Jen Chang Yang

In vivo evaluation of resorbable bone graft substitutes in beagles: Histological properties

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is a promising material for use in minimally invasive surgery for bone defect repairs due to its bone-like apatitic final setting product, biocompatibility, bioactivity, self-setting characteristics, low setting temperature, adequate stiffness, and easy shaping into complicated geometrics. However, even though CPC is stable in vivo, the resorption rate of this bone cement is very slow and its long setting time poses difficulties for clinical use. Calcium sulfate dehydrate (CSD) has been used as a filler material and/or as a replacement for cancellous bone grafts due to its biocompatibility. However, it is resorbed too quickly to be optimal for bone regeneration. This study examines the invivo response of a hydroxyapatite (HA), [apatitic phase (AP)]/calcium sulfate (CSD) composite using different ratios in the mandibular premolar sockets of beagles. The HA (AP)/CSD composite materials were prepared in the ratios of 30/70, 50/50, and 70/30 and then implanted into the mandibular premolar sockets for terms of 5 and 10 weeks. The control socket was left empty. The study shows better new bone morphology and more new bone area in the histological and the histomorphometric study of the HA (AP)/CSD in the 50/50 ratio.

Optimization and Evaluation of a Chitosan/Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Hydrogel Containing Toluidine Blue O for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) combined with chitosan has been shown as a promising antimicrobial approach. The purpose of this study was to develop a chitosan hydrogel containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), chitosan and toluidine blue O (TBO) to improve the bactericidal efficacy for topical application in clinics. The PDI efficacy of hydrogel was examined in vitro against the biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was performed to investigate the penetration level of TBO into viable S. aureus biofilms. Incorporation of HMPC could increase the physicochemical properties of chitosan hydrogel including the hardness, viscosity as well as bioadhesion; however, higher HMPC concentration also resulted in reduced antimicrobial effect. CSLM analysis further demonstrated that higher HPMC concentration constrained TBO diffusion into the biofilm. The incubation of biofilm and hydrogel was further performed at an angle of 90 degrees. After light irradiation, compared to the mixture of TBO and chitosan, the hydrogel treated sample showed increased PDI efficacy indicated that incorporation of HPMC did improve antimicrobial effect. Finally, the bactericidal efficacy could be significantly augmented by prolonged retention of hydrogel in the biofilm as well as in the animal model of rat skin burn wounds after light irradiation.

Radiopacity and cytotoxicity of Portland cement containing zirconia doped bismuth oxide radiopacifiers.

INTRODUCTION This study evaluates the radiopacity and cytotoxicity of Portland cements containing a radiopacifier of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) dopant. METHODS Various radiopacifier powders of Bi2O3 with 0%, 15%, 30%, and 100% YSZ dopant were prepared by solid-state reaction at 700°C for 12 hours and characterized by x-ray diffraction. Portland cement/radiopacifier/calcium sulfate (75/20/5) were mixed and set by deionized water. Changes in radiopacity and in vitro cell viability of the hydrated cements were assessed. An average of 6 measured equivalent thickness of aluminum (N = 6) capable of producing similar radiographic density was recorded. The cytotoxicity of each material was determined in MC3T3 E1 cell-based methyl-thiazol-tetrazolium assay. RESULTS The x-ray diffraction patterns of YSZ doped Bi2O3 are different from those of pure Bi2O3 and YSZ. The cement-containing radiopacifier of Bi2O3/YSZ (85/15) presented significantly greater radiopacity (P < .05) compared with pure Bi2O3. The mouse osteoblastic cell (MC3T3-E1) viabilities of these 2 groups were statistically similar (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The radiopacifier of Bi2O3/YSZ (85/15) reveals higher radiopacity but similar cell viability when compared with pure Bi2O3. It shows potential use as an alternative radiopacifier in root-end filling materials.

Liposome-Encapsulated Photosensitizers Against Bacteria

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), utilizing photosensitizers and light, has received considerable interests for its potential to treat microbial infections. The advantages of antimicrobial PDT include a broad spectrum of action, efficient killing against wild-type as well as drug-resistant pathogens. Therefore, antimicrobial PDT could be valuable to rapidly reduce the microbial burden during the management of local infections, especially for the antibiotic resistance. A variety of photosensitizers have been examined its efficacy against pathogens. To increase the efficacy of photosensitizers, various drug delivery systems have been developed. Among these carrier systems, liposomes showed their PDT efficacy and safety in delivering photosensitizers. This review is focused on the application of liposomes mediated photodynamic inactivation of bacteria along with the discussion of few of recent patents.