Through nanotechnology towards the next generation dental restorative materials

NANODENT

PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0292

(92PCE/2022)

The solution developed in the research project will lead to a completion of the teeth treatment through the possibility of having antibacterial properties and slow release after the cavity is closed, with enhanced mechanical properties.

Project goal

The main goal of the project is to propose a potential dental restorative material with simultaneous antibacterial properties and enhanced mechanical strength, based on substituted apatitic nanomaterials (decorated with metallic nanoparticles) and natural compounds, applicable in cement base (glass-ionomer cements).

Contracting authority: Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI)

Implementation period: 09/05/2022-31/12/2024

Budget: 1.200.000 lei

Project director: Dr. Habil. Radu Claudiu Fierăscu

  • Scientific concept
  • Novelty
  • Objectives
  • Phase I
  • Phase II
  • Phase III
  • Results 
Scientific concept

The scientific concept of the project is based on some specific logical steps:

S1. Synthesis of modified apatitic nanomaterials (MAN), substituted with different metals such as zinc, silver, titanium etc., and further decorated with mono or bimetallic phytosynthesized nanoparticles and metallic oxides nanoparticles (such as silver and silver oxide nanoparticles, zinc and zinc oxides nanoparticles, silver/zinc bimetallic nanoparticles, etc.), with controlled morphologies and properties;

S2. Demonstration of their enhanced properties;

S3. Enriching the MAN with natural compounds (commercially available polyphenols, such as eugenol, gallic acid, or catechin, for example) – NNC;

S4. Obtaining nanoparticle-based platforms (incorporation of apatitic materials enhanced with natural compounds in glass-ionomer cements – NGI);

S5. Demonstration of the enhanced properties of the obtained

nanoparticle-based platforms (NGI);

S6. Demonstration of their efficiency in the laboratory model (simulated conditions);

S7. Validation of the proposed solution.


Novelty

The main goal of the project is to propose a potential dental restorative material with simultaneous antibacterial properties and enhanced mechanical strength, based on substituted apatitic nanomaterials (decorated with metallic nanoparticles) and natural compounds, applicable in cement base (glass-ionomer cements). The degree of novelty of the proposed project emerges from the properties of the proposed material related with potential final application: simultaneous antibacterial and enhanced mechanical strength of the developed nanomaterials-based structures, applicable in the cement base (glass-ionomer cements). 

Objectives

The specific objectives that will ensure the achievement of project aim are:

SO1. development of substituted apatitic materials with enhanced antimicrobial properties;

SO2. phytosynthesis of mono and bimetallic nanoparticles based on “green chemistry” approaches (with extracts obtained from autochthonous plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family – Thymus serpyllum L., 1753, Satureja hortensis L., 1753, Melissa officinalis L., Mentha spicata L., etc.) and their application for the decoration of the apatitic materials, in order to obtain modified apatitic nanomaterials (MAN) with enhanced antimicrobial properties

SO3. enrichment of the MAN with natural compounds (NNC)

SO4.incorporation of NNC in glass-ionomer cements and the demonstration of their efficiency

Phase I

Development of apatitic nanostructures with potential use in improving current dental restorative materials.

Deployment period: 09/05/2022 – 31/12/2022

Activities:

  • Synthesis and characterization of apatitic materials
  • Assessing the possibilities of incorporating modified apatitic nanomaterials (MAN) into glass ionomer cements
  • Assessment of antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility of apatitic nanomaterials – Part I
  • Synthesis and characterization of phytosynthesized metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles
  • Evaluation of the antimicrobial properties of phytosynthesized NPs
  • Dissemination of results and project;
Phase II

Optimizing the decoration of apatitic materials. Enrichment of apatitic materials modified with natural compounds – part I.

Deployment period: 01/01/2023 – 31/12/2023

Activities:

  • Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of phytosynthesized nanoparticles – Part II
  • Assessment of antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility of apatitic nanomaterials – Part II
  • Evaluation of the mechanical properties of new apatitic materials
  • Optimization of apatitic materials taking into account their morphologies, antimicrobial, mechanical properties and biocompatibility
  • Optimization of phytosynthesys parameters and decoration of apathetic nanomaterials for the development of modified apatitic nanomaterials (MAN).
  • Optimizing the decoration of apatitic materials with phytosynthesized nanoparticles to achieve optimal properties
  • Obtaining and characterizing MANs enriched with natural compounds
  • Dissemination of results and project
Phase III

Enrichment of apatitic materials modified with natural compounds – part II. Incorporation of modified apatitic materials enhanced with natural compounds in glass ionomer cements (for obtaining platforms based on nanomaterials – NGI) and study of their influence on the mechanical properties of GIC. Demonstration and validation of the improved properties of the obtained NGIs.

