Surface Analyses, Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Biomaterials (2nd Edition)

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 September 2025 | Viewed by 2962

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Interests: nanosurface; surface analyses; biocompatibilty; composites; ceramics; metal and alloys; implants
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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

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Keywords

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

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3998 KB  
Article
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 838
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 [...] Read more.
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
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12 pages, 984 KB  
Article
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
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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 [...] Read more.
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
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16 pages, 2188 KB  
Article
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 611
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 [...] Read more.
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
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