Method for Obtaining Functionalised Polymer Particles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a precipitation polymerization method for obtaining spherical polymer particles of a copolymer with statistical topology and chemical structure (acid monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic)-co-(cross-linker selected from acrylic or methacrylic)-co-(hydroxylated monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic) and which are functionalised with a divalent cation selected from Zn.sup.+2, Ca.sup.+2, Mg.sup.+2 and Sr.sup.+2 and/or an antibacterial agent. The invention also relates to said polymeric particles. The invention further relates to a composition comprising the polymeric particles and to the use of the particles to produce a drug.

Claims

1. A method for obtaining functionalized polymeric particles comprising a copolymer with statistical topology and a chemical structure (acid monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic)-co-(cross-linking agent selected from acrylic or methacrylic)-co-(hydroxylated monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic) having particle dimensions of less than 1000 nm being functionalized with a divalent cation selected from Zn.sup.+2, Ca.sup.+2, Mg.sup.+2 and Sr.sup.+2, an antibacterial agent and/or any of the combinations thereof, characterized by being a precipitation polymerization comprising the following steps a) preparing a solution comprising: an acid monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic in a proportion of 0.05% and 10% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solution a cross-linking agent selected from acrylic or methacrylic in a proportion of 0.05% and 10% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solution a hydroxylated monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic in a proportion of 0.05% and 10% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solution a solvent comprising at least acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, butyronitrile, methyl ethyl ketone (butanone), ethyl acetate, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or a combination thereof, in a proportion between 80% and 99.8% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solution an initiator in a proportion of 0.01% and 2% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solution particles with fractal surface in a proportion of 0.009% and 2% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solution b) eliminating the oxygen present in the solution obtained in step (a); c) heating the solution obtained in (b) to a temperature between 30 C. and the boiling point of the solvent used in step (a); d) isolating the polymeric particles obtained in step (c), rinsing and drying; e) functionalizing the polymeric particles obtained in step (d) by means of incubating them in an aqueous solution comprising Zn.sup.+2, Ca.sup.+2, Mg.sup.+2, Sr.sup.+2 and/or an antibacterial agent to obtain a suspension, wherein the percentage by weight of the polymeric particles in the suspension is between 0.01% and 30%; and f) isolating the polymeric particles functionalized in step (e) and drying.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric particles have particle dimensions of less than 300 nm.

3. The method according to any of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymeric particles are spherical.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acid monomer of step (a) is selected from methacrylic acid (MA), acrylic acid (AA), 2-carboxyethyl acrylate, mono-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl maleate, 2-carboxyethyl acrylate oligomers, 2-bromoacrylic acid, 2-bromomethacrylic acid, 2-ethylacrylic acid, 2-propylacrylic acid and 2-trifluoromethyl acrylic acid.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cross-linking agent of step (a) is selected from ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA), 3-(acryloyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate, bisphenol A propoxylate diacrylate, 1,3-butanediol diacrylate, 1,4 butanediol diacrylate, 1,3-butanediol dimethacrylate, di(trimethylpropane) tetracrylate, diurethane dimethacrylate, glycerol 1,3-diglycerolate diacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, glycerol propoxylate (1PO/OH) triacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, pentaerythritol diacrylate monostearate, pentaerythritol tetra-acrylate and trimethylolpropane propoxylate triacrylate.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hydroxylated monomer of step (a) is selected from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, hydroxybutyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the solvent of step (a) is pure and is selected from acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, butyronitrile, methyl ethyl ketone (butanone), ethyl acetate, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and a combination thereof.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the initiator of step (a) is selected from 2,2-azobis(2-methylpropionnitrile) (AIBN), 1,1azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) (ACHN), 2,2-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) 2,2-dihydrochloride (AAPH), 4,4-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) (ACVA), tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, 2,5-di(tert-butylperoxide)-2,5-dimethyl-3-hexyne, dicumyl peroxide and 2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxide)-2,5-dimethylhexane.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the particles with fractal surface of step (a) are SiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2O.sub.3 nuclei with a particle size of between 1 nm and 400 nm.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the particle size of the SiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2O.sub.3 nuclei is between 1 nm and 50 nm.

