Bioactivity of chitosan in dentistry. Preliminary data on chitosan-based cements.
BACKGROUND
The chemical association of chitosan with inorganic salts, such as calcium phosphate, finds a promising application in dentistry as room-temperature self-hardening cement. We present the physical, chemical and crystallographic characterization of newly-developed cements made of 1) calcium-phosphate and a chitosan gel obtained by acetic acid treatment, and 2) calcium phosphate and a chitosan gel obtained by ascorbic acid treatment. Both cements are self-hardening at room temperature.


METHODS
The cements were characterized by X-ray diffractography, scanning electron microscopy and fluorine-selective electrode analysis.


RESULTS
The chitosan-hydroxyapatite cements had hardness comparable to spongy bone and above that of PMMA.


CONCLUSIONS
The cements are promising for application in endodontics and restorative dentistry.
Mattioli Belmonte
M
M
CIBAD, Centre for Innovative Biomaterials, Ancona University.
De Benedittis
A
A
Mongiorgi
R
R
Gandolfi
M G
MG
Giardino
R
R
Biagini
G
G
Valdrè
G
G
Muzzarelli
R
R
Prati
C
C
Dolci
G
G
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D048271:Chitosan; D008422:Materials Testing
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002686:Chitin; D048271:Chitosan