Proanthocyanidin-functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as dentin biomodifier.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Nanotechnology in Dentistry

Background:

• Dentin demineralization compromises tooth structure and mechanical integrity.
• Remineralization strategies aim to restore mineral content and enhance dentin stability.
• Nanotechnology offers novel approaches for targeted delivery and improved material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the combined effects of nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) and proanthocyanidin (PA) on dentin remineralization and collagen stabilization.
• To assess the impact of nHAp_PA treatment on the chemical, mineralogical, and mechanical properties of demineralized dentin.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-five dentin beams underwent pH-cycling to induce demineralization.
• Experimental groups included sound, control, nHAp, PA, and proanthocyanidin-functionalized nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp_PA) treatments.
• Dentin samples were analyzed using ATR-FTIR, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and three-point bending tests.

Main Results:

• The nHAp_PA group exhibited higher phosphate content and mineral content.
• Increased collagen cross-linking and organic matter indicated enhanced dentin matrix stability.
• nHAp_PA treatment significantly improved the flexural strength of the demineralized dentin samples.

Conclusions:

• Proanthocyanidin-functionalized nanohydroxyapatite demonstrates significant potential for remineralization of demineralized dentin.
• The treatment effectively improves collagen stability and enhances the mechanical properties of dentin.
• nHAp_PA offers a promising solution for dentin repair with a clinically feasible application time.