11. The method according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the antibacterial agent of step (e) is selected from the list comprising tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline hyclate, doxycycline hydrochloride, 4-epi-chlortetracycline hydrochloride, neomycin, gentamycin, tobramycin, macrolides, penicillins, vancomycin, cephalosporins and non-toxic antiseptics for oral use chlorhexidine digluconate or chlorhexidine acetate.

12. Polymer particles obtained by means of the method described according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein said particles comprise a copolymer with statistical topology and a chemical structure (acid monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic)-co-(cross-linking agent selected from acrylic or methacrylic)-co-(hydroxylated monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic) have particle dimensions of less than 1000 nm are functionalized with a divalent cation selected from Zn.sup.+2, Ca.sup.+2, Mg.sup.+2 and Sr.sup.+2, an antibacterial agent and/or any of the combinations thereof.

13. The particles according to claim 12, wherein the particle dimensions are less than 300 nm.

14. A composition comprising the particles according to any of claim 12 or 13.

15. A pharmaceutically-acceptable composition according to any of claim 12 or 13.

16. A use of the particles according to claim 12 for the manufacture of a medicament.

17. The use according to claim 16, for the manufacture of a medicament for the remineralization of the dentin, wherein the particles are functionalized with at least one divalent cation selected from Zn.sup.+2, Ca.sup.+2, Mg.sup.+2 and Sr.sup.+2.

18. The use according to claim 16, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of bacterial infections of the root dentin, wherein the particles are functionalized with at least one antibacterial agent.

19. The use according to claim 16, for the manufacture of a medicament for the remineralization of the dentin and for the treatment and/or prevention of bacterial infections of the root dentin, wherein the particles are functionalized with at least one divalent cation selected from Zn.sup.+2, Ca.sup.+2, Mg.sup.+2 and Sr.sup.+2 and with at least one antibacterial agent.

20. The use according to claim 16, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of the hypersensitivity of the dentin.

21. The use according to claim 16, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of infectious recurrences following an endodontic intervention.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0123] FIG. 1. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the particles obtained by precipitation polymerization in glass vials (A) and in Nalgene (plastic) bottles (B).

[0124] FIG. 2. Optical microscope image of the particles obtained in glass vials.

[0125] FIG. 3. Comparison of particle sizes and the polydispersity index PDI for the polymeric particles obtained by means of precipitation polymerization carried out in Nalgene plastic bottles and in glass vials.

[0126] FIG. 4. Comparison of particle sizes and the polydispersity index (PDI) for the particles obtained by means of precipitation polymerization carried out in Nalgene plastic bottles in presence of increasing quantities of glass.

[0127] FIG. 5. Optical microscope images of the particles obtained in the presence of the inorganic nanoparticles NTI4 (A) and NTI5 (B).

[0128] FIG. 6. Size of the polymeric particles and the polydispersity index (PDI) values vs. concentration of inorganic nanoparticles NTI4 present in the polymerization medium.

[0129] FIG. 7. Optical microscope images of the polymeric particles obtained by precipitation polymerization in the presence of the inorganic nanoparticles NTI4-F (A), NTI4-G (B) and NTI4-H (C).

[0130] FIG. 8. Scanning electron microscope images of the polymeric particles of 1500 nm obtained in toluene (A), of 250 nm obtained in acetonitrile (B), of 600 nm obtained in a mixture of acetonitrile/2-propanol/toluene using the following fractions in volume of each solvent .sub.Toluene=0.73 .sub.Acetonitrile=0.25 .sub.2-propanol=0.02 (C) of 1200 nm obtained in a mixture of acetonitrile/2-propanol/toluene using the following fractions in volume .sub.Toluene=0.035 .sub.Acetonitrile=0.90 .sub.2-propanol=0.015 (D) and macrogels obtained in 2-propanol (E).

[0131] FIG. 9. (A) Average values and standard deviation (SD) of doxycycline release (g/mL per mg of Dox particles) at each time interval. (B) Doxycycline release (%) per mg of Dox particles at each time interval.

[0132] FIG. 10. Survival of P. gingivalis (number of viable cells) after incubation with the different particles at different time intervals. The survival value after incubation in phosphate buffer is used as the reference control in all cases.