Deployment period: 01/01/2024 – 31/12/2024

Activities:

  • Evaluation of antimicrobial effects and biocompatibility of MAN enriched with natural compounds
  • Evaluation of the mechanical properties of apatitic materials enriched with natural compounds
  • Obtaining and characterizing glass ionomer cements based on nanomaterials enriched with natural compounds (NGI) with improved mechanical properties.
  • Evaluation of antimicrobial properties and NGI biocompatibility
  • Evaluation of the release of active compounds under conditions similar to real ones (synthetic saliva solutions).
  • Evaluation of antibacterial effects and biocompatibility under conditions similar to real ones (synthetic saliva solutions)
  • Evaluation of mechanical properties, adhesion and thermal insulation properties in conditions similar to real ones (synthetic saliva solutions); validation of the proposed solution
  • Development of technical documentation for technology and products and patent applications
  • Dissemination of results and project
Results 
Expected results
  • at least 8 published articles in Q1/Q2 scientific journals, preferably open-access publications
  • at least 10 participations at international conference
  • at least 6 participations at inventions exhibitions,
  • publication of a book on the project topic at a foreign publication house;
  • workshop
  • at least two patent applications
Obtained results
ISI articles
  1. Ungureanu, C.; Fierascu, I.; Fierascu, R.C. Sustainable Use of Cruciferous Wastes in Nanotechnological Applications. Coatings 202212, 769. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12060769
  2. Fierascu, I.C.; Fierascu, I.; Baroi, A.M.; Ungureanu, C.; Ortan, A.; Avramescu, S.M.; Somoghi, R.; Fierascu, R.C.; Dinu-Parvu, C.E. Phytosynthesis of Biological Active Silver Nanoparticles Using Echinacea purpurea L. Extracts. Materials 202215, 7327. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207327
  3. Fierascu, R.C. Incorporation of Nanomaterials in Glass Ionomer Cements—Recent Developments and Future Perspectives: A Narrative Review. Nanomaterials 202212, 3827. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213827
  4. Baroi, A.M.; Sieniawska, E.; Świątek, Ł.; Fierascu, I. Grape Waste Materials—An Attractive Source for Developing Nanomaterials with Versatile Applications. Nanomaterials 202313, 836. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050836
  5. Velescu, B.Ș.; Ilie, M.I.; Amzăr, A.I.; Lupașcu, R.E.; Marandiuc, I.M.; Apetroaei, M.-M.; Arsene, A.L.; Blejan, E.I.; Nedea, O.A.; Fistos, T.; Fierăscu, R.C.; Bărbuceanu, F.; Țoca, C.; Fierăscu, I.; Udeanu, D.I.; Ghica, M.; Drăgănescu, D.; Cobelschi, P.C. Development and Experimental Evaluation of Some Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Potential. Processes 202311, 1212. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11041212
  6. Fierascu, I.C.; Fierascu, I.; Baroi, A.M.; Ungureanu, C.; Spinu, S.; Avramescu, S.M.; Somoghi, R.; Fierascu, R.C.; Dinu-Parvu, C.E. Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Leonurus cardiaca L. Extracts. Materials 202316, 3472. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093472
  7. Șuică-Bunghez, I.R.; Senin, R.M.; Sorescu, A.A.; Ganciarov, M.; Răut, I.; Firincă, C.; Constantin, M.; Gifu, I.C.; Stoica, R.; Fierăscu, I.; et al. Application of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Extracts for the Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Characterization and Biomedical Potential. Plants 202413, 333. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030333
  8. Lupuliasa, A.I.; Baroi, A.-M.; Avramescu, S.M.; Vasile, B.S.; Prisada, R.M.; Fierascu, R.C.; Fierascu, I.; Sărdărescu, D.I.; Ripszky Totan, A.; Voicu-Bălășea, B.; et al. Application of Common Culinary Herbs for the Development of Bioactive Materials. Plants 202413, 997. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070997
  9. Lupuliasa, A.I.; Prisada, R.M.; Matei, R.I.; Avramescu, S.M.; Vasile, B.Ș.; Fierascu, R.C.; Fierascu, I.; Voicu-Bălașea, B.; Meleșcanu Imre, M.; Pițuru, S.-M.; et al. Development of Biologically Active Phytosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Marrubium vulgare L. Extracts: Applications and Cytotoxicity Studies. Nanomaterials 202414, 895. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100895
Scientific conferences
  1. The International Symposium “priorities of chemistry for a sustainable development” PRIOCHEM – XVIII-th Edition. October 26-28, 2022, Development of phytosynthesized nanoparticles with enhanced biological properties, Ioana Cătălina Fierăscu, Irina Fierăscu, Anda Maria Baroi, Camelia Ungureanu, Alina Orțan, Simona Spinu, Sorin Marius Avramescu, Raluca Șomoghi, Radu Claudiu Fierăscu, Valetina Anuta, Cristina Elena Dinu-Pârvu
