Oscar Olea-Mejia

Morphological and Structural Changes on Human Dental Enamel After Er:YAG Laser Irradiation: AFM, SEM, and EDS Evaluation

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the morphological and structural changes of the enamel after irradiation with the Er:YAG laser. BACKGROUND DATA A previous study showed that subablative Er:YAG laser irradiation produced undesirable morphological changes on the enamel surface, such as craters and cracks; however, the enamel acid resistance was not increased. METHODS Fifty-two samples of human enamel were divided into four groups (n = 13): Group I was the control (no laser irradiation), whereas Groups II, III, and IV were irradiated with the Er:YAG 100 mJ (12.7 J/cm(2)), 100 mJ (7.5 J/cm(2)), and 150 mJ (11 J/cm(2)), respectively, at 10 Hz with water spray. The morphological changes were observed by AFM and SEM. The weight percentages (wt%) of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), oxygen (O) and chlorine (Cl) were determined in the resultant craters and their periphery using EDS. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed (p ≤ 0.05) to distinguish significant differences among the groups. RESULTS The AFM images showed cracks with depths between 250 nm and 750 nm for Groups II and IV, respectively, and the widths of these cracks were 5.37 μm and 2.58 μm. The interior of the cracks showed a rough surface. The SEM micrographs revealed morphological changes. Significant differences were detected in Ca, P, and Cl in the crater and its periphery. CONCLUSIONS AFM observations showed triangular-shaped cracks, whereas craters and cracks were evident by SEM in all irradiated samples. It was not possible to establish a characteristic chemical pattern in the craters.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of Heterotheca inuloides as reducing agent and natural fibers as templates: Agave lechuguilla and silk.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized using a one-pot green methodology with aqueous extract of Heterotheca inuloides as a reducing agent, and the support of natural fibers: Agave lechuguilla and silk. UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS and transmission electron microscopy TEM were used to characterize the resulting bionanocomposite fibers. The average size of the Ag NPs was 16nm and they exhibited low polydispersity. XPS studies revealed the presence of only metallic Ag in the nanoparticles embedded in Agave. lechuguilla fibers. Significant antibacterial activities against gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus were determined. AgO as well as metallic Ag phases were detected when silk threads were used as a substrates hinting at the active role of substrate during the nucleation and growth of Ag NPs. These bionanocomposites have excellent mechanical properties in tension which in addition to the antibacterial properties indicate the potential use of these modified natural fibers in surgical and biomedical applications.

Evaluation of self-etching adhesive and Er:YAG laser conditioning on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength, the adhesive remnant index scores, and etch surface of teeth prepared for orthodontic bracket bonding with self-etching primer and Er:YAG laser conditioning. One hundred and twenty bovine incisors were randomly divided into four groups. In Group I (Control), the teeth were conditioned with 35% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds. In Group II the teeth were conditioned with Transbond Plus SEP (5 sec); III and IV were irradiated with the Er:YAG 150 mJ (11.0 J/cm2), 150 mJ (19.1 J/cm2), respectively, at 7–12 Hz with water spray. After surface preparation, upper central incisor stainless steel brackets were bonded with Transbond Plus Color Change Adhesive. The teeth were stored in water at 37°C for 24 hours and shear bond strengths were measured, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) was determined. The conditioned surface was observed under a scanning electron microscope. One-way ANOVA and chi-square test were used. Group I showed the significantly highest values of bond strength with a mean value of 8.2 megapascals (MPa). The lesser amount of adhesive remnant was found in Group III. The results of this study suggest that Er:YAG laser irradiation could not be an option for enamel conditioning.

Chemical and morphological changes in human dentin after Er:YAGlaser irradiation: EDS and SEM analysis.

Sixty samples of human dentin were divided into six groups (n = 10) and were irradiated with Er:YAG laser at 100 mJ–19.9 J/cm2, 150 mJ–29.8 J/cm2, 100 mJ–35.3 J/cm2, 150 mJ–53.0 J/cm2, 200 mJ–70.7 J/cm2, and 250 mJ–88.5 J/cm2, respectively, at 7 Hz under a water spray. The atomic percentages of carbon, oxygen, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus and the Ca‐to‐P molar ratio on the dentin were determined by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy. A paired t‐test was used in statistical analysis before and after irradiation, and a one‐way ANOVA was performed (P ≤ 0.05). The atomic percent of C tended to decrease in all of the groups after irradiation with statistically significant differences, O and Mg increased with significant differences in all of the groups, and the Ca‐to‐P molar ratio increased in groups IV, V, and VI, with statistically significant differences between groups II and VI. All the irradiated samples showed morphological changes. Major changes in the chemical composition of dentin were observed in trace elements. A significant increase in the Ca‐to‐P ratio was observed in the higher energy density groups. Morphological changes included loss of smear layer with exposed dentinal tubules. The changes produced by the different energy densities employed could have clinical implications, additional studies are required to clarify them. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1019–1025, 2015.

