Robert Moorehead

This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the use of biomaterials in the processes of guided tissue and bone regeneration, and their indispensable role in dental therapeutic interventions. These interventions serve the critical function of restoring both structural integrity and functionality to the dentition that has been lost or damaged. The basis for this review is laid through the exploration of various relevant scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of science and MEDLINE. From a meticulous selection, relevant literature was chosen. This review commences by examining the different types of membranes used in guided bone regeneration procedures and the spectrum of biomaterials employed in these operations. It then explores the manufacturing technologies for the scaffold, delving into their significant impact on tissue and bone regenerations. At the core of this review is the method of guided bone regeneration, which is a crucial technique for counteracting bone loss induced by tooth extraction or periodontal disease. The discussion advances by underscoring the latest innovations and strategies in the field of tissue regeneration. One key observation is the critical role that membranes play in guided reconstruction; they serve as a barrier, preventing the entry of non-ossifying cells, thereby promoting the successful growth and regeneration of bone and tissue. By reviewing the existing literature on biomaterials, membranes, and scaffold manufacturing technologies, this paper illustrates the vast potential for innovation and growth within the field of dental therapeutic interventions, particularly in guided tissue and bone regeneration.

Healthcare applications are known to have a considerable environmental impact and the use of bio-based polymers has emerged as a powerful approach to reduce the carbon footprint in the sector. This research aims to explore the suitability of using a new sustainable polyester blend (Floreon™) as a scaffold directed to aid in musculoskeletal applications. Musculoskeletal problems arise from a wide range of diseases and injuries related to bones and joints. Specifically, bone injuries may result from trauma, cancer, or long-term infections and they are currently considered a major global problem in both developed and developing countries. In this work we have manufactured a series of 3D-printed constructs from a novel biopolymer blend using fused deposition modelling (FDM), and we have modified these materials using a bioceramic (wollastonite, 15% w/w). We have evaluated their performance in vitro using human dermal fibroblasts and rat mesenchymal stromal cells. The new sustainable blend is biocompatible, showing no differences in cell metabolic activity when compared to PLA controls for periods 1–18 days. Floreon^TM blend has proven to be a promising material to be used in bone tissue regeneration as it shows an impact strength in the same range of that shown by native bone (just under 10 kJ/m²) and supports an improvement in osteogenic activity when modified with wollastonite.

We study the influence of ribbon geometry on the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) behavior of both low- and high-aspect ratio [length (l)/width (w) = 2–150] ribbons made from commercially available amorphous magnetic materials. Our results indicate that the variation of the ribbons’ GMI with geometry is due to the combination of edge effects (due to damage created by the ribbon cutting process) and global shape anisotropy. In high-aspect ratio ribbons [length (l)/width (w)≥ 20], we find that the GMI decreases with width, which we suggest is due to the cutting process creating induced stresses that suppress the transverse susceptibility at the edge of the material. In lower aspect ratio ribbons [length (l)/width (w) ≤ 20], shape anisotropy results in a relatively rapid increase in GMI with increasing length. We conclude that, with suitable optimization, high-aspect ratio ribbons prepared from commercially available materials are suitable for use as macro-scale sensors that detect small magnetic fields/strains over a large sensing area.

We present TopoStats, a Python toolkit for automated editing and analysis of Atomic Force Microscopy images. The program automates identification and tracing of individual molecules in circular and linear conformations without user input. TopoStats was able to identify and trace a range of molecules within AFM images, finding, on average, 90% of all individual molecules and molecular assemblies within a wide field of view, and without the need for prior processing. DNA minicircles of varying size, DNA origami rings and pore forming proteins were identified and accurately traced with contour lengths of traces typically within 10 nm of the predicted contour length. TopoStats was also able to reliably identify and trace linear and enclosed circular molecules within a mixed population. The program is freely available via GitHub ( https://github.com/afm-spm/TopoStats ) and is intended to be modified and adapted for use if required.

Autologous cancellous-bone grafts are the current gold standard for therapeutic interventions in which bone-regeneration is desired. The main limitations of these implants are the need for a secondary surgical site, creating a wound on the patient, the limited availability of harvest-safe bone, and the lack of structural integrity of the grafts. Synthetic, resorbable, bone-regeneration materials could pose a viable treatment alternative, that could be implemented through 3D-printing. We present here the development of a polylactic acid-hydroxyapatite (PLA-HAp) composite that can be processed through a commercial-grade 3D-printer. We have shown that this material could be a viable option for the development of therapeutic implants for bone regeneration. Biocompatibility in vitro was demonstrated through cell viability studies using the osteoblastic MG63 cell-line, and we have also provided evidence that the presence of HAp in the polymer matrix enhances cell attachment and osteogenicity of the material. We have also provided guidelines for the optimal PLA-HAp ratio for this application, as well as further characterisation of the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite. This study encompasses the base for further research on the possibilities and safety of 3D-printable, polymer-based, resorbable composites for bone regeneration.

Restoring subgingival class-V cavities successfully, demand special biological properties from a restorative material. This study aimed to assess the effects of incorporating bioactive materials to glass ionomer cement (GIC) on its mechanical and biological properties. Hydroxyapatite, chitosan, chondroitin sulphate, bioglass, gelatine and processed bovine dentin were incorporated into a GIC restorative material. Compressive strength, biaxial flexural strength (BFS), hardness, setting and working time measurements were investigated. Biocompatibility of the new materials was assessed using both monolayer cell cultures of normal oral fibroblasts (NOF) and TR146 keratinocytes, and a 3D-tissue engineered human oral mucosa model (3D-OMM) using presto-blue tissue viability assay and histological examination. Significant reduction in the compressive strength and BFS of gelatine-modified discs was observed, while chondroitin sulphate-modified discs had reduced BFS only (p value > 0.05). For hardness, working and setting times, only bioglass caused significant increase in the working time. NOF viability was significantly increased when exposed to GIC-modified with bovine dentine, bioglass and chitosan. Histological examination showed curling and growth of the epithelial layer toward the disc space, except for the GIC modified with gelatine. This study has highlighted the potential for clinical application of the modified GICs with hydroxyapatite, chitosan, bioglass and bovine dentine in subgingival class-V restorations.

Hydroxyapatite nanoscale particles (nHA) were prepared by wet chemical precipitation using four different synthesis methods. Differences in physico-chemical properties including morphology, particle-size, and crystallinity were investigated following alteration of critical processing parameters. The nanoparticles were also studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectrometry. The results showed that the particles obtained were composed of nHA, with different morphologies and aspect ratios (1.5 to 4) and degrees of crystallinity (40% to 70% following calcination) depending on the different process parameters of the synthesis method used, such as temperature, ripening time and pH. This study demonstrated that relatively small adjustments to processing conditions of different wet chemical preparation methods significantly affect the morphological and chemical characteristics of nHA. For the predicable preparation of biomimetic nHA for specific applications, the selection of both production method and careful control of processing conditions are paramount.