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A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Dental Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 5060

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Dr. Rodrigo França

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Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Interests: nanosurface; surface analyses; biocompatibilty; composites; ceramics; metal and alloys; implants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well recognized that dental biomaterials are in a state of continuous evolution. Fundamental processes, such as biocompatibility, corrosion, and adhesion, depend on the biomaterial’s surface properties (chemistry, surface energy, morphology, hardness, roughness, etc.). There are several conventional techniques that can be used to assess these properties, and new tools have been developed so as to probe the surface at the nano-level. Thus, knowledge and control of the surface properties are essential for the long-term success of restorative procedures.

This Special Issue seeks papers related to recent developments in the field of the surface analysis of dental biomaterials. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, ceramics, dental alloys, bioceramics, polymers, composites, 3D printing dental materials, and bio-inks.

Dr. Rodrigo França
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

dental ceramics
dental alloys
bioceramics
polymers
composites
3D printing dental materials
bio-inks

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Surface Analyses of Dental Biomaterials, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties in Journal of Functional Biomaterials (4 articles)

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 3399 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Sintering Parameters on the Mechanical Behaviour of Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramics: An In-Vitro Study

by Mai Soliman, Raghad Alotaibi, Abrar Almutairi, Asma Alzahrani, Reem Abunyan, Aseel Rozi, Dalia Alamri, Shahad Almakenzi, Elzahraa Eldwakhly and Alhanoof Aldegheishem

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(11), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16110408 - 2 Nov 2025

Viewed by 264

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of different sintering parameters on the surface roughness and fracture resistance of different CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramics before and after thermocycling and simulated toothbrushing. Sixty lithium disilicate ceramic samples were categorized according to ceramic type (AMB: Amber Mill, ECAD: IPS e.max CAD) and level of translucency (LT: low and HT: high) into four groups: AMB_LT, AMB_HT, ECAD_LT and ECAD_HT. Specimens were prepared to 2 mm thickness, crystallized, polished, and subjected to thermocycling to simulate five years of clinical aging. Simulated toothbrushing was performed using a soft-bristled mechanical brushing system under controlled force and strokes. Surface roughness was assessed using a profilometer before and after brushing, and fracture resistance was measured using a universal testing machine. Data were statistically evaluated using paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction (p ≤ 0.05). LT lithium disilicate specimens exhibited significantly smoother surfaces than high-translucency counterparts. After thermocycling and brushing simulation, all groups showed a statistically significant increase in surface roughness, ranging between 0.239 ± 0.012 μm (AMB_LT) and 0.486 ± 0.014 μm (ECAD_HT). In terms of fracture resistance, the highest values were recorded for ECAD_HT (636 ± 8.29 N), and the lowest in the AMB_HT group (546.3 ± 21.9 N) with significant differences observed between materials and translucency levels. Sintering parameters and artificial aging significantly influenced the surface roughness and fracture resistance of lithium disilicate ceramics. Low-translucency variants demonstrated smoother surfaces and higher strength than high-translucency groups, while all materials exhibited increased roughness after aging. These findings provide guidance for the selection of lithium disilicate ceramics, balancing esthetic and mechanical requirements in anterior and posterior restorations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analyses, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Biomaterials (2nd Edition))

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27 pages, 11472 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electrophoretic Coatings for Orthodontic Implants: Evaluation of Surface Properties, Adhesion, and Antibacterial Activity in Simulated Implantation Trials

by Maria Biegun-Żurowska, Karolina Klesiewicz, Katarzyna Matysiak, Marcin Gajek, Alicja Rapacz-Kmita and Magdalena Ziąbka

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(9), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16090343 - 12 Sep 2025

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Abstract

In this study, the properties of electrophoretically deposited (EPD) coatings on orthodontic implants made from Ti-6Al-4V alloy were evaluated during simulated implantation trials on animal bones. Three types of chitosan-based coatings were prepared using EPD: titanium nitride microparticles (TiNPs), titanium nitride nanoparticles (TiNNPs), and boron nitride particles (BNPs). Each of these coatings was also modified by adding a polylactic acid (PLA) layer using a dip-coating technique to compare their properties with and without this additional layer. The coatings were analysed using optical microscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with elemental analysis. Surface roughness measurements of the coated implants were also conducted to highlight differences that could significantly influence the type and strength of the bone-implant interface, directly affecting the stability of the implant as an anchorage unit. Eventually, to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the EPD coatings, their antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains was tested. Scanning electron observations confirmed the homogenous distribution of micro- and nanoparticles in all coatings. The highest surface roughness values were observed in layers containing titanium nitride nanoparticles (TiNNPs) and chitosan. The presence of an additional dip-coating PLA layer improved the adhesion, and its effect on the surface roughness depended on the particle size. While the antibacterial properties of the coatings show promising results, achieving optimal adhesion of the coatings to implants remains a challenge that requires further development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analyses, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Biomaterials (2nd Edition))

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13 pages, 3998 KB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting Surface Energy and Osteoblast Viability on Zirconia Implant Abutments Through Glass–Ceramic Spray Deposition Technology

by Wen-Chieh Hsu, Tao-Yu Cha, Yu-Chin Yao, Chien-Ming Kang, Sheng-Han Wu, Yuichi Mine, Chien-Fu Tseng, I-Ta Lee, Dan-Jae Lin and Tzu-Yu Peng

