Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Correlative Microscopy for 3D Structural Analysis of Dynamic Interactions
Published on: June 24, 2013
Silver improves collagen structure and stability at demineralized dentin: A dynamic-mechanical and Raman analysis
Raquel Osorio1, Estrella Osorio1, Fátima S Aguilera1
1University of Granada, Faculty of Dentistry, Dental Materials Section, Colegio Máximo de Cartuja s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of silver loaded nanoparticles (NPs) application on dentin remineralization.
Methods:
Polymethylmetacrylate-based NPs and silver loaded NPs (Ag-NPs) were applied on demineralized dentin surfaces. Dentin was characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscopy, mechanically probed by a nanoindenter to test nanohardness and Young modulus, and chemically analyzed by Raman spectroscopy after 24 h and 7 d of storage. Untreated surfaces were used as control. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons tests (P < 0.05).
Results:
After Raman analysis, dentin treated with Ag-NPs obtained the lowest mineralization and intensity of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite when compared with specimens treated with undoped-NPs. The lowest relative mineral concentration, expressed as the ratio phosphate or carbonate/phenyl group, and crystallinity was attained by dentin treated with Ag-NPs, after 7 d. Ag-NPs application generated the highest values of collagen crosslinking (intensity at 1032 cm-1 band). The molecular conformation of the collagen's polypeptide chains, amide-I and CH2 also attained the highest peaks in dentin treated with Ag-NPs. Staggered and demineralized collagen fibrils were observed covering the dentin surfaces treated with Ag-NPs, at both 24 h and 7 d. Samples treated with Ag-NPs attained the lowest values of nanohardness and Young's modulus at 7 d of storage.
Conclusions:
Peritubular and intertubular dentin were remineralized when using undoped-NPs. After 7 d, collagen treated with NPs was remineralized but dentin treated with Ag-NPs attained an improved collagen matrix structure and stability but the lowest mineralization and crystallinity.
Clinical Significance:
Preservation of the demineralized organic matrix is fundamental in operative dentistry. Silver contributed to improve crosslinking, nature and secondary structure of demineralized dentin collagen, for further long-term intrafibrillar mineralization.
Related Concept Videos
Stability of structures
Collagens are the Major Structural Proteins of ECM
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
RNA Stability
Nuclear Stability
To hold positively charged protons together...
Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
Stability
The stability of an LTI system is determined by the roots of its characteristic equation, known as poles. A system is stable if it produces a bounded...

