sylwia Męczyńska-Wielgosz, Marcin Kruszewski, Alex Dommann and Witold Łojkowski

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(11), 1625; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9111625 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4119

Abstract

Diseases of periodontal tissues are a considerable clinical problem, connected with inflammatory processes and bone loss. The healing process often requires reconstruction of lost bone in the periodontal area. For that purpose, various membranes are used to prevent ingrowth of epithelium in the tissue defect and enhance bone regeneration. Currently-used membranes are mainly non-resorbable or are derived from animal tissues. Thus, there is an urgent need for non-animal-derived bioresorbable membranes with tuned resorption rates and porosity optimized for the circulation of body nutrients. We demonstrate membranes produced by the electrospinning of biodegradable polymers (PDLLA/PLGA) coated with nanohydroxyapatite (nHA). The nHA coating was made using two methods: sonocoating and electrospraying of nHA suspensions. In a simulated degradation study, for electrosprayed membranes, short-term calcium release was observed, followed by hydrolytic degradation. Sonocoating produced a well-adhering nHA layer with full coverage of the fibers. The layer slowed the polymer degradation and increased the membrane wettability. Due to gradual release of calcium ions the degradation-associated acidity of the polymer was neutralized. The sonocoated membranes exhibited good cellular metabolic activity responses against MG-63 and BJ cells. The collected results suggest their potential use in Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) and Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) periodontal procedures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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9 pages, 1425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Proteins at the Interface of Dental Implants Modulate Osteoblasts Focal Adhesions Expression and Cytoskeleton Organization

by Ludovica Parisi, Andrea Toffoli, Miriam Cutrera, Massimiliano G. Bianchi, Simone Lumetti, Ovidio Bussolati and Guido M. Macaluso

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(10), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9101407 - 2 Oct 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2242

Abstract

The host-material interface is a crucial relationship dictating the possibility of successful osseointegration in implant dentistry. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of plasma proteins pre-adsorption on the adhesion capacity of osteoblasts, which occurs immediately after implant insertion in vivo. After having pre-adsorbed human plasma proteins on a machined and microrough titanium surface, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts adhesion was evaluated through crystal violet cell adhesion assay, immunofluorescence staining for cytoskeleton, focal adhesions and cell nuclei, and scanning electron microscopy. The pre-adsorbed protein layer markedly affected the adhesion rate of cells, as well as their morphology and the expression of focal contacts. Moreover, protein adsorption to the underlying titanium surface was found to be correlated to surface pre-wetting. Thus, the early adsorption of serum proteins to the interface of dental implants impacts cell adhesion in terms of strength and of focal adhesions expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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12 pages, 3601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Cytotoxicity and Release from Newly Formed PMMA–ZnO Nanocomposites Designed for Denture Bases

by Mariusz Cierech, Jacek Wojnarowicz, Adam Kolenda, Agata Krawczyk-Balska, Emilia Prochwicz, Bartosz Woźniak, Witold Łojkowski and Elżbieta Mierzwińska-Nastalska

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(9), 1318; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9091318 - 15 Sep 2019

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 4975

Abstract

The goal of the study was to investigate the level of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) release from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)–ZnO nanocomposites (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% w/w), as well as from the ZnO NPs layer produced on pure PMMA, and the impact of the achieved final ZnO NPs concentration on cytotoxicity, before the potential use as an alternative material for denture bases. The concentration of ZnO nanoparticles released to the aqueous solution of Zn²⁺ ions was assessed using optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES). In the control group (pure PMMA), the released mean for ZnO was 0.074 mg/L and for individual nanocomposites at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% was 2.281 mg/L, 2.143 mg/L, and 3.512 mg/L, respectively. The median for the ZnO NPs layer produced on PMMA was 4.878 mg/L. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs against the human HeLa cell line was determined through the reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye. The cytotoxicity studies demonstrate that ZnO nanoparticles in the concentrations up to 20 mg/L have no adverse effect on HeLa cells. When compared with the released and cytotoxic concentrations of ZnO NPs, it can be expected that ZnO released from dental prostheses to the oral cavity environment will have no cytotoxic effect on host cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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13 pages, 2484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composition―Nanostructure Steered Performance Predictions in Steel Wires

by Kun V. Tian, Francesca Passaretti, Adelaide Nespoli, Ernesto Placidi, Roberta Condò, Carla Andreani, Silvia Licoccia, Gregory A. Chass, Roberto Senesi and Paola Cozza

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(8), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9081119 - 3 Aug 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3182

