The Effect of carbon quantum dots on the microhardness and the morphological characteristics of human dental enamel: in vitro study

Main Article Content

Israa SM Alateya
Ahlam T Mohammed
Abdulrahman K Ali
Sule E Ela

Abstract

Background: Nanoparticles have been widely used in dentistry due to their numerous physical and biological benefits. Carbon quantum dots (CQD) are used in many biological applications due to their small size and low cytotoxicity. It is expected to improve the surface properties of tooth enamel against acid dissolution when applied at low concentrations. The objective: This study evaluated the effect of CQD solution on the microhardness and surface characteristics of sound and demineralized enamel surfaces. Material and Methods: The solution was prepared with laser ablation and then examined with UV light (325 mm). The distribution, size, and dimensions of particles were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron microscopes. Forty solid teeth (the first upper premolar) were prepared and divided into four groups (n=10). Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (Sound + CQD), Group 3 (Sound + CQD + Demineralization) and Group 3 (Sound+ Demineralization + CQD). The sample was immersed in the test solution for 4 minutes at 37 °C. The enamel microhardness was tested using Vickers microhardness testers, and the morphological characteristics were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Results: The CQD particles appear to be sphere-shaped with diameters of 2-10 nm and blue cyan light. After application of CQDs, the average microhardness value increased significantly (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Demineralized enamel (group 4) recorded a higher microhardness (p=0.006) than sound enamel (group 3) after CQD application. The treated surface was smooth and homogeneous, with a better crystal structure and closed pores than the untreated surface. Conclusion: The addition of CQDs had a profound effect on the sound surface hardness and demineralized enamel with enhanced morphological properties, which is considered an effective method for the prevention of dental disease.

Downloads

Article Details

Section

Research Articles

How to Cite

1.
Alateya IS, Mohammed AT, Ali AK, Ela SE. The Effect of carbon quantum dots on the microhardness and the morphological characteristics of human dental enamel: in vitro study . J Bagh Coll Dent [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 15 [cited 2025 Mar. 17];37(1):49-58. Available from: https://jbcd.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/jbcd/article/view/3910

References

Twetman S. Caries prevention with fluoride toothpaste in children: an update. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2009;10(3):162-

Cao Y, Mei ML, Li QL, Lo EC, Chu CH. Enamel prism-like tissue regeneration using enamel matrix derivative. Jou Dent. 2014;42(12):1535-42.

Wang Y, Mei L, Gong L, Li J, He S, Ji Y, Sun W. Remineralization of early enamel caries lesions using different bioactive elements containing toothpastes: An in vitro study. Technol Health Care. 2016;14;24(5):701-11.

Sudjalim TR, Woods MG, Manton DJ. Prevention of white spot lesions in orthodontic practice: a contemporary review. Aust Dent J. 2006;51(4):284-9.

Pitts NB, Zero DT, Marsh PD, Ekstrand K, Weintraub JA, Ramos-Gomez F, et al. A. Dental caries. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017;3: 17030.

Kadhem DJ, Al Haidar AM. Remineralization of Dentine Caries Using Moringa Oleifera Based Nano-Silver Fluoride: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial. Dent Hypotheses 2022;13(3):82-5.

Kadhim DR, Hamad TI, Fatalla AA. Use of Eggshells as Bone Grafts around Commercially Pure Titanium Implant Screws Coated with Nano Calcium Sulfate. International journal of biomaterials. 2022: 8722283.

Lutfi RB, Jassim WH. Improvement of Dental Composite Resin Using Supra-Nano Chicken thigh Bone Fibers. Ibn AL-Haitham Journal For Pure and Applied Sciences. 2003;36(2):156–170.

Mohammed HA, Fatalla AA. The effectiveness of chitosan nano-particles addition into soft denture lining material on Candida albicans adherence. Pak J Med Health Sci. 2020;14:3.

Hassan NM, Jafar ZJ, Abdul Latif MH. Nano-hydroxyapatite preparation for the remineralization of primary tooth enamel surface subjected to liquid medication: An observational study. Health Sci Rep. 2023;6(4):e1188.

Luaibi NM, Mohammed RA. Physiological and Hormonal Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Thyroid and Kidney Functions. Baghdad Sci. J. 2023;20(3):0767.

Lainovic T, Blazic L, Potran M. Nanotechnology in dentistry-current state and future perspectives. Serbian Dent J, 2012;59:44-50.

Rosenthal SJ, Chang C, Kovtun O, McBride JR, Tomlinson ID. Biocompatible quantum dots for biological applications. Chem boil. 2011;18(1):10-24.

Abd Rani U, Ng LY, Ng CY, Mahmoudi E. A review of carbon quantum dots and their applications in wastewater treatment. Adv Colloid Interface Sci. 2020;278:102124.

