Kyo Han Kim

Microf racture Mechanisms of Dental Resin Composites Containing Spherically-shaped Filler Particles

The effects of spherically-shaped filler particles on bending strength, bending elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of resin composites were studied. The filler content was changed by 0, 20, 40, 60, and 70 wt%. Bending properties and fracture toughnesses were determined on three-point bending specimens. Acoustic Emission (AE), i.e., the elastic wave released from a localized source in the material, was detected by sensors of a high-sensitivity and low-noise resonance type during the fracture toughness test. Detected acoustic emission signals were analyzed for parameters such as amplitude, events, and locations. The fractured surf ace was examined by a scanning electron microscope. The bending strength and the fracture toughness showed almost the same trend in their increasing rates by filler content, but the elastic modulus showed a much higher increasing rate. A microfracture mechanism of the dental resin composites containing spherically-shaped filler particles is proposed based on the results obtained from the AE-releasing pattern, two-dimensional AE location, and fracture surface findings. In addition to the toughening effects of crack pinning and crack branching, which are observed in the usual commercial resin composites, crack-deflecting effects are confirmed in this new type of dental resin composites.

Effects of Dissolved Calcium and Phosphorous on Osteoblast Responses

The dissolution behavior of hydroxyapatite (HA) and its effect on the initial cellular response is of both fundamental and clinical importance. In this study, plasma-sprayed HA coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphorous (Pi) ions released from plasma-sprayed HA coatings within 3 weeks were measured by flame atomic absorption and colorimetrically molybdenum blue complex, respectively. To investigate the effect of dissolution of HA coatings on osteoblast response, additional Ca and Pi were added into the cell culture media to simulate the dissolution concentrations. Human embryonic palatal mesenchyme cells, an osteoblast precursor cell line, were used to evaluate the biological responses to enhanced Ca and Pi media over 2 weeks. Osteoblast differentiation and mineralization were measured by alkaline phosphatase-specific assay and 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 stimulated osteocalcin production. The coatings exhibited an HA-type structure. FTIR indicated the possible presence of carbonates on the coatings. A dissolution study indicated a continual increase in Ca and Pi over time. In the cell culture study, enhanced osteoblast differentiation occurred in the presence of additional Ca concentration in the cell culture media. However, additional Pi concentration in the cell culture media was suggested to slow down osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.

Porous zirconia/hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone reconstruction

OBJECTIVE Highly porous apatite-based bioceramic scaffolds have been widely investigated as three-dimensional (3D) templates for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation promoting the bone regeneration. Their fragility, however, limits their clinical application especially for a large bone defect. METHODS To address the hypothesis that using a ZrO(2)/hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite might improve both the mechanical properties and cellular compatibility of the porous material, we fabricated ZrO(2)/HAp composite scaffolds with different ZrO(2)/HAp ratios, and evaluated their characteristics. In addition, porous ZrO(2)/HAp scaffolds containing bone marrow derived stromal cells (BMSCs) were implanted into critical-size bone defects for 6 weeks in order to evaluate the bone tissue reconstruction with this material. RESULTS The porosity of a ZrO(2)/HAp scaffold can be adjusted from 72% to 91%, and the compressive strength of the scaffold increased from 2.5 to 13.8MPa when the ZrO(2) content increased from 50 to 100wt%. The cell adhesion and proliferation in the ZrO(2)/HAp scaffold was greatly improved when compared to the scaffold made with ZrO(2) alone. Moreover, in vivo study showed that a BMSCs-loaded ZrO(2)/HAp scaffold provided a suitable 3D environment for BMSC survival and enhanced bone regeneration around the implanted material. SIGNIFICANCE We thus showed that a porous ZrO(2)/HAp composite scaffold has excellent mechanical properties, and cellular/tissue compatibility, and would be a promising substrate to achieve both bone reconstruction and regeneration needed in the treatment of large bone defects.

Influence of Post-deposition Heating Time and the Presence of Water Vapor on Sputter-coated Calcium Phosphate Crystallinity:

Extensive research suggested that calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings on titanium implants are essential for early bone response. However, the characterization of CaP crystallinity and the means to control coating crystallinity are not well-established. In this study, the effect of a 400°C heat treatment for 1, 2, or 4 hours, and in the presence or absence of water vapor, on CaP crystallinity was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy indicated dense as-sputtered coatings. Increase in coating crystallinity was observed to be consistent with the increasing number of PO4 peaks observed as a result of different heat treatments. In addition, x-ray diffraction analyses indicated amorphous as-sputtered coatings, whereas crystalline CaP coatings in the range of 0-85% were observed after different post-deposition heat treatments. It was concluded that the presence of water vapor and post-deposition heat treatment time significantly affect the crystallinity of CaP coatings, which may ultimately affect bone healing.

Preparation and characterization of anodized titanium surfaces and their effect on osteoblast responses.