Abstract

Neutron scattering in combination with scanning electron and atomic force microscopy were employed to quantitatively resolve elemental composition, nano- through meso- to metallurgical structures and surface characteristics of two commercial stainless steel orthodontic archwires—G&H and Azdent. The obtained bulk composition confirmed that both samples are made of metastable austenitic stainless steel type AISI 304. The neutron technique’s higher detection sensitivity to alloying elements facilitated the quantitative determination of the composition factor (CF), and the pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) for predicting austenite stability and pitting-corrosion resistance, respectively. Simultaneous neutron diffraction analyses revealed that both samples contained additional martensite phase due to strain-induced martensite transformation. The unexpectedly high martensite content (46.20 vol%) in G&H was caused by combination of lower austenite stability (CF = 17.37, p = .03), excessive cold working and inadequate thermal treatment during material processing. Together, those results assist in revealing alloying recipes and processing history, and relating these with corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. The present methodology has allowed access to unprecedented length-scale (μm to sub-nm) resolution, accessing nano- through meso-scopic properties. It is envisaged that such an approach can be extended to the study and design of other metallic (bio)materials used in medical sciences, dentistry and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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9 pages, 5862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of the Pressures and Points of Application of the Forces Exerted between Aligner and Tooth

by Francesca Cervinara, Claudia Cianci, Francesco De Cillis, Giovanni Pappalettera, Carmine Pappalettere, Giuseppe Siciliani and Luca Lombardo

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(7), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9071010 - 12 Jul 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3214

Abstract

The analysis of forces, moments and pressure points has long been of great interest in orthodontics. Hence, we set out to define a method for measuring the pressure exerted by aligners on the teeth, and specifically to identify the precise points of pressure exertion. Intraoral scans were performed on a patient with optimal alignment and levelling before and after 2º vestibularisation of the upper central incisor. Pressure sensor film was placed in a dedicated housing between the aligner and teeth in order to record the pressure exerted after 15 s of aligner application. The images captured by the film were scanned, digitised, and subsequently analysed. Areas and amounts of pressure generated by the aligners were evaluated, and the net force of each was calculated, adjusted to take into consideration passive values. The method revealed the areas of contact by which the aligner transmits force on the teeth, and the pressures at which it does so. The pressure exerted by an aligner is not evenly distributed across the entire surface of the tooth during lingual tipping of an upper incisor. The areas of force concentration were not identical, as these are influenced by factors resulting from the manufacturing and casting processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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10 pages, 4871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of a Molybdenum and Tungsten Disulfide Coating to Improve Tribological Properties of Orthodontic Archwires

by Antonio Gracco, Martina Dandrea, Flavio Deflorian, Caterina Zanella, Alberto De Stefani, Giovanni Bruno and Edoardo Stellini

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(5), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9050753 - 16 May 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3024

Abstract

Coatings incorporating nanoparticles of molybdenum and tungsten disulfide (MoS₂ and WS₂)—known for their lubricating properties—are applied to orthodontic stainless steel wires to verify if there is an improvement in terms of tribological properties during the sliding of the wire along the bracket. To simulate in vitro sliding of the wire along the bracket and evaluate friction 0.019 × 0.025 inches orthodontic stainless steel (SS) wires were subjected to the application, by electrodeposition, of Ni, Ni + MoS₂, and Ni + WS₂. The samples produced were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and assessment of resistance to bending. Thirty-two test conditions have been analyzed, arising from the combination of four types of coatings (SS bare wires and strings with three types of coating), two types of self-ligating bracket (Damon Q, Ormco and In-Ovation R, GAC International), two bracket-wire angles (0° and 5°), two environments (dry and wet). Analyses carried out on the samples show acceptable coatings incorporating MoS₂ and WS₂ and a resistance of coatings after a minimum bending. In “dry conditions” a statistically significant decrease in friction occurs for wires coated with MoS₂ and WS₂ if associated with the In-Ovation bracket. In “wet conditions” this decrease is observed only in isolated test conditions. Analysis of the wires after sliding tests show little wear of the applied coatings. Nanoparticles are acceptable and similar in their behavior. Improvements in terms of friction are obtained pairing coatings incorporating MoS₂ and WS₂ with the In-Ovation bracket in dry conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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Review

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32 pages, 1274 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoparticles as Anti-Microbial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Remineralizing Agents in Oral Care Cosmetics: A Review of the Current Situation

by Florence Carrouel, Stephane Viennot, Livia Ottolenghi, Cedric Gaillard and Denis Bourgeois

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(1), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10010140 - 13 Jan 2020