  2. Physics of Materials – PM 7 2022, At the Frontier Between Materials Science and Biotechnology: Nanomaterials Phytosynthesis, I. Fierascu, R.C. Fierascu, A.M. Baroi, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), T. Fistos, I.C. Fierascu, I. Chican, I.S. Hosu (Invited lecture)
  3. International Scientific Symposium CURRENT TRENDS IN NATURAL SCIENCES 2023, From nature to nanotechnology: nanomaterials phytosynthesis, Irina Fierascu, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Anda Maria Baroi, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis), Toma Fistos, Ioana Catalina Fierascu, Irina Chican, Ioana Silvia Hosu (invited key-note lecture)
  4. 5th International Conference on Natural Products Utilization: From Plants to Pharmacy Shelf – ICNPU, May 30-02 June 2023, Bulgaria, Natural compounds from grape wastes for pharmaceutics and cosmetic formulations, Anda Maria Baroi, Monica Florentina Raduly, Ioana Silvia Hosu, Bogdan Trica, Roxana Ioana Brazdis (Matei), Toma Fistos, Radu Claudiu Fierăscu, Irina Fierăscu
  5. Application of electron microscopy in the characterization of phytosynthesized nanoparticles, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Irina Fierascu, Anda Maria Baroi, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis), Toma Fistos, Irina Chican, Ioana Silva Hosu, (invited lecture), Conferința Societății de Microscopie Electronică din România – C.R.E.M.S, 18-21 Octombrie 2023, Cluj Napoca.
  6. Application of nanotechnology for the development of a next generation dental restorative material, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Anda Maria Baroi, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis), Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Ioana Silvia Hosu, Irina Elena Chican, Lia Mara Ditu, “Priorities of Chemistry for a Sustainable Development” PRIOCHEM XIXth Edition, 11-13 Octombrei 2023, Bucuresti, published as Fierascu, R.C.; Baroi, A.M.; Matei, R.I.; Fistos, T.; Fierascu, I.; Hosu, I.S.; Chican, I.E.; Ditu, L.M. Application of Nanotechnology for the Development of a Next Generation Dental Restorative Material. Proceedings 2023, 90, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023090013
  7. Virtual International Scientific Conference on “Applications of Chemistry in Nanosciences and Biomaterials Engineering” NanoBioMat 2023 – Winter Edition, Total Concentration of Phenolic Compounds and the Antioxidant Activity of Grape Must after Treatment with Hydroalcoholic Extracts from Plant Waste Enhanced with Silver Nanoparticles, D.I. Toma (Sărdărescu), R.C. Fierăscu, D.E. Vizitiu, I. Fierăscu, A.M. Baroi, A. Din
  8. Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Phytonanotechnology – a multidisciplinary research area, International Conference “Agriculture for Life, Life for Agriculture“, 13th edition, 6-8 June 2024 (invited lecture).
  9. Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Lia Mara Ditu, Irina Fierascu, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Monica Florentina Raduly, Maria Grapin, Valentin Raditoiu, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, How can nanomaterials and nanotechnology advancements can find applicatoins in our veryday life, International Scientific Symposium CURRENT TRENDS IN NATURAL SCIENCES, 16 – 18 May 2024, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Pitesti University Centre, Romania
  10. Irina Fierascu, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Daniela Toma (Sărdărescu), Anda Maria Baroi, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis),Toma Fistos, Irina Elena Chican, Ioana Silvia Hosu, Lia Mara Dițu, Green Chemistry Nanomaterials for Increasing the Quality of Life, International Conference on Innovative Research, EUROINVENT, Iași, 6-7 June 2024.
Invention exhibitions
  1. IDEA (IDEA, Novelty, Invention and craft) International Exhibition, Abony, Hungary – Through nanotechnology towards the next generation dental restorative materials (NanoDent) Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Irina Fierascu, Anda Maria Baroi, Roxana Ioana Matei, Toma Fistos, Lia Mara Ditu (Gold medal)
  2. International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations “TRAIAN VUIA – 2022 Timisoara – Through nanotechnology towards the next generation dental restorative materials (NanoDent) Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Irina Fierascu, Anda Maria Baroi, Roxana Ioana Matei, Toma Fistos, Lia Mara Ditu (Bronze medal)
  3. 7th International Inventions Fair – ISIF’22 – Through nanotechnology towards the next generation dental restorative materials (NanoDent) Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Irina Fierascu, Anda Maria Baroi, Roxana Ioana Matei, Toma Fistos, Lia Mara Ditu (Silver medal)
