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Bioactivity of chitosan in dentistry. Preliminary data on chitosan-based cements
M Mattioli Belmonte1, A De Benedittis, R Mongiorgi
1CIBAD, Centre for Innovative Biomaterials, Ancona University.
Background:
The chemical association of chitosan with inorganic salts, such as calcium phosphate, finds a promising application in dentistry as room-temperature self-hardening cement. We present the physical, chemical and crystallographic characterization of newly-developed cements made of 1) calcium-phosphate and a chitosan gel obtained by acetic acid treatment, and 2) calcium phosphate and a chitosan gel obtained by ascorbic acid treatment. Both cements are self-hardening at room temperature.
Methods:
The cements were characterized by X-ray diffractography, scanning electron microscopy and fluorine-selective electrode analysis.
Results:
The chitosan-hydroxyapatite cements had hardness comparable to spongy bone and above that of PMMA.
Conclusions:
The cements are promising for application in endodontics and restorative dentistry.