T-Scan Novus System in the Management of Splints—Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study was to demonstrate the capabilities of the T-Scan Novus system in bruxism treatment by splints. Bruxism patients underwent treatment with a splint made by additive manufacturing. Intraoral scanning was performed using Trios Color (3Shape), and digital design was performed using 3Shape Dental system design - splint studio. The biocompatible material Dental LT Clear Resin was printed using a Formlabs Form 2 printer. The T-Scan Novus system with a software attached to it, version 9.1, was used for digital examination of the occlusion. A splint with an occlusal thickness of 2.5 mm was developed and software adapted with relief to antagonists. The digitally set occlusion with even contacts turned out to be clinically unbalanced. After adjusting with T-Scan Novus, a balanced occlusion was achieved in the right and left halves. The treatment of bruxism with splint therapy continues to be the main method. Its combination with digital technologies allows more precise constructions and more accurate balancing of occlusal relationships.

Gold Nanostars Embedded in PDMS Films: A Photothermal Material for Antibacterial Applications

Bacteria infections and related biofilms growth on surfaces of medical devices are a serious threat to human health. Controlled hyperthermia caused by photothermal effects can be used to kill bacteria and counteract biofilms formation. Embedding of plasmonic nano-objects like gold nanostars (GNS), able to give an intense photothermal effect when irradiated in the NIR, can be a smart way to functionalize a transparent and biocompatible material like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This process enables bacteria destruction on surfaces of PDMS-made medical surfaces, an action which, in principle, can also be exploited in subcutaneous devices. We prepared stable and reproducible thin PDMS films containing controllable quantities of GNS, enabling a temperature increase that can reach more than 40 degrees. The hyperthermia exerted by this hybrid material generates an effective thermal microbicidal effect, killing bacteria with a near infrared (NIR) laser source with irradiance values that are safe for skin.

The Use of Sulfur Waste to Protect Against Corrosion of Metal Implants

Metal parts of endoprosthesis have a detrimental effect on the bones that come into contact with them and on the entire body of the patient. Coating them with biocompatible layers (hydroxyapatite and bioglass) has not yet brought about permanent results. In this study, the author showed the possibility of using a binder containing sulfur waste for this purpose. The sulfur binder is used industrially in electrical engineering and construction applications. The chemical properties of elemental sulfur indicate that it is a biocompatible material. Previous studies on rats have shown that sulfur binder is a biocompatible material. A steel surgical nail covered with sulfur waste, placed in a sheep's femur, showed excellent stabilization by adhering bone tissue to the composite layer. From the results, it is convinced that the composite made of sulfur waste creates new possibilities in the field of production of biocomposites for surgical applications. The prepared biocomposite composition was sulfur waste-69.5%, mineral quartz dust-30%, and technical soot-0.5%. There is no information on similar studies in the world literature. So far, sulfur waste has been used in the electrical and construction industries. The literature shows that no researcher has used sulfur waste in biocomposites. So, the current study is a pioneering experimental study in this area.

Bespoke 3D printed eye cover for teen with rhabdomyosarcoma

BackgroundWe report a case of using 3D printing to create a bespoke eye cover for an 18-year-old man with left maxillary alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Further, the patient had proptosis causing chemosis and subsequent conjunctival abrasions. This had been managed by taping a large dressing around the eye for a number of weeks previously.MethodsA 3D scanner was used to capture the surface topography of the patients face. The data were imported into a CAD package and used as a guide to create a bespoke eye cover. The final design was 3D printed in a biocompatible material for use by the patient.ResultsThe scan, modelling, and printing of the bespoke cover was completed successfully in less than 72 hours.Conclusion3D printing offers a method to create bespoke solutions for patients in palliative care to meet rare and difficult clinical challenges.

Fluorescent nanodiamond – hyaluronate conjugates for target-specific molecular imaging

Fluorescent nanodiamond conjugated with hyaluronate is developed as a carbon based photostable and biocompatible material for liver-targeted molecular imaging applications.

High strength and flexible aramid nanofiber conductive hydrogels for wearable strain sensors

As a typical wettable, flexible, and biocompatible material, hydrogel has been a potential candidate for wearable electronics.