AFM advanced modes for dental and biomedical applications. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burgo, ThiagoA.L.; Pereira, Gabriel Kalil Rocha; Iglesias, Bernardo Almeida; Moreira, Kelly S.; Valandro, Luiz Felipe
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials. Volume 136(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy -- Phase-contrast -- Kelvin force -- Force-distance spectroscopy -- Tribochemistry -- Biomedical applications; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105475
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-6161

Abstract

Abstract: Several analytical methods have been employed to elucidate bonding mechanisms between dental hard tissues, luting agents and restorative materials. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging that has been extensively used in materials science, but its full capabilities are poorly explored by dental research community. In fact, commonly used to obtain topographic images of different surfaces, it turns out that AFM is an underestimated technique considering that there are dozens of basic and advanced modes that are scarcely used to explain properties of biomaterials. Thus, this paper addresses the use of phase-contrast imaging, force-distance curves, nanomechanical and Kelvin probe force techniques during AFM analysis to explore topological, nanomechanical and electrical properties of Y-TZP samples modified by different surface treatments, which has been widely used to promote adhesive enhancements to such substrate. The AFM methods are capable of access erstwhile inaccessible properties of Y-TZP which allowed us to describe its adhesive properties correctly. Thus, AFM technique emerges as a key tool to investigate the complex nature of biomaterials and highlighting its inherent interdisciplinarity that can be successfully used for bridging fragmented disciplines such as solid-state physics, microbiology and dental sciences . Highlights: Many AFM advanced modes were revisited in this work, focusing on dental and biomedical applications. AFM basic and advanced modes were described with the intention to be useful for new users. Representative images were carefully chosen in order to exemplify what is worth discussing in AFM imaging. Fractal analysis and its relations with materials science is deeply discussed and demonstrated.