Chemical Changes Associated with Increased Acid Resistance of Er:YAG Laser Irradiated Enamel

Background. An increase in the acid resistance of dental enamel, as well as morphological and structural changes produced by Er:YAG laser irradiation, has been reported. Purpose. To evaluate the chemical changes associated with acid resistance of enamel treated with Er:YAG laser. Methods. Forty-eight enamel samples were divided into 4 groups (n = 12). Group I (control); Groups II, III, and IV were irradiated with Er:YAG at 100 mJ (12.7 J/cm2), 200 mJ (25.5 J/cm2), and 300 mJ (38.2 J/cm2), respectively. Results. There were significant differences in composition of irradiated groups (with the exception of chlorine) and in the amount of calcium released. Conclusions. Chemical changes associated with an increase in acid resistance of enamel treated with Er:YAG laser showed a clear postirradiation pattern characterized by a decrease in C at.% and an increase in O, P, and Ca at.% and no changes in Cl at.%. An increased Ca/P ratio after Er:YAG laser irradiation was associated with the use of higher laser energy densities. Chemical changes produced by acid dissolution showed a similar trend among experimental groups. Stable or increased Ca/P ratio after acid dissolution was observed in the irradiated groups, with reduction of Ca released into the acid solution.

Facile Solventless Synthesis of a Nylon-6,6/Silver Nanoparticles Composite and Its XPS Study

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized and supported on thin nylon membranes by means of a simple method of impregnation and chemical reduction of Ag ions at ambient conditions. Particles of less than 10 nm were obtained using this methodology, in which the nylon fibers behave as constrained nanoreactors. Pores on nylon fibres along with oxygen and nitrogen from amide moieties in nylon provide effective sites for in situ reduction of silver ions and for the formation and stabilization of Ag nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that silver nanoparticles are well dispersed throughout the nylon fibers. Furthermore, an interaction between nitrogen of amides moieties of nylon-6,6 and silver nanoparticles has been found by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Polypropylene + Polystyrene Blends with a Compatibilizer. Part I. Morphology and Thermophysical Properties

Abstract Various concentrations of polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) blends were prepared with styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) added as a compatibilizer between the two main polymers. We have investigated the effect of SEBS on processing, morphology and thermophysical properties of the blends. The compatibilizing agent improves the blend morphology since smaller particles of the dispersed PS phase in the PP matrix blends are obtained; adding more than 5 % SEBS has no further effect on the blends. The presence of SEBS lowers the crystallinity of the PP-rich phase - as reflected in the enthalpy of fusion and also in the enthalpy of crystallization.

Silver Nanoparticles Obtained by Laser Ablation Using Different Stabilizers

We have synthesized silver nanoparticles by laser ablation in water using three stabilizers: hexadecyltrimethylammonium (CTAB) surfactant, polyamidoamine dendrimer second generation (PAMAM 2G) and polyamidoamine dendrimer fourth generation (PAMAM 4G) at different concentrations. We obtained spherical nanoparticles with narrow size distributions and average sizes ranging from 6 to 20 nm depending on the type of stabilizer and its concentration. For all cases the highest stabilizer concentration yielded the lowest average particle size; 15.5, 9.5, and 5.6 nm for CTAB, PAMAM 2G and PAMAM 4G respectively. We have also studied the stability of the nanoparticle colloids over a period of 30 days. Only the colloids of CTAB 10-3 M, all the concentrations of PAMAM 4G and pure water were stable after this time. This is explained in terms of steric hindrance of the stabilizer molecules and particle charge from Zeta potential measurements. All the results from transmission electron microscopy correlate well with those observed from the ultraviolet and visible spectra of each sample in terms of absorbance, peak width and peak maximum.

Structural Changes on Human Dental Enamel Treated with Er:YAG, CO2 Lasers and Remineralizing Solution: EDS Analysis

Rosalia Contreras-Bulnes1, Oscar Fernando Olea-Mejia2, Laura Emma Rodriguez-Vilchis1, Rogelio Jose Scougall-Vilchis1 and Claudia Centeno-Pedraza1 1Centro de Investigacion y Estudios Avanzados en Odontologia, Facultad de Odontologia de la Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico 2Centro Conjunto de Investigacion en Quimica Sustentable UAEM-UNAM, Facultad de Quimica de la Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico Mexico

Surface and electrical properties of high density polyethylene + carbon black composites near the percolation threshold

Abstract We have studied friction, scratch resistance and electrical resistivity in high density polyethylene (HDPE) + carbon black (CB) composites in relation to electric resistivity percolation threshold. Below the threshold, CB addition lowers dynamic friction by providing a smaller surface area of contact of the composites with the pin surface; the effect is stronger at higher loads. Above the percolation concentration, an increase in friction is seen due to formation of CB agglomerates and thus an increase in the area of contact. The recovery depth in scratch testing behaves similarly as dynamic friction and for the same reasons, particularly so at high loads, with a minimum at the percolation threshold. Thus, at the threshold we have simultaneously superior scratch resistance, low dynamic friction and low electric resistivity.