Novel Activated Microbubbles-based Strategy to Coat Nanoparticles on Root Canal Dentin: Fluid Dynamical...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Research
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Activated microbubbles (MBs) show potential for nanoparticle delivery in complex anatomical spaces like root canals.
• Understanding fluid dynamics is crucial for optimizing delivery systems in endodontics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify fluid dynamical parameters of ultrasonic, sonic, and manual MB activation in simulated root canals.
• To evaluate the efficacy of chitosan nanoparticle delivery and root canal dentin coating using activated MBs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane models for fluid dynamics analysis (velocity, wall stress, penetration depth).
• Visualization of fluid motion using tracer particles, microscopy, and high-speed cameras.
• Assessment of nanoparticle coating and dentinal tubule occlusion in extracted human incisors using SEM and EDX.

Main Results:

• Activated MBs significantly increased velocity, wall stress, and penetration depth compared to controls.
• Nanoparticle-based coating achieved 70% dentin surface coverage and 65% tubule occlusion.
• Manual activation resulted in uniform coating without smear layer formation, unlike ultrasonic methods.

Conclusions:

• Activated MBs improve fluid dynamical parameters in simulated root canals.
• Manual activation of MBs is a promising method for effective nanoparticle delivery and root canal dentin sealing.