New developments in jewellery and dental materials

Electroplating for Decorative Applications: Recent Trends in Research and Development

Electroplating processes are widely employed in industrial environments for a large variety of metallic coatings, ranging from technological to decorative applications. Even if the galvanic electrodeposition is certainly a mature technology, new concepts, novel applications, environmental legislation and the new material requirements for next-generation devices make the scientific research in this field still very active. This review focuses mostly at the decorative and wearable applications, and aims to create a bridge between the past knowledge and the future direction that this process, i.e., electrodeposition, is taking. Both the theoretical fundamentals as well as some of the most widespread practical applications—limited to metallic and alloy coatings—are explored. As an integral part of the industrial process, we take a look at the main techniques thought which the quality control of deposits and surfaces is carried out. Finally, global industrial performance and research directions towards sustainable solutions are highlighted.

Electrochemical comparison and biological performance of a new CoCrNbMoZr alloy with commercial CoCrMo alloy

A new CoCrNbMoZr alloy, with Nb and Zr content is characterized from the point of view of surface features, corrosion resistance and biological performance in order to be proposed as dental restorative material. Its properties are discussed in comparison with commercial Heraenium CE alloy based on Co, Cr and Mo as well. The microstructure of both alloys was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composition and thickness of the alloy native passive films were identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface characteristics were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle techniques. The quantity of ions released from alloys in artificial saliva was evaluated with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) measurements. The electrochemical stability was studied in artificial Carter-Brugirard saliva, performing open circuit potentials, polarization resistances and corrosion currents and rates. The biological performance of the new alloy was tested in vitro in terms of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) morphology, viability and proliferation status. The new alloy is very resistant to the attack of the aggressive ions from the artificial saliva. The surface properties, the roughness and wettabiliy sustain the cell behavior. The comparison of the new alloy behavior with that of existing commercial CoCrMo alloy showed the superior properties of the new metallic biomaterial.

Titanium-35niobium alloy as a potential material for biomedical implants: In vitro study

Research on new titanium alloys and different surface topographies aims to improve osseointegration. The objective of this study is to analyze the behavior of osteogenic cells cultivated on porous and dense samples of titanium-niobium alloys, and to compare them with the behavior of such type of cells on commercial pure titanium. Samples prepared using powder metallurgy were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and metallographic and profilometer analyses. Osteogenic cells from newborn rat calvaria were plated over different groups: dense or porous samples composed of Ti or Ti-35niobium (Nb). Cell adhesion, cell proliferation, MTT assay, cell morphology, protein total content, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization nodules were assessed. Results from XRD and EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Ti and Nb in the test alloy. Metallographic analysis revealed interconnected pores, with pore size ranging from 138 to 150μm. The profilometer analysis detected the greatest rugosity within the dense alloy samples. In vitro tests revealed similar biocompatibility between Ti-35Nb and Ti; furthermore, it was possible to verify that the association of porous surface topography and the Ti-35Nb alloy positively influenced mineralized matrix formation. We propose that the Ti-35Nb alloy with porous topography constitutes a biocompatible material with great potential for use in biomedical implants.

A comparative study of the cytotoxicity and corrosion resistance of nickel-titanium and titanium-niobium shape memory alloys

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys (SMAs) are commonly used in a range of biomedical applications. However, concerns exist regarding their use in certain biomedical scenarios due to the known toxicity of Ni and conflicting reports of NiTi corrosion resistance, particularly under dynamic loading. Titanium-niobium (TiNb) SMAs have recently been proposed as an alternative to NiTi SMAs due to the biocompatibility of both constituents, the ability of both Ti and Nb to form protective surface oxides, and their superior workability. However, several properties critical to the use of TiNb SMAs in biomedical applications have not been systematically explored in comparison with NiTi SMAs. These properties include cytocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and alterations in alloy surface composition in response to prolonged exposure to physiological solutions. Therefore, the goal of the present work was to comparatively investigate these aspects of NiTi (49.2 at.% Ti) and TiNb (26 at.% Nb) SMAs. The results from the current studies indicate that TiNb SMAs are less cytotoxic than NiTi SMAs, at least under static culture conditions. This increased TiNb cytocompatibility was correlated with reduced ion release as well as with increased corrosion resistance according to potentio-dynamic tests. Measurements of the surface composition of samples exposed to cell culture medium further supported the reduced ion release observed from TiNb relative to NiTi SMAs. Alloy composition depth profiles also suggested the formation of calcium phosphate deposits within the surface oxide layers of medium-exposed NiTi but not of TiNb. Collectively, the present results indicate that TiNb SMAs may be promising alternatives to NiTi for certain biomedical applications.

Contact allergy to beryllium chloride: report of 12 cases

BACKGROUND

Isolated cases of allergic contact dermatitis, gingivitis and stomatitis caused by beryllium have been previously reported. We have been able to study a series of 12 patients with patch test reactions to beryllium chloride.

OBJECTIVES

The study was aimed at defining the clinical and patch testing characteristics in this group of patients, and determining whether some were delayed elicitation reactions or late reactions of active sensitizations by patch testing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a 5-year retrospective study of patients tested with a metal series, and studied a subgroup who showed reactions to beryllium chloride.

