An in vitro evaluation of the relationship between stress and mineralization through the use of a piezoelectric barium titanate composite

Overview

Temple University In the United States, 55% of people over the age of 50 have either osteoporosis or low bone mass, both of which result from the human body’s failure to produce bone-strengthening minerals. Currently, these diseases are treated with hormonal therapy drugs that slow the loss of minerals, but at the expense of detrimental side effects. This study utilized a composite combining piezoelectric barium titanate nanoparticles (BTO), which turn stress into electricity, with a commercial resin used in both bone grafts and dental sealants for the potential of remineralizing bones. The calcium phosphate mineralization potential of the composite, resulting from the produced charges of the barium titanate, was quantifiably measured in relation to stress. The BTO composite successfully promoted mineralization in-vitro, and quantifiable amounts of mineral deposition were found. Finally, equations were fitted to data points in order to model the stress and mineralization relationship from 0-6.65 MPa of stress, and up to 30% surface coverage and 9 µm of mineral height. Therefore, the mineral deposits of the BTO composite were successfully quantified for specified stress values. Using the methods described in this study, piezoelectric materials can be used to provide targeted therapy for the millions with bone mineralization problems.