Journal of Functional Biomaterials

Due to the limitations of SRP, new methods are being sought to support non-surgical periodontal therapy. One of them is the use of antiseptics such as low-concentration sodium hypochlorite gel buffered with amino acids (NaOCl/AA). The aim of the study was to evaluate periodontal parameters and the concentration of metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after SRP with or without NaOCL/AA gel. The study included 40 periodontal patients randomized to study and control groups. Before SRP, the study group had a gel introduced into pockets with PD ≥ 5 mm. After treatment in both groups, the pocket depth (PD) decreased, there was a CAL gain, and unnoticeable changes in the gingival recession (GR). In the study group, deep pockets accounted for 25% of the sites examined prior to therapy, whereas after therapy, they decreased to 12%. In the control group, the proportion of deep periodontal pockets (PD ≥ 5 mm) fell from 17.46% to 9.05%. No differences were noted between groups. In the study group, there was a significant reduction in the amount of MMP-8 in GCF from 8.32 ng/mL to 5.14 ng/mL after 3 months. No statistically significant difference was observed in the control group. The concentration of IL-8 decreased significantly over time in both groups without differences between them. A single application of the NaOCl/AA gel in deep periodontal pockets does not affect clinical results and IL-8 levels. However, it had a significant effect on the amount of MMP-8.

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are widely used in soft-tissue reconstruction, yet the optimal timing for split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) remains unsettled. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study (January 2023–August 2025) of adults undergoing ADM-based reconstruction with Integra^® Double Layer (IDL), Integra^® Single Layer (ISL), or Nevelia^®. Primary endpoints included length of stay (LOS), STSG requirement and timing, and in-hospital complications; secondary endpoints included spontaneous epithelialization. Prespecified adjusted analyses (linear/logistic models) controlled for age, sex, etiology, anatomical site, diabetes/PAOD, smoking, wound size (when available), wound contamination, and matrix type. Histology and immunohistochemistry (H&E, Masson trichrome, CD105, D2-40) assessed matrix integration and vascular/lymphatic maturation. Seventy-five patients were included (IDL n = 40; ISL n = 20; Nevelia n = 15). On multivariable analysis, matrix type was not an independent predictor of LOS (ISL vs. IDL β = +2.84 days, 95% CI −17.34 to +23.02; Nevelia vs. IDL β = −4.49 days, 95% CI −16.24 to +7.26). Complications were infrequent (6/75, 8.0%) and comparable across matrices; spontaneous epithelialization occurred in 3/75 patients (4.0%). A day-14 grafting strategy, applied only after documented clinical integration, was feasible in 30/75 (40.0%) patients without excess complications. Histology/IHC at 3–4 weeks demonstrated CD105-positive, perfused capillary networks with abundant collagen; at 4–6 weeks, D2-40-positive lymphatic structures confirmed progressive neo-dermis maturation, supporting the biological plausibility of earlier grafting once integration criteria are met. In this cohort, outcomes were broadly similar across matrices after adjustment. A criteria-based early STSG approach (~day 14) appears safe and operationally advantageous when integration is confirmed, while a minority of defects may heal without grafting. Prospective multicenter studies with standardized scar/functional measures and cost analyses are needed to refine patient selection and graft timing strategies.

The growing use of 3D-printed dental restorations has created a need to understand how the mechanical behaviour of definitive 3D-printed resin composites compares with milled counterparts. This study compared the mechanical properties of 3D-printed and milled definitive crowns and examined the factors affecting these properties. The 3D-printed materials (Permanent Crown Resin: PCR, VarseoSmile Crown Plus: VCP, and Crowntec: CT) and milled blocks (Brilliant Crios: BC, Shofu Block HC: HC, and Grandio Blocs: Gr) were tested. Filler content was evaluated using the ash method (n = 3), and flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (E_f) were assessed using a three-point bending test (n = 10). Martens hardness (HM), indentation modulus, and Vickers hardness were determined using the Martens indentation test (n = 24). Vickers hardness was also measured with the Vickers indenter tester (n = 24). Statistical analysis investigated differences between materials and methods, and correlations between filler weight and mechanical properties (α = 0.05). FS of milled blocks, Gr (244.5 MPa), BC (225.5 MPa), and HC (155 MPa), were higher than that of the 3D-printed resin composites: PCR (143.6 MPa), CT (140.9 MPa), and VCP (128 MPa). Measured mechanical properties of the milled blocks were significantly higher than those of the 3D-printed materials (p < 0.001). HM of the 3D-printed materials was similar (≈217 N/mm²), while HM of the milled blocks ranged from 434.7 to 858.4 N/mm². The 3D-printed materials showed comparable properties; however, milled blocks differed significantly (p < 0.05). Filler content was strongly associated with FS and HM. Within the limitations of this study, the milled resin composites showed markedly higher strength and hardness, while 3D-printed materials may be suitable for low-to-moderate load clinical scenarios. Further studies to evaluate the long-term performance of the 3D-printed resin composites are recommended.