RESULTS

A total of 1799 patients were patch tested, 62 of whom were also tested with a specific metal series; 12 of them reacted to beryllium chloride. Eight of the 12 patients showed reactions to other metals. Based on the time of positive reaction to beryllium chloride, three patterns emerged: (i) 3 patients showed positive reactions on D2-D4; (ii) 6 patients showed positive reactions between D7 and D10; and (iii) 3 patients showed positive reactions later than D10.

CONCLUSIONS

Contact allergy to beryllium chloride may not be as unusual as the literature suggests. In order to avoid undetected contact allergies, we recommend performing later readings, between D7 and D10, whenever patch testing is performed with beryllium chloride. Active sensitization may occur.

A pilot study on the content and the release of Ni and other allergenic metals from cheap earrings available on the Italian market

The capability of alloys used in cheap jewellery to release metal ions on contact with the skin causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is generally acknowledged. To reduce the diffusion of the Ni-induced ACD the Council Directive 94/27/EC [Council Directive 94/27/EC of 30 June 1994. Official Journal L 188, 22/07/1994, 1.] limited the total Ni content in alloys and its release rate in artificial sweat. In this work, three different aspects were explored: i) the frequency of skin sensitization to Ni-containing earrings in patients before and after the introduction of the Directive's limit; ii) metal composition of alloys by X-ray analysis; iii) metal leaching in artificial sweat followed by Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) quantification. Well-known allergenic metals, as Ni, Cr and Co, and possible emergent allergens, as Al, Ag, Au, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ir, Mn, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, Sn, V and Zn, were studied. Results showed that the frequency of allergy due to earrings did not decrease after the introduction of the Ni limit: in 1994 and in 2005 patients positive to Ni patch tests were 54.3% and 53.5%, respectively. The earring components analyzed were Fe-based or alloys of Cu/Zn or Fe/Cr/Ni, plated with a thin film of precious metal (Ag, Au) which, in several cases, was combined with a Ni layer beneath. Five out of 10 items were not in compliance with the Ni Directive 94/27/EC having a total Ni content >0.05%. In three cases the release of Ni concentrations was higher than the safe sensitizing limit given by the above mentioned Regulation (i.e., <0.5 microg/cm(2)/week). The release of Cu and Zn was very variable among the different pieces (Cu: 0.134-30.9 microg/cm(2)/week; Zn: 0.141-160 microg/cm(2)/week); two objects released high amounts of Fe (358 and 586 microg/cm(2)/week) and one released considerable Mn (21 microg/cm(2)/week). Lead was released from 70% of the objects, while Ag, Al, Cd, Co, Cr and Sn from ca. 30% of the items and concentrations of these elements were well below 0.5 microg/cm(2)/week. Vanadium was released by only one item whereas Au, Ir, Pd, Pt and Rh were never leached.

Palladium--a review of exposure and effects to human health

Palladium is a metal the output and use of which has more than doubled in the past ten years. It is used in dental appliances, chemical catalysts, electrical appliances and jewelry, but the greatest increase in Pd demand has been in automotive emission control catalysts. Studies on Pd concentrations in ancient ice and recent snow samples reflect the increase in mining, smelting and use of palladium in the last decades. Increases of palladium in the environment have been shown in air and dust samples. There is no data as yet available to assess the effect of this exposure. A major source of health concern is the sensitization risk of Pd as very low doses are sufficient to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Persons with known nickel allergy may be especially susceptible. Workers occupationally exposed to Pd include miners, dental technicians and chemical workers. The latter are exposed mainly to Pd salts several of which may cause primary skin and eye irritations. It is advised that persons with known Pd allergy should not work with Pd compounds. The general population may come into contact with palladium mainly through mucosal contact with dental restorations and jewelry containing palladium and possibly via emissions from Pd catalysts. Protection of the public from related adverse effects may be achieved by the use of alloys with high corrosion stability and thus minimal release of palladium. In general, in dental patients who are sensitive to Pd, restorations using Pd-containing materials should not be used although Pd has been used without allergic effects in some of these individuals. Further, those patients who have an allergy to nickel should be informed that use of Pd-containing dental materials may cause Pd allergy, though this risk appears to be low.

Prosthodontic biomaterials and adverse reactions: a critical review of the clinical and research literature

Prosthodontic biomaterials include impression materials, luting cements, and restorative materials. They consist of metals and alloys ceramics, and polymer materials and are retained in patients for <60 min or for decades. Oral release of compounds from biomaterials occurs, and adverse reactions may follow dental treatment. Especially in allergically vulnerable patients contact allergy may occur. There are reports from many different countries on contact allergy from gold/palladium alloys, components from polymer-based materials, chromium/cobalt alloys, and nickel. Notifications on adverse reactions in Norway, Sweden, and England are handled by a registry in which patient reactions and occupational exposure are recorded. Data from The Adverse Reaction Unit in Bergen and Umeå have been a most valuable basis in extending knowledge in a field of current interest in dentistry. A review of the clinical and research literature relating to prosthodontic biomaterials and adverse reactions shows that reliable methods seem necessary to expose the frequency of adverse reactions in general dentistry, including prosthodontic treatment.