[0133] FIG. 11 A) Scanning electron microscope (FESEM) image of the untreated cervical dentin, after 7 days of storage. After this period, some small crystals or mineral deposits (indicated with arrows) were found in the intertubular and peritubular dentin (ID and PD respectively). All the rest of the surface appears free of mineral deposits. B) Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) image of the cervical dentin treated with Zn particles after 7 days of storage. The surface of the dentin exhibited clustered non-crystalline mineral deposits as a dense network of calcium phosphates with rounded (asterisks) or amorphous (arrows) shapes with no observation of the tubules. The spectra obtained of these deposits by way of the analysis of dispersive energy shows an elemental composition of phosphorous (P) and calcium (Ca).

[0134] FIG. 12. Percentage of reduction to the dentin fluid flow (DFF) as a function of the samples analyzed at 24 hours and 7 days.

[0135] FIG. 13. A) Average values and standard deviation of nanohardness (Hi) (GPa) on the cervical dentin surfaces both in the peritubular and intertubular area after the application of the different functionalized polymeric particles to the experimental groups at 24 hours and 7 days. B) Young's elasticity modulus (Ei) (GPa) on the cervical dentin surfaces both in the peritubular and intertubular area after the application of different functionalized polymeric particles to the experimental groups at 24 hours and 7 days.

EXAMPLES

[0136] The invention will be illustrated below by means of tests carried out by the inventors which reveal the effectiveness of the product of the invention.

Example 1: Synthesis of Polymeric Particles of Functionalized MA-Co-EDMA-Co-HEMA

[0137] Spherical polymeric particles of MA-co-EDMA-co-HEMA were prepared by means of precipitation polymerization with thermal initiation using the following monomeric system: 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methacrylic acid (MA) and the cross-linking agent ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA); in acetonitrile (ANC), using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the thermal initiator.

[0138] The composition of the supply for the precipitation polymerization reaction as well as the experimental conditions used in the reaction are shown in the following Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Starting composition and experimental conditions [EDMA] mol/L 0.063 [MAA] mol/L 0.081 [HEMA] mol/L 0.036 [AIBN] mg/mL 0.65 T .sub.reaction ( C.) 82 % monomers vs solvent (m/m) 4

[0139] Before carrying out the polymerizations, the monomers were purified and once the solutions with the monomers and the initiator were prepared, the systems were cooled and purged with N.sub.2 for 5 mins with the aim of eliminating the O.sub.2 present in the medium. The reactions were carried out at 82 C. in an oil bath with temperature control. Once the polymerizations had finished, the particles were centrifuged, the supernatant was eliminated by decantation, they were rinsed 3 times with 30 ml of methanol and they were dried in a vacuum oven at 70 C. to constant weight; once dried, suspensions thereof were prepared in MeOH and the particle sizes were measured by means of the dynamic light scattering technique (DLS) using a Zetasizer Nano ZS90 device from the company Malvern.

[0140] When the precipitation polymerization is carried out in vials of different composition, different diameters are surprisingly obtained for the spherical particles of MA-co-EDMA-co-HEMA.

[0141] A first experiment consisted of carrying out the invention in a 20 ml glass vial and in a 100 ml Nalgene plastic bottle.

[0142] The Nalgene plastic brand is a highly inert plastic resistant to chemical and physical agents designed for carrying out chemical reactions at high pressure and temperature.

[0143] In order to corroborate the difference in the particle size obtained as a function of the recipient used (glass vial or Nalgene plastic bottle), the syntheses were repeated 5 times in each one of the recipients, the following results being obtained [0144] an average particle size of 21025 nm for the reactions carried out in glass with a polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.0040.001 and a yield (R) of 659%. Note that the yields were calculated as the percentage by weight of the particles obtained with respect to the weight of monomers used in the supply. [0145] For the synthesis carried out in Nalgene plastic bottles, particles sizes of 88050 were obtained with a PDI of 0.10.035 and a yield of 678%

[0146] FIG. 1 shows scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the spherical polymeric particles obtained by precipitation polymerization in glass vials (A) and in Nalgene (plastic) bottles (B).

[0147] FIG. 2 shows an optical microscope image of highly monodisperse spherical polymeric particles obtained in glass vial and shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 of the optical microscopy, it can be observed how the polymeric particles, when dried, produce a cracked surface formed by macrostructures of approximately 1030 m in the form of a compact bundling and increased monodispersity.

