Electrophoresis-Aided Biomimetic Mineralization System Using Graphene Oxide for Regeneration of Hydroxyapatite on Dentin

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) is an emerging luminescent carbon nanomaterial with the ability to foster hydroxyapatite (HA). A specially designed electrophoresis system can be used to accelerate the mineralization process. The aim of this study was to promote HA crystal growth on demineralized dentin using a GO incorporated electrophoresis system. GO was successfully synthesized by carbonization of citric acid and its presence was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and UV-visible spectrophotometry evaluation. Dentin slices were placed in demineralized solution and divided into control (without the electrophoresis system) and experimental group. Demineralized dentin slices in the experimental group were remineralized using the electrophoresis system for 8 h/1.0 mA, with one subgroup treated without GO and the other with GO. Energy dispersive spectroscopy evaluation showed that the calcium/phosphate ratio of the crystal formed in control and experimental group with addition of GO was close to natural hydroxyapatite. However, scanning electron microscopy evaluation showed that the exposed dentinal tubules were occluded with rod-like crystals, which is similar to native enamel morphology, in the experimental group with addition of GO compared to the flake-like crystal in the control group. Mechanical evaluation revealed that the nanohardness and modulus of remineralized dentin were significantly higher in the experimental group. In conclusion, GO is a promising material to remineralize dentin and the introduction of an electrophoresis system can accelerate its process.

Caries Management with Non-Metallic Nanomaterials: A Systematic Review

“… 90–92 In addition, graphene oxide nanoplatelets showed a remineralising ability to occlude the exposed dentinal tubules and to promote the growth of hydroxyapatite crystal on demineralized dentin. 93 Due to abundant oxygen groups on the surface of graphene oxide nanoplatelets, graphene oxide nanoplatelets can be functionalized with diverse antiseptics to give them enhanced antibacterial properties. Graphene oxide nanoplatelets combined with silver and copper nanoparticles have antimicrobial effects against S. mutans , with a superior aesthetic effect on dentin compared to silver diamine fluoride.…”

Bioactive Materials for Caries Management: A Literature Review

“…Wu et al combined GO with Antisense vicR RNA, demonstrating its ability to reduce bacterial growth and suppress biofilm formation [ 111 ]. Khosalim et al observed that GO can foster hydroxyapatite and improve the nano-hardness of dentine slices [ 112 ]. Zanni et al indicated that zinc oxide nanorod-decorated graphene nanoplatelets inhibit the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm [ 113 ].…”