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(8), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16080288 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1372

Abstract

Zirconia is used widely for high-precision custom abutments; however, stress concentration can compromise osseointegration. Although glass–ceramic spray deposition (GCSD) can enhance the surface properties of zirconia, its biological effects remain unclear. In this study, the biological responses of human osteoblast-like (MG-63) cells to GCSD-modified zirconia surfaces were evaluated to assess the potential application in zirconia abutments. Disk-shaped zirconia and titanium alloy samples were prepared; titanium served as the control (Ti). Zirconia was subjected to polishing (NT), airborne-particle abrasion (AB), or GCSD with (GE) or without (GC) hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching. Surface characteristics, including wettability, surface energy (SE), and surface potential (SP), were analyzed. Cytotoxicity and MG-63 cell adhesion were assessed using the PrestoBlue assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), viability staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 0.05. GCSD produced a dense glass–ceramic coating on the zirconia surface, which significantly enhanced hydrophilicity as indicated by reduced water contact angles and increased SE in the GC and GE groups (p < 0.05). HF etching increased SP (p < 0.05). No cytotoxicity was observed in any group. SEM, viability staining, and CLSM revealed enhanced MG-63 cell attachment on Ti and GE surfaces and the highest viability ratio in the GE group. The NT group exhibited the lowest cell attachment and viability at all time points. GCSD effectively improved zirconia abutment surface properties by enhancing hydrophilicity and promoting MG-63 cell adhesion, with biocompatibility comparable to or better than that of titanium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analyses, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Biomaterials (2nd Edition))

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12 pages, 984 KB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Analysis of Lithium Disilicate Ceramics After Use of Charcoal-Containing Toothpastes

by Franciele Floriani, Bayaan Jabr, Silvia Rojas-Rueda, Rene Garcia-Contreras, Carlos A. Jurado and Abdulrahman Alshabib

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(5), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16050183 - 15 May 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1316

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the effect of charcoal-containing toothpaste on the surface roughness of CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramic (e.max CAD) after simulated toothbrushing. Methods: Forty-eight e.max CAD ceramic specimens were divided into four groups (n = 12) and subjected to 18,000 brushing cycles using a toothbrushing simulator. The groups included Crest 3D White Charcoal, Colgate Optic White with Charcoal, Arm & Hammer Charcoal White, and a control group (conventional toothpaste). Surface roughness was measured with a profilometer before and after brushing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for topographical analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc comparisons. Results: Significant differences in surface roughness were found among the groups (p < 0.001). The mean roughness values were 540.70 ± 21.68 µm (Control), 294.88 ± 11.49 µm (Crest 3D White Charcoal), 1157.00 ± 52.85 µm (Colgate Optic White with Charcoal), and 593.37 ± 37.69 µm (Arm & Hammer Charcoal White). Post hoc analysis showed that Colgate Optic White with Charcoal had the highest roughness, which was significantly different from all other groups (p < 0.001). SEM analysis revealed severe surface degradation with Colgate Optic White with Charcoal, while Crest 3D White Charcoal caused minimal changes. Conclusions: Charcoal-containing toothpastes vary in abrasiveness, with Colgate Optic White with Charcoal causing the most significant surface roughness and damage to lithium disilicate ceramics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analyses, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Biomaterials (2nd Edition))

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16 pages, 2188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma Enhances Biological Effects of Fluoride on Oral Biofilms

by Anushri Warang, Isha Deol, Sarah Fakher, Linfeng Wu, Liang Hong, Shaoping Zhang, Qingsong Yu and Hongmin Sun

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(4), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16040132 - 5 Apr 2025

Viewed by 850

Abstract

The objective of this study was an assessment of the anti-biofilm properties of fluoride non-thermal atmospheric plasma (FNTAP) generated using argon and hydrocarbon fluoride gas 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (TFE). These properties were evaluated by measuring the destruction and recovery of in vitro dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis exposed to FNTAP at 5 or 10 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm) or argon non-thermal atmospheric plasma (ArNTAP) for 1 or 2 min, using resazurin-based reagent viability assays, colony forming units (CFU), culture media pH and live/dead staining. Both ArNTAP and FNTAP resulted in significant immediate reductions in bacterial load as compared to the control. Although ArNTAP did not significantly reduce biofilm regrowth, FNTAP treatment showed a bacterial load reduction of more than 5 log units of biofilm regrowth. FNTAP treatments significantly reduced the acidification of the culture medium after recovery incubation, indicating reduced living bacteria, with a pH of 6.92 ± 0.02 and 6.90 ± 0.03, respectively, for the 5 sccm and 10 sccm FNTAP treatments, as compared to a pH of 5.83 ± 0.26 for the ArNTAP treatment, and a significantly acidic pH of 4.76 ± 0.04 for the no-treatment groups. Our results suggest that FNTAP has exceptional anti-biofilm effects, and future directions of our research include the assessment of potential applications of FNTAP in clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analyses, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Biomaterials (2nd Edition))

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