[0148] The following experiment consisted of the study of the particle size and of the polydispersity index (PDI) as a function of the reaction time in both recipients (20 ml glass vials and 100 ml Nalgene plastic bottles). The reaction times selected were: 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 210 and 360 mins. The cloud times, that is to say, the time required to visually observe turbidity in the system due to the formation of the first nuclei in suspension, occur in both cases at approximately 10 mins of reaction. The reactions were stopped by rapid cooling and exposure to oxygen; the particle sizes and polydispersity index values were subsequently measured by DLS.

[0149] In FIG. 3, the results obtained in this experiment are represented.

[0150] In FIG. 3, the comparison between the particles sizes obtained carrying out the polymerizations in 100 ml Nalgene plastic bottles: black lines: size () and yield (), and in 20 ml glass vials: gray lines: size () and yield () (A), comparison between the values of the polydispersity index PDI for the polymerizations carried out in Nalgene bottles: black line () and in glass; gray line () (B) is shown.

[0151] In FIG. 3A, it can be observed how the yields are the same in both systems (glass and plastic) and how the polymeric particles synthesized in glass are smaller and extremely monodisperse. It can be concluded that the reduction of the particle size is not produced by an inhibition of the polymerization at early stages due to the system used.

[0152] In order to corroborate that the lixiviation of any component of the glass produces the reduction of the particle size, three replicas of the polymerization were carried out in Nalgene plastic bottles to which broken and milled glasses at a size of 3-5 mm coming from glass vials had been added. Once the polymerization was finished, the glass was removed, the particles were rinsed three times with MeOH and the size thereof was measured by DLS, an average value of 19015 nm being obtained, with a polydispersity index of 0.00260.0008 and a yield of 656% being obtained. In view of these results, we can confirm that it is the lixiviation of any component of the glass which produces a reduction of the particle size and the polydispersity index in the precipitation polymerization reaction.

[0153] The predominant composition of the glasses is silica SiO.sub.2 in a proportion between 70% and 95%. Pure silica melts at a very high temperature, therefore, the glasses with a high content of SiO.sub.2 are difficult to process and are expensive; for this reason, different additives are used to lower the melting temperature and reduce the cost of the production process which, in turn, modifies the mechanical properties of the glasses, making them more fluid, more fragile, brittle, porous, etc. The following additives stand out: CaO, Na.sub.2O, K.sub.2O, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, MgO, etc. It is in the cooling processes of the glasses where nucleation phenomena are produced capable of producing nanometric SiO.sub.2 nuclei which are trapped in the structure of the glass and which therefore can lixiviate when the glasses are exposed to different liquid mediums.

[0154] The following experiment intended to determine the minimum quantity of glass required to obtain particles with diameters less than 300 nm. To this end, polymerizations by precipitation reactions were carried out like those mentioned previously in Nalgene plastic bottles which contained different quantities of glass coming from 20 ml glass vials, in the reaction medium. Table 2 shows the results of this experiment.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Particle size vs. quantity of glass added in the reaction. Glass Polymeric Experi- mass particle Polydispersity ment (g) size (nm) index PDI Yield (%) 1 26 212 10 0.006 0.004 69 7 2 20 243 15 0.002 0.008 67 10 3 15 255 18 0.034 0.022 67 10 4 10 301 9 0.044 0.009 67 10 5 5 441 12 0.009 0.005 64 9 6 2 665 25 0.067 0.006 65 10

[0155] FIG. 4 shows the particle size and the polydispersity index (PDI) for the polymeric particles obtained by means of precipitation polymerization carried out in Nalgene plastic bottles in presence of growing quantities of glass.

[0156] In FIG. 4, it can be observed how 15 g of glass is sufficient for the particle size to be below 300 nm. In addition, in said FIG. 4, it can be observed how, for all cases, the values of the polydispersity index are extremely low, indicating a very high monodispersity of the particles obtained. The particles obtained in this experiment with sizes below 300 nm exhibited similar structures to those of FIG. 2 under the optical microscope.

[0157] With the aim of identifying whether the component of the glass which lixiviates and produces the reduction of the particle size and of the polydispersity index PDI in precipitation polymerization, are the nanometric SiO.sub.2 nuclei, the precipitation polymerization was carried out in Nalgene plastic vials in the same experimental conditions as in the previous cases and in the presence of a fixed quantity of different types of inorganic nanoparticles based on TiO.sub.2 of which only one of them is covered with SiO.sub.2.