In this study, titanium (Ti) surface was modified by anodizing with a mixture of beta-glycerophosphate sodium and calcium (Ca) acetate, and the anodized surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron probe microanalysis. In vitro osteoblast response to anodized oxide was also evaluated. The anodic oxide produced was observed to have interconnected pores (0.5-2 microm in diameter) and intermediate roughness (0.60-1.00 microm). In addition, anodic oxide was observed to have amorphous and anatase oxide. Calcium and phosphorus ions were deposited on the Ti oxide during anodization. Osteoblast differentiation, as indicated by alkaline phosphatase production, was enhanced on anodized surfaces. It was thus concluded from this study that Ca phosphate can be deposited on Ti surfaces by anodization. It was also concluded that the phenotypic expression of osteoblast was enhanced by the presence of Ca phosphate and higher roughness on anodized Ti surfaces.

Characterization and dissolution behavior of sputtered calcium phosphate coatings after different postdeposition heat treatment temperatures.

There is a lack of correlation between specific properties of hydroxyapatite coating surfaces, osseointegration processes, and implant success. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between well-characterized structural and chemical properties of radio-frequency sputtered calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings and their dissolution behavior. Sputtered CaP coatings were evaluated as-sputtered (non-heat treated) or after 1 hour of postsputter heat treatments at 400 degrees C or 600 degrees C. All coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. The dissolution behavior of CaP coatings in the presence and absence of proteins was also investigated. It was observed from this study that as-sputtered CaP coatings were amorphous. The 400 degrees C heat-treated CaP coatings exhibited low crystallinity (1.9% +/- 0.4%), whereas the 600 degrees C heat-treated CaP coatings were highly crystalline (67.0% +/- 2.4%). The increase of Ca/P ratio, PO4/HPO4 ratio, and the number of PO4 peaks were observed to be consistent with the increase in heating temperature and the degrees of coating crystallinity. Phosphorus ions released from CaP coatings decreased with the increase of crystallinity of CaP coatings. In addition, immersion of CaP coatings in media containing proteins resulted in an increase in P ions released as compared with coatings immersed in media without proteins. It was concluded that the degree of CaP coating crystallinity can be controlled by varying the postdeposition heat-treatment temperature. It was also concluded that, aside from coating crystallinity, dissolution and reprecipitation of the coatings can be controlled by knowing the presence of proteins in the media and PO4/HPO4 ratio within the coatings.

Different Morphology of Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Titanium by Electrophoretic Deposition

Commercial hydroxyapatite powders were electrophoretically deposited on titanium substrates. In this study, the effect of deposition durations and applied voltages on deposition yield was investigated. Green and sintered coatings were studied by SEM and XRD. It was observed that by applying low voltages and presedimentation, uniform and smooth hydroxyapatite coating can be prepared. In order to obtain roughened hydroxyapatite coatings, high voltages have to be applied. It was concluded that experimental conditions of powder concentration, applied potential, and presedimentation have a significant effect on the deposited coating morphology.

Combustion Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite and Hydroxyapatite (Silver) Powders

Hydroxyapatite powder is produced using combustion synthesis method. The powder was produced using a low-temperature processing method involving time as short as 15 minutes. As silver is known to have anti-bacterial properties, silver-doped hydroxyapatite was also produced by the same method. Both the powders were fully crystalline. XRD indicated the presence of an additional phase of CaO in both the samples. FT-IR indicated the presence of hydroxide, phosphate and carbonate groups. Silver addition tends to control the reactions of powder with a test Tris buffer environment and maintain a stable pH for a longer period of 500-hour duration.

Calcium phosphate coating produced by a sputter deposition process

The properties of implant surfaces play critical roles in inducing a biological response. In the case of dental and orthopedic implants, deposition of calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings on these implant surfaces are often employed as means of enhancing implant osseointegration with the bone. Although most implants are coated using a plasma spraying process, sputtering is currently being accepted by some implant vendors as one of the means for depositing thin CaP coatings on dental and orthopedic implants. Acceptance of the sputtering technology and recent research are indications that the sputtering process is promising and has potential for eliminating some of the problems associated with the plasma-spraying process. This chapter discusses some of the various modes of sputtering, properties of thin CaP coatings, and the biological responses to these coatings in vitro and in vivo. The limitations and strengths of the sputtering process are also addressed.

Development of Hydroxyapatite Thin Film on Titanium Substrate by Electrophoretic Deposition

Electrophoretic deposition was used for HA coating on dental implants with different coating thickness. The HA coating thickness was examined in terms of applied voltage and time, and powder concentration in suspension. Nano-size HA and SiO2-CaO-P2O5-B2O3 bioglass powders were synthesized by sol-gel method. Polyvinyl alcohol (3 wt%) as a binder was resolved in ethyl alcohol, then, nano HA powder was dispersed ultrasonically in the mixture for 15 min and pH was adjusted with HNO3 for positive charging on particle. Titanium substrate was held on cathode and counter electrode was platinum. HA with 0.5 % and 0.03 % of powder concentration was deposited electrophoretically at 10~20 V for 1~20 minutes. The thickness of as-deposited HA layer decreased from nearly 80 µm (0.5 %, 20 V, 10 min) to 4~5 µm (0.03%, 10V, 1 min) as powder concentration, applied voltage and time decreased, respectively. The surface of HA coating layer deposited in lower powder concentration showed much more homogeneous and relatively dense morphology, in contrast, the surface in thick suspension became rough or porous and was easily spalled. In a co-deposition of HA and bioglass, co-deposited glass played an important role in increasing bonding strength between coating layer and substrate. It is believed that electrophoretic deposition method can be one of alternatives for relatively thin and easy HA coating.