Cited by 120 | Viewed by 11899

Abstract

Many investigations have pointed out widespread use of medical nanosystems in various domains of dentistry such as prevention, prognosis, care, tissue regeneration, and restoration. The progress of oral medicine nanosystems for individual prophylaxis is significant for ensuring bacterial symbiosis and high-quality oral health. Nanomaterials in oral cosmetics are used in toothpaste and other mouthwash to improve oral healthcare performance. These processes cover nanoparticles and nanoparticle-based materials, especially domains of application related to biofilm management in cariology and periodontology. Likewise, nanoparticles have been integrated in diverse cosmetic produces for the care of enamel remineralization and dental hypersensitivity. This review summarizes the indications and applications of several widely employed nanoparticles in oral cosmetics, and describes the potential clinical implementation of nanoparticles as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and remineralizing agents in the prevention of dental caries, hypersensitivity, and periodontitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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17 pages, 2560 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Critical Review on the Production of Electrospun Nanofibres for Guided Bone Regeneration in Oral Surgery

by Federico Berton, Davide Porrelli, Roberto Di Lenarda and Gianluca Turco

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10010016 - 19 Dec 2019

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 4127

Abstract

Nanofibre-based membranes or scaffolds exhibit high surface-to-volume ratio, which allows an improved cell adhesion, representing an attractive subgroup of biomaterials due to their unique properties. Among several techniques of nanofiber production, electrospinning is a cost-effective technique that has been, to date, attractive for several medical applications. Among these, guided bone regeneration is a surgical procedure in which bone regeneration, due to bone atrophy following tooth loss, is “guided” by an occlusive barrier. The membrane should protect the initial blood clot from any compression, shielding the bone matrix during maturation from infiltration of soft tissues cells. This review will focus its attention on the application of electrospinning (ELS) in oral surgery bone regeneration. Despite the abundance of published papers related to the electrospinning technique applied in the field of bone regeneration of the jaws, to the authors’ knowledge, no articles report clinical application of these structures. Moreover, only a few records can be found with in vivo application. Therefore, no human studies have to date been detectable. New approaches such as multifunctional multilayering and coupling with bone promoting factors or antimicrobial agents, makes this technology very attractive. However, greater efforts should be made by researchers and companies to turn these results into clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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19 pages, 4345 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Nanotechnology in Oral Cavity Carcinoma: Recent Trends and Treatment Opportunities

by Francesca De Felice, Costanza Cavallini, Alberta Barlattani, Mario Tombolini, Orlando Brugnoletti, Vincenzo Tombolini and Antonella Polimeni

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(11), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9111546 - 31 Oct 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3536

Abstract

Oral cavity carcinoma (OCC) remains an ongoing public health problem. Emerging nanotechnology provides alternative treatment approaches. This review covers the up-to-date literature in the human OCC treatment field. We explored the growing body of evidence to reveal novel and highly promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nanotechnology in this field. Various types of nanoparticles have been tested for applications in OCC. Imaging modalities in addition to nanocarriers are discussed. The encouraging contribution of lymphotropic nanoparticles contrast in the diagnosis of metastatic cervical lymph nodes needs to be confirmed. The development of the sentinel lymph node procedure and photodynamic therapy may lead to breakthrough therapies in order improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. In this perspective, cancer nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of OCC patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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14 pages, 954 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanostructured Zirconia-Based Ceramics and Composites in Dentistry: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Antonio Arena, Francesca Prete, Elisa Rambaldi, Maria Chiara Bignozzi, Carlo Monaco, Adolfo Di Fiore and Jérôme Chevalier

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(10), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9101393 - 29 Sep 2019

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 5087

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the development of nanostructured zirconia-based ceramics and composites suitable for application in dentistry. Isi Web of Science, Science Direct, Scientific.net databases, and Google were searched electronically for the period of 1980 to the present, matching the keywords “nano” with the keywords: “Zirconia, ZrO₂, Y-TZP, and dental, dentistry”. A total of 74 papers were found, with the majority coming from Asia, indicating a more active scientific interest on the topic in this geographic area, followed by Europe, South America, and North America. The research shows, even though the scientific activity on nanostructured ceramics was intense in the last fifteen years, the development of fully dense zirconia-based nanoceramics is yet at an initial stage, most of all from the point of view of the clinical applications. It has been demonstrated that nanostructured ceramics can show improved properties because of the reduction of the grain size to the nanoscale. This is also true for zirconia-based nanoceramics, where some improvements in mechanical, optical, as well as resistance in low-temperature degradation have been observed. Potential applications of this class of material in the dental field are discussed, summarizing the results of the latest scientific research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Dentistry)

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