Singh I, Arora R, Dhiman H, Pahwa R. Carbon Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Characterization and Biomedical Applications. Turk J Pharm Sci. 2018;15(2):219.

Wang L, D’Alpino PH, Lopes LG, Pereira JC. Mechanical properties of dental restorative materials: relative contribution of laboratory tests. J Appl Oral Sci. 2003;11:162-67.

Andrejovská J, Petruš O, Medveď D, Vojtko M, Riznič M, Kizek P, et al. (2023). Hardness and indentation modulus of human enamel and dentin. Surface and Interface Analysis. 2022;55(4):270-278.

Vieira APGF, Hanocock R, Eggertsson H, Everett ET, Grynpas MD. Tooth quality in dental fluorosis: genetic and environmental factors. Calcif Tissue Int. 2005;76:17-25.

Sakar A, Guden M. Microhardness and fracture toughness of dental materials by indentation method. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2006;76(2):257-64.

Tanoue N, Soeno K, Kawasaki K, Atsuta M. Influence of acidulated phosphate fluoride solution on the color stability of indirect composites. J Prosthet Dent. 2004;92:343-47.

Al-Mamoori RMH, Al Haidar AHM. Effect of Resin Infiltration and Microabrasion on the Microhardness of the Artificial White Spot Lesions (An in Vitro Study). J. Bagh Coll Dent. 2022;34(1):44–50.

Featherstone J., Tencate M., Shariati J. & Arends J. Comparison of artificial caries like lesion by quantitative micro radiography and microhardness profiles. Caries Res Jou. 1986;17: 385- 391.

Siebert E, Warming T, Schliwa A, Stock E, Winkelnkemper M, Rodt S, et al. Spectroscopic access to single-hole energies in InAs/GaAs quantum dots. Physical Review B .2009;79(20):205321.

Navidfar A, Peker MI, Budak E, Unlu C, Trabzon L. Carbon quantum dots enhanced graphene/carbon nanotubes polyurethane hybrid nanocomposites. Composites Part B: Engineering. 2022;247:110310.

Sun YP, Zhou B, Lin Y, Wang W, Fernando KAS, Pathak P, et al. Quantum sized carbon dots for bright and colorful photoluminescence. J Am Chem Soc. 2006;128:7756-7.

Ali AK, Erten-Ela S, Ismail RA, Yavuz C. Preparation of blue luminescence gold quantum dots using laser ablation in aromatic solvents. Appl Nanosci. 2021;11:2779-91.

Alyamani A, Lemine OM. FE-SEM Characterization of Some Nanomaterial, in: V. Kazmiruk (ed.), Scanning Electron Microscopy, IntechOpen, London, 2012.

Malatesta M. Transmission Electron Microscopy as a Powerful Tool to Investigate the Interaction of Nanoparticles with Subcellular Structures. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(23):12789.

Parry J, Shaw L, Arnaud MJ, Smith AJ. Investigation of mineral waters and soft drinks in relation to dental erosion. J Oral Rehabil. 2001;28(8):766-772.

Al-Sayyab M. The potential effect of combined CO2 laser and fluoride on acid resistance of human dental enamel and root surfaces, An in vitro study. PhD thesis, Iraq, 2000.

Panich M, Poolthong S. The effect of casein phosphopeptide- amorphous calcium phosphate and a cola soft drink on in vitro enamel hardness. J Am Dent Assoc. 2009;140:455-60.

Jawad MK, Ali AF, Roomi AB. Effect of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes on the Microhardness of the Tooth Enamel. Indian J Med Forensic Med Toxicol. 2020;29;14(2):309-14.

Almarsomy DH, Al-Khayat FA, Al-Taee LA. The preventive/therapeutic effect of CO2 laser and MI Paste Plus® on intact and demineralised enamel against Streptococcus mutans (In Vitro Study). Heliyon. 2023;9(10):e20310.

Shubbar M, Addie A, Al-Taee L. The effect of a Bioactive oral system and CO2 laser on enamel susceptibility to acid challenge. Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;13(6):1087.

Ratih DN, Enggardipta RA, Kartikaningtyas AT. The effect of chitosan nanoparticle as a final irrigation solution on the smear layer removal, micro-hardness and surface roughness of root canal dentin. The Open Dent J. 2020;14(1).

Al_Bazaz FAM, Radhi NJ, Hubeatir KA, Alghazali MW. Effect of CO2 Laser and Selected Nanoparticles on The Microhardness of Human Dental Enamel In vitro Study. J Med Chem Sci. 2023; 6(7):1487-1497.

Williams JR. The Declaration of Helsinki and public health. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2008;86(8):650–652.

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.