Biomimetic Analogs for Collagen Biomineralization

Inability of chemical phosphorylation of sodium trimetaphosphate to induce intrafibrillar mineralization of type I collagen may be due to the failure to incorporate a biomimetic analog to stabilize amorphous calcium phosphates (ACP) as nanoprecursors. This study investigated adsorption/desorption characteristics of hydrolyzed and pH-adjusted sodium trimetaphosphate (HPA-Na3P3O9) to collagen. Based on those results, a 5-minute treatment time with 2.8 wt% HPA-Na3P3O9 was used in a single-layer reconstituted collagen model to confirm that both the ACP-stabilization analog and matrix phosphoprotein analog must be present for intrafibrillar mineralization. The results of that model were further validated by complete remineralization of phosphoric-acid-etched dentin treated with the matrix phosphoprotein analog and lined with a remineralizing lining composite, and with the ACP-stabilization analog supplied in simulated body fluid. An understanding of the basic processes involved in intrafibrillar mineralization of reconstituted collagen fibrils facilitates the design of novel tissue engineering materials for hard tissue repair and regeneration

Differences in the microstructure and fatigue properties of dentine between residents of North and South America.

UNLABELLED: Spatial variations in the microstructure of dentine contribute to its mechanical behaviour. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was to compare the microstructure and fatigue behaviour of dentine from donors of two different countries. METHODS: Caries-free third molars were obtained from dental practices in Colombia, South America and the US to assemble two age-matched samples. The microstructure of the coronal dentine was evaluated at three characteristic depths (i.e. deep, middle and superficial dentine) using scanning electron microscopy and image processing techniques. The mechanical behaviour of dentine in these three regions was evaluated by the fatigue crack growth resistance. Cyclic crack growth was achieved in-plane with the dentine tubules and the fatigue crack growth behaviour was characterized in terms of the stress intensity threshold and the Paris Law parameters. RESULTS: There was no difference in the tubule density between the dentine of patients from the two countries. However, there were significant differences (p</=0.05) in the tubule lumen diameters between the two groups in the deep and peripheral regions. In regards to the fatigue resistance, there was a significant increase (p</=0.05) in threshold stress intensity range, and a significant decrease in fatigue crack growth coefficient with increasing distance from the pulp in teeth from the US donors. In contrast, these properties were independent of location for the dentine of teeth from the Colombian donors. CONCLUSIONS: The microstructure of dentine and its mechanical behaviour appear to be a function of patient background, which may include environmental factors and/or ethnicity