Bacterial cellulose biocomposites for guided tissue regeneration

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has become established as a remarkably versatile biomaterial and can be used in a wide variety of scientific applications, especially for medical devices. In this work, the bacterial cellulose fermentation process is modified by the addition of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid (1% w/w) to the culture medium before the bacteria is inoculated. Besides, biomimetic precipitation of calcium phosphate of biological interest from simulated body fluid on bacterial cellulose was studied. Chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid influences in bacterial cellulose were analyzed using transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR analysis showed interaction between bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites and calcium phosphate and XRD demonstrated amorphous calcium phosphate and calcium chloride on bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites. SEM images confirmed incorporation of calcium phosphate in bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites surface with different calcium phosphate particles morphology.

Cellulose acetate membranes for osmosedimentation: Performance and morphological dependence on preparation conditions

Osmosedimentation is a new membrane-assisted separation technique, based on the rapid approach to sedimentation equilibrium when macromolecular solutions are contained within dialysis cells, in contact with solvent via a permselective membrane. Cellulose acetate membranes, cast from ternary solvent (acetone, acetic acid, water) solutions are suitable for osmosedimentation of proteins at low (2000 rpm) centrifugation speeds. Solute retention is improved when acetone-rich casting solutions are used. These membranes were examined by electron and optical microscopy, showing considerable morphological changes in the membrane support layer as the casting solution composition is changed. © 1986.

Histopathology of the pulp of primary molars with active and arrested dentinal caries

The purpose of this study was to compare the histological appearance of the pulp of human primary molars with active and arrested lesions. The sample consisted of 36 primary molars (18 with active lesions and 18 with arrested lesions) extracted from 35 children between 5 to 9 years of age. The histological diagnosis was classified in normal pulp, transitional stage, partial pulpitis, total pulpitis and total necrosis, and then subdivided in three subgroups: treatable, untreatable and questionable. Results showed that normal pulp or transitional stage (treatable category) was diagnosed in 50% of teeth with arrested lesions, compared to 11.1% of teeth with active lesions. Partial pulpitis (questionable category) was present in 38.8% with arrested lesions compared to 22.2% with active lesions. Total pulpitis and total necrosis (untreatable category) was diagnosed in 11.2% with arrested lesions compared to 66.7% with active lesions. The observed frequencies of histological categories between both groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Histologically, pulp reaction under active and arrested lesions in primary molars revealed the formation of a basophilic calcio-traumatic line at the junction of the primary and reparative dentin, formation of reparative dentin and a regular odontoblastic layer in 60% of the cases. Results indicated that the type of lesion (active or arrested) is a good indicator of the histological status of the pulp.

Penetration of 35% hydrogen peroxide into the pulp chamber in bovine teeth after LED or Nd:YAG laser activation

This aim of the present study was to evaluate the pulp chamber penetration of 35% hydrogen peroxide activated by LED (light-emitting diode) or Nd:YAG laser in bovine teeth, after an in-office bleaching technique. Forty-eight bovine lateral incisors were divided into four groups, acetate buffer was placed into the pulp chamber and bleaching agent was applied as follows: for group A (n = 12), activation was performed by LED; for group B (n = 12), activation was performed by Nd:YAG laser (60 mJ, 20 Hz); group C (n = 12) received no light or laser activation; and the control group (n = 12) received no bleaching gel application or light or laser activation. The acetate buffer solution was transferred to a glass tube and Leuco Crystal Violet and horseradish peroxidase were added, producing a blue solution. The optical density of this solution was determined spectrophotometrically and converted into microgram equivalents of hydrogen peroxide. The results were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). It was verified that the effect of activation was significant, as groups activated by LED or laser presented greater hydrogen peroxide penetration into the pulp chamber (0.499 +/- 0.622 microg) compared with groups that were not (0.198 +/- 0.218 microg). There was no statistically significant difference in the penetration of hydrogen peroxide into the pulp chamber between the two types of activation (LED or laser). The results suggest that activation by laser or LED caused an increase in hydrogen peroxide penetration into the pulp chamber.

Draft genome sequence of Komagataeibacter rhaeticus Strain AF1, a high producer of cellulose, isolated from kombucha tea

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Komagatabaeicter rhaeticus strain AF1, which was isolated from Kombucha tea and is capable of producing high levels of cellulose.

