Effect of nano-fluorapatite filler particles on surface microhardness and mineralization capacity of an experimental oral film

Abstract

Abstract Background The objective of the study was to prepare and assess novel remineralizing oral films loaded with fluorapatite powder and composed of a combination of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HC) and cellulose nanofibers (CF). Methods Three concentrations of the prepared nano-fluorapatite were tried and tested after loading in the cellulose blends and films were prepared using solvent cast technique. Along with SEM, measurements of thickness of film, bending tolerance, time of disintegration, surface pH and release of ions were made. The produced film’s ability to remineralize demineralized teeth in vitro was investigated. Results The findings showed that the films’ thicknesses were uniform, their folding endurance exceeded 300, and their disintegration times exceeded 24 h. High amounts of fluoride and calcium ions were released, and nearly neutral pH values were observed. The distribution of fluorapatite powder particles was uniform, as demonstrated by SEM. The Vickers microhardness (VHN) of enamel and morphological analysis results showed that in comparison with the demineralized specimens, there was a substantial microhardness value increase following 15 and 30 days remineralization. Conclusions Newly developed prepared films are a successful method for remineralizing early-stage demineralized tooth lesions.

Keywords

• Oral films
• Remineralizing
• Fluorapatite
• Microhardness