  4. EUROINVENT 2023 – Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Lia Mara Ditu (Gold medal, excellence diploma – The Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Republic of Moldova, Diploma of Recognition – University of Life Sciences ‘King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Creative Award – National Center for Scientific Research for Food Safety, special delegation award – ICPE-CA, EUROINVENT Grand Award)
  5. INVENTICA 2023 – Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Lia Mara Ditu (Gold medal, Special Award – University Politehnica of Timisoara, Gold medal – Moldova Technical University)
  6. International Exhibition Traian Vuia 2023, Timisoara – Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Lia Mara Ditu (Silver medal, Special Award – University Politehnica of Timisoara)
  7. INNOVERSE Innovation & Invention Expo 28-29 August 2023, Georgia Gwinnett, GA, USA, Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, L.M. Ditu, Special Award – AZSCIENCES Science & Technology Center, Certificate of Achievement & Gold Medal
  8. JAPAN Design, Idea & Invention Expo, 6-8 Iulie, 2023, Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, L.M. Ditu, Certificate of Award and Gold Medal
  9. The 8th International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada iCAN 2023, Toronto, Canada, 26 August 2023, Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, L.M. Ditu, Certificate of Award and Gold Medal, Canadian Special Award of Excellence – Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. “Inventors Circle”
  10. INOVA, Zagreb, Croatia, 28 September 2023, Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, L.M. Ditu, Gold Medal
  11. International Salon INVENTCOR 2023, 14-16 september 2023, Deva, Romania, Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, L.M. Ditu, Diploma and Gold Medal, WIIPA Special Award – WIIPA, Special Award – Satit Chula Innovation Society, Thailand
  12. International Salon INVENTCOR 2023, 14-16 september 2023, Deva, Romania , Composite material for dental restoration with improved compression strength and antimicrobial properties and method of producing it – A0425/2023 – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, I.E. Chican, L.M. Ditu, Diploma and Gold Medal, Diploma – Inventarium Science
  13. ITE International Invention & Trade Expo London, 5-6 October 2023, Composite material for dental restoration with improved compression strength and antimicrobial properties and method of producing it – A0425/2023 – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, I.E. Chican, L.M. Ditu, Certificate of appreciation and Gold Award
  14. PROINVENT 2023, Cluj-Napoca 25-27 October 2023, Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, L.M. Ditu, Excellence Diploma and Gold Medal
  15. PROINVENT 2023, Cluj-Napoca 25-27 Octombrie 2023, Composite material for dental restoration with improved compression strength and antimicrobial properties and method of producing it – A0425/2023 – R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, I.E. Chican, L.M. Ditu, Excellence Diploma and Gold Medal
  16. 2023 Kaohsiung International Invention and Design EXPO (KIDE), 30.11-02.12.2023 Composite material for dental restoration with improved compression strength and antimicrobial properties and method of producing it, R.C. Fierascu, R.I. Brazdis (Matei), A.M. Baroi, T. Fistos, I. Fierascu, I.E. Chican,L.M. Ditu, Gold Medal
  17. Composite material for dental restoration with increased compression strength and antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining it, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Brazdis (Matei), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Irina Elena Chican, Lia Mara Ditu, Salonul International de Inventii si Inovatii Traian Vuia Timisoara 2024 , Gold Medal
  18. Composite material for dental restoration with increased compression strength and antimicrobial properties and method of producing it, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Brazdis (Matei), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Irina Elena Chican, Lia Mara Ditu, EUROINVENT, 16th European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation, Iasi, Romania, 6-8 June 2024 , Gold Medal
  19. Composite material for dental restoration with increased compression strength and antimicrobial properties and method of producing it, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Brazdis (Matei), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Irina Elena Chican, Lia Mara Ditu, The 28th International Exhibition of Inventions “INVENTICA 2024” Iasi, Romania, Gold Medal