Diabetes triggers the loss of tooth structure associated to radiographical and histological dental changes and its evolution to progressive pulp and periapical lesions in rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the putative influence of diabetes without metabolic control in the loss of tooth structure as well as histological changes in dentin and pulp tissue in rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats (n=25) by intravenous administration of alloxan (42mg/kg). Diabetic and non-diabetic control rats were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of follow-up. In order to evaluate the presence and progression of dental caries and periapical lesions, hemimandibles were removed and submitted to radiographical, histological, and morphometrical procedures. Dental caries were detected after radiographical and histological evaluations in diabetic group from the third month of diabetes onset, increasing gradually in frequency and severity in periods. Diabetic rats dental pulps also presented significant reduction in volume density of collagen fibers and fibroblasts at third month, parallel with a trend towards the increase in inflammatory cells volume density. Diabetic rats presented a generalized pulp tissue necrosis after 6 months of diabetes induction. Moreover, periapical lesions were not detected in control group, while these lesions were observed in all rats after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of diabetes induction. Uncontrolled diabetes seems to trigger the loss of tooth structure, associated to histological dental changes and mediates its evolution to progressive severe pulp and periapical lesions in rats. Therefore, diabetes may be considered a very important risk factor regarding alterations in dental pulp, development of dental caries, and periapical lesions.

Responses of human dental pulp cells after application of a low-concentration bleaching gel to enamel

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Preparation and characterization of a bacterial cellulose/silk fibroin sponge scaffold for tissue regeneration

Bacterial cellulose (BC) and silk fibroin (SF) are natural biopolymers successfully applied in tissue engineering and biomedical fields. In this work nanocomposites based on BC and SF were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, the investigation of cytocompatibility was done by MTT, XTT and Trypan Blue dye technique. Cellular adhesion and proliferation were detected additionally. The evaluation of genotoxicity was realized by micronucleus assay. In vitro tests showed that the material is non-cytotoxic or genotoxic. SEM images revealed a greater number of cells attached at the BC/SF:50% scaffold surface than the pure BC one, suggesting that the presence of fibroin improved cell attachment. This could be related to the SF amino acid sequence that acts as cell receptors facilitating cell adhesion and growth. Consequently, BC/SF:50% scaffolds configured an excellent option in bioengineering depicting its potential for tissue regeneration and cultivation of cells on nanocomposites.

Transdentinal cytotoxicity of resin-based luting cements to pulp cells

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Quality of wood and pulp from a clone of Eucalyptus grandis planted at three locations

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Obtaining of xanthan gum impregnated of cellulose microfibrils derived from sugarcane bagasse

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Bio-hydrogen production based on catalytic reforming of volatiles generated by cellulose pyrolysis: an integrated process for ZnO reduction and zinc nanostructures fabrication

The paper presents a process of cellulose thermal degradation with bio-hydrogen generation and zinc nanostructures synthesis. Production of zinc nanowires and zinc nanoflowers was performed by a novel processes based on cellulose pyrolysis, volatiles reforming and direct reduction of ZnO. The bio-hydrogen generated in situ promoted the ZnO reduction with Zn nanostructures formation by vapor–solid (VS) route. The cellulose and cellulose/ZnO samples were characterized by thermal analyses (TG/DTG/DTA) and the gases evolved were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy (TG/FTIR). The hydrogen was detected by TPR (Temperature Programmed Reaction) tests. The results showed that in the presence of ZnO the cellulose thermal degradation produced larger amounts of H2 when compared to pure cellulose. The process was also carried out in a tubular furnace with N2 atmosphere, at temperatures up to 900 °C, and different heating rates. The nanostructures growth was catalyst-free, without pressure reduction, at temperatures lower than those required in the carbothermal reduction of ZnO with fossil carbon. The nanostructures were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optical properties were investigated by photoluminescence (PL). One mechanism was presented in an attempt to explain the synthesis of zinc nanostructures that are crystalline, were obtained without significant re-oxidation and whose morphologies are dependent on the heating rates of the process. This route presents a potential use as an industrial process taking into account the simple operational conditions, the low costs of cellulose and the importance of bio-hydrogen and nanostructured zinc.

Recycling residues from the pulp and paper industries in the civil construction

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da qualidade da madeira de cinco espécies de Pinus destinadas à produção de celulose

Pós-graduação em Ciência Florestal - FCA

Sanitizers effect in mango pulp and peel antioxidant compounds

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)