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Fabrication, Densification, and Replica Molding of 3D Carbon Nanotube Microstructures
Published on: July 2, 2012
Modification of the dentin surface by using carbon nanotubes.
Tsukasa Akasaka1, Keiko Nakata, Motohiro Uo
1Department of Biomedical, Dental Materials and Engineering, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan. akasaka@den.hokudai.ac.jp
Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering
|July 8, 2009
Summary
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) show promise as dental materials. Coating teeth with CNTs did not affect adhesive bond strength, suggesting a potential new dental application.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess unique properties making them suitable for biomedical applications.
- CNTs influence hydroxyapatite nucleation, sparking interest in their use within dentistry.
- Limited research currently exists on CNTs as dental materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CNT coating on tooth slice surfaces.
- To evaluate the impact of CNT coating on the tensile bond strength of dentin adhesives.
- To explore the potential of CNTs as a novel dental material.
Main Methods:
- Tooth slices were coated with CNTs by suspension in a CNT-dispersed solution.
- CNT-coated tooth slices were examined macroscopically and using scanning electron microscopy.
- Tensile bond strength tests were performed on dentin adhesives applied to CNT-coated surfaces.
Main Results:
- CNTs adhered effectively to tooth surfaces, specifically to dentin and cementum, likely via exposed collagen fibers.
- Macroscopic and microscopic observations confirmed CNT adhesion.
- The CNT coating did not negatively impact the tensile bond strength of dentin adhesives.
Conclusions:
- CNTs demonstrate selective adhesion to dentin and cementum on tooth surfaces.
- CNT coating is a viable method for applying CNTs to dental structures.
- The findings support the potential application of CNTs as a novel dental material without compromising adhesive bond strength.