Institutional & personal awards

Books/book chapters
  1. Fierascu, I., Baroi, A.M., Fistos, T., Brazdis, R.I., Sardarescu (Toma), I.D., Fierascu, R.C. (2022). Bryophytes and the Nanotechnology: Recent Developments and Perspectives. In: Murthy, H.N. (eds) Bioactive Compounds in Bryophytes and Pteridophytes. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-97415-2_29-1
Workshop

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials for dental applications, within The International Symposium “Priorities of Chemistry for a Sustainable Development” PRIOCHEM XIXth Edition, 11-13 Octombrei 2023, Bucuresti, over 20 participants, Book of Abstracts (pag 70), ISSN 2601 – 419X and ISSN-L 2601 – 4181 – English ed., CD-ROM, other Electronic Supports.

Patent applications
  1. Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Brazdis (Matei), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Lia Mara Ditu, Composite material based on glass ionomer cement and phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles with improved antimicrobial properties and procedure for obtaining, Patent application A00104/2023
  2. Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Roxana Ioana Brazdis (Matei), Anda Maria Baroi, Toma Fistos, Irina Fierascu, Irina Elena Chican, Lia Mara Ditu, Composite material for dental restoration with improved compression strength and antimicrobial properties and method of producing it, Patent application A00425/2023
Phase reports
Phase 1

Summary

Acidic attack by cariogenic bacteria associated with plaque biofilm development is responsible for dental caries, a biofilm-dependent infectious disease that damages teeth through mineral loss and has a high incidence of the use of polymers for clinical restoration. The complexity of oral biofilms contributes to the difficulty of developing new effective dental materials. The oral cavity is an ideal environment for microbial cell growth, persistence and plaque formation.

The presence of different microniches leads to the appearance of different biofilm communities, formed on the surface of the teeth, above the gingival crevice or at the subgingival level, on the tongue, mucous membranes or on dental prosthetic materials. In this context, nanotechnology has the potential to be explored in the development of bioactive dental materials to reduce or modulate the activities of caries-related bacteria. The main goal of the project is to propose a potential dental restorative material with antibacterial properties simultaneously with increased mechanical resistance, based on substituted apatitic nanomaterials (decorated with metal nanoparticles) and natural compounds, applicable in glass ionomer cements. The project proposal responds to a real practical demand arising from discussions with the dental community.

The degree of novelty of the proposed project emerges from the properties of the proposed material related to the potential final application: improved mechanical resistance and simultaneous antibacterial activity of the structures developed based on nanomaterials, applicable in glass ionomer cements.

The activities planned to be carried out during the first year of implementation were:

  • Act. 1.1. Synthesis and characterization of apatite materials
  • Act. 1.2. Evaluation of the possibilities of incorporating modified apatite nanomaterials (NAM) in glass ionomer cements
  • Act. 1.3. Evaluation of antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility of apatitic nanomaterials – Part I
  • Act. 1.4. Synthesis and characterization of phytosynthesized metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles
  • Act. 1.5. Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of phytosynthesized nanoparticles – Part I
  • Act. 1.6. Dissemination of the results and the project.

The proposed activities were carried out in full, supporting the continuation of the project in the year 2023. Thus, they identified the possibilities of incorporating different types of target materials (apatitic materials, nanoparticles, etc.) and both apatitic materials and phytosynthesized metal nanoparticles were developed and studied .

The obtained results were disseminated within the scientific community, the results of the dissemination being widely presented on the project website (Romanian version – https://icechim.ro/project/nanodent/, English version – https:// icechim.ro/project/nanodent_en/), but also through the weekly Newsletter of the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization.

No
Estimated results
Obtained results
1

Preliminary report on the development of modified apatite nanomaterials (NAM);

The preliminary report on the possibilities to develop modified apatite nanomaterials was performed, synthesizing and characterizing a series of modified apatite materials


2

Report on the possibilities of incorporating the developed nanomaterials into glass ionomer cements

The report on the modification of glass ionomer cements with nanomaterials was elaborated (published as a review paper)

3

Preliminary report on the antimicrobial properties of apatite nanomaterials

The preliminary report on the antimicrobial properties of the obtained apatite materials was elaborated

4

Report on the antimicrobial properties of phytosynthesized NP

The report on the antimicrobials properties of phytosynthesized NPs was elaborated (published as two ISI articles)


