Abstract Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2-nts) were incorporated into a glass ionomer cement (GIC) with improved mechanical properties and antibacterial activity. The aims of the present in vitro study were to define the elemental characterization, aluminum (Al) release rate, and initial working time for GIC reinforced with TiO2-nts, in an experimental caries model. TiO2-nts were incorporated into GIC powder components at 5% by weight, and compared with unblended GIC. Experimental approaches used energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), and brightness loss to define surface element properties, Al release rates, and initial working time, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by 2-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test, generalized linear models, and Student’s t test (a = 0.05). EDS data analysis revealed that TiO2-nts incorporated into GIC had no significant impact on the typical elemental composition of GICs in an in vitro caries model. Regarding the demineralizing solution, GIC with TiO2-nt significantly decreased the Al release rate, compared with the control group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, TiO2-nt incorporated into GIC did not alter the initial working time of the material (p > 0.05). These findings add information to our scientific body of knowledge concerning the potential impact of TiO2-nt on the performance of conventional GICs.

Abstract This in vitro study evaluated the impact of TiO2 nanotubes (n-TiO2) incorporated into glass ionomer cement (GIC) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) characteristics at cellular and molecular levels. n-TiO2, synthesized by the alkaline method (20 nm in size), was added to Ketac Molar EasyMix® at 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7% by weight. S. mutans strains were cultured on GIC disks with addition or not of n-TiO2 for 1, 3, and 7 days and the following parameters were assessed: inhibition halo (mm) (n=3/group); cell viability (live/dead) (n=5/group); cell morphology (SEM) (n=3/group); and gene expression by real-time PCR (vicR, covR, gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD) (n=6/group). The data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test, repeated-measures ANOVA or two-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s and Dunn’s post-hoc tests (α=0.05). The agar diffusion test showed a higher antibacterial property for 5% n-TiO2 compared with 3% and 7% (p<0.05) with no effect of time (1, 3, and 7 days). The cell number was significantly affected by all n-TiO2 groups, while viability was mostly affected by 3% and 5% n-TiO2, which also affected cell morphology and organization. Real-time PCR demonstrated that n-TiO2 reduced the expression of covR when compared with GIC with no n-TiO2 (p<0.05), with no effect of time, except for 3% n-TiO2 on vicR expression. Within-group and between-group analyses revealed n-TiO2 did not affect mRNA levels of gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD (p>0.05). Incorporation of n-TiO2 at 3% and 5% potentially affected S. mutans viability and the expression of key genes for bacterial survival and growth, improving the anticariogenic properties of GIC.

Abstract Titanium dioxide nanotubes are nanostructures that can accelerate the oxidation reaction of bleaching procedures and promote a more effective whitening effect. Objective This study evaluated physicochemical properties of bleaching agents incorporated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes, and the effects on tooth color change at different periods. Methodology 40 premolars were treated according to the following groups (n=10): CP - 10% carbamide peroxide (1 hour daily/21 days); CPN - CP incorporated into TiO2; HP - 40% hydrogen peroxide (three 40-minute sessions/7 days apart); HPN - HP incorporated into TiO2. Color shade was evaluated at five different periods (baseline, after 7, 14 and 21 days of bleaching, and 7 days after end of treatment) according to Vita Classical, CIELab and CIEDE2000 scales. Mean particle size (P), polydispersity (PO) and zeta potential (ZP) were evaluated using dynamic light scattering. Data on the different variables were analyzed by mixed model tests for measures repeated in time (ZP e L*), generalized linear models for measures repeated in time (P, PO, Vita Classical and b*), and Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests (a* and color change/ΔE and ΔE00). Results CP and CPN presented higher P, higher PO and lower ZP than HP and HPN (p≤0.05). All groups showed a significant decrease in Vita Classical color scores after 7 days of bleaching (p<0.05), and HPN presented a greater significant reduction than the other groups. L* increased in TiO2 presence, in all groups, without any differences (p>0.05) in bleaching time. A significant reduction occurred in the a* and b* values for all the groups, and HPN presented lower a* and b* values (p<0.05) than CPN. ΔE was clinically noticeable after 7 days, in all groups, and all groups resulted in a perceptible color change according to ΔE00. Conclusion TiO2 did not influence physicochemical properties of the bleaching agents. HPN presented more effective tooth bleaching than CPN.