5

Submission for publication of at least two ISI articles in Q1/Q2 journals

Three ISI articles were published in Q1/Q2 journals

6

Participation in at least one scientific event

Two participations in international scientific events were recorded

7

Participation in at least 1 invention salon

Three participations in invention salons were recorded, obtaining a series of prizes, presented on the project website

8

Project web page and online campaign on social media

The project website was developed, both in Romanian and in English; of the project was disseminated through social media, but also through MCID’s weekly Newsletter

Phase 2

Summary

Acidic attack by cariogenic bacteria associated with plaque biofilm development is responsible for dental caries, a biofilm-dependent infectious disease that damages teeth through mineral loss and has a high incidence of the use of polymers for clinical restoration. The complexity of oral biofilms contributes to the difficulty of developing new effective dental materials. The oral cavity is an ideal environment for microbial cell growth, persistence and plaque formation. The presence of different microniches leads to the appearance of different biofilm communities, formed on the surface of the teeth, above the gingival crevice or at the subgingival level, on the tongue, mucous membranes or on dental prosthetic materials.

In this context, nanotechnology has the potential to be explored in the development of bioactive dental materials to reduce or modulate the activities of caries-related bacteria. The main goal of the project is to propose a potential dental restoration material with antibacterial properties simultaneously with increased mechanical resistance, based on substituted apatitic nanomaterials (decorated with metal nanoparticles) and natural compounds, applicable in glass ionomer cements. The degree of novelty of the proposed project emerges from the properties of the proposed material related to the potential final application: improved mechanical resistance and simultaneous antibacterial activity of the structures developed based on nanomaterials, applicable in glass ionomer cements.

The activities planned to be carried out during the second stage of the project were:

  • A.2.1. Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of phytosynthesized nanoparticles – Part II
  • A.2.2. Evaluation of antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility of apatitic nanomaterials – Part II
  • A.2.3. Evaluation of the mechanical properties of new apatite materials
  • A.2.4. Optimization of apatitic materials considering their morphologies, antimicrobial, mechanical properties and biocompatibility
  • A.2.5. Optimization of phytosynthesis parameters and decoration of apatite nanomaterials for the development of modified apatite nanomaterials (MAN).
  • A.2.6. Optimizing the decoration of apatitic materials with phytosynthesized nanoparticles to achieve optimal properties
  • A.2.7. Obtaining and characterization of MAN enriched with natural compounds
  • A.2.8. Dissemination of the results and the project.

The proposed activities were carried out in full, supporting the continuation of the project in the year 2024. Thus, the activities related to the synthesis and optimization of the synthesis of apatitic nanomaterials, as well as phytosynthesized nanoparticles were continued, the modified apatitic materials enriched with natural compounds were obtained and tested from an antimicrobial point of view natural, thus offering real possibilities to put the developed solutions into practice.

The obtained results were disseminated within the scientific community, the results of the dissemination being widely presented on the project website (Romanian version – https://icechim.ro/project/nanodent/, English version – https:// icechim.ro/project/nanodent_en/).

No
Estimated results
Obtained results
1

Final report on the development of modified apatite nanomaterials (MAN)

The final report on the development of modified apatitic nanomaterials was elaborated

2

Final Report on Antimicrobial Properties of Apatitic Nanomaterials

The final report on the antimicrobial properties of apatitic nanomaterials was elaborated

3

Final report on the antimicrobial properties of NP

The final report on the antimicrobial properties of the NPs was developed

4

MAN optimization report

The MAN optimization report was developed

5

Preliminary report on the development of modified apatitic nanomaterials enriched with natural compounds

The preliminary report on the development of modified apatitic nanomaterials enriched with natural compounds was elaborated

6

Submission for publication of at least three ISI articles in Q1/Q2 journals

Three ISI articles were published in Q1/Q2 journals (reaching a total of 6 articles published out of 8 proposed for the entire project)

7

Participation in at least five scientific events

Five participations in international scientific events were recorded (reaching a total of 7 participations out of 10 proposed for the entire project)

8

Participation in at least 3 invention exhibitions

Thirteen participations in invention exhibitions were registered, obtaining a series of awards, presented on the project website (indicator exceeded considering the level proposed for the entire project)

9

Updating the project web page and continuing the online campaign on social media

The project website, both in Romanian and in English, has been continuously updated; the project was disseminated through social media

10

Other activities

Other activities were also carried out:

– Workshop organization (indicator accomplished 100% at project level)

– Presenting an invited talk in a foreign laboratory on the project’s topic

– Submission of two patent applications (100% completed indicator at the project level)

– Publication of a book chapter (indicator achieved 100% at the project level)

Phase 3