[0158] The inorganic nanoparticles used in this experiment are detailed below: [0159] NTI-1: Anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2), purity: 99.5%, particle size: 20 nm, supplied by io-li-tec nanomaterials. [0160] NTI-2: Rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2), particle size: 10 nm distributed by Dupont. [0161] NTI-3: Rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2), purity 99.5%, particle size 10-30 nm, supplied by io-li-tec nanomaterials. [0162] NTI-4: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) 99% covered with silicone dioxide (SiO2), particle size: 20-40 nm, supplied by io-li-tec nanomaterials. [0163] NTI-5: Rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2), purity 99.5% with traces of basic metals, particle size <100 nm, supplied by io-li-tec nanomaterials.

[0164] The results of this experiment are shown in Table 3.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Results of the polymerization in the presence of different inorganic nanoparticles based on TiO.sub.2. Polymeric Nano- Concen- particle size Poly- Reaction particles tration obtained dispersity yield Inorganic (mg/mL) (nm) index PDI (%) NTI1 0.0225 2318 45 0.079 0.052 63 10 NTI2 0.0513 902 30 0.087 0.032 60 9 NTI3 0.0525 967 32 0.199 0.100 61 10 NTI4 0.0538 805 25 0.081 0.040 63 10 NTI5 0.0465 1264 47 0.055 0.028 62 11

[0165] As is shown in Table 3, at the concentrations of inorganic nanoparticles used, the sizes of the polymeric particles obtained are greater than 300 nm.

[0166] FIG. 5 shows optical microscope images of the polymeric particles synthesized in the presence of the inorganic nanoparticles NTI4 (A) and NTI5 (B), where it can be seen how said polymeric particles have a high monodispersibility and compact bundling. The sample comprising inorganic nanoparticles NTI4 corresponds to TiO.sub.2 nanoparticles covered with SiO.sub.2.

[0167] The following experiment consisted of testing the effect of the concentration of inorganic nanoparticles on the particle size. The results are shown in Table 4.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Polymeric particles size as a function of the nature of the inorganic particle and the concentration of said inorganic nanoparticles in the precipitation polymerization reaction. Nano- Concen- Polymeric particles tration particle size Polydispersity Inorganic (mg/mL) (nm) index PDI Yield (%) PRECIPITATION POLYMERIZATION IN THE PRESENCE OF NTI-1 NTI1-A 0.023 2150 22 0.080 0.050 65 10 NTI1-B 0.112 1825 32 0.123 0.080 65 9 NTI1-C 0.145 1720 25 0.056 0.042 65 10 NTI1-D 0.210 1750 42 0.140 0.085 66 10 NTI1-E 0.320 1500 52 0.127 0.100 63 11 NTI1-F 0.408 1550 28 0.095 0.042 65 12 NTI1-G 0.523 1420 35 0.120 0.070 65 10 NTI1-H 0.640 1324 40 0.086 0.023 62 10 PRECIPITATION POLYMERIZATION IN THE PRESENCE OF NTI-2 NTI2-A 0.023 810 15 0.085 0.052 65 10 NTI2-B 0.103 828 23 0.145 0.096 64 12 NTI2-C 0.154 809 30 0.026 0.010 64 10 NTI2-D 0.205 833 42 0.030 0.020 64 10 NTI2-E 0.310 1021 41 0.098 0.005 61 9 NTI3-F 0.410 1058 28 0.123 0.067 64 10 NTI3-G 0.542 1123 33 0.130 0.096 63 10 NTI3-H 0.650 1210 58 0.120 0.052 65 10 PRECIPITATION POLYMERIZATION IN THE PRESENCE OF NTI-3 NTI3-A 0.025 1825 60 0.063 0.052 69 10 NTI3-B 0.110 1735 45 0.122 0.095 65 12 NTI3-C 0.150 1523 52 0.085 0.023 65 10 NTI3-D 0.210 1350 25 0.123 0.094 68 7 NTI3-E 0.320 1148 39 0.145 0.100 62 10 NTI3-F 0.420 1129 58 0.110 0.095 63 11 NTI3-G 0.528 1123 24 0.096 0.071 65 9 NTI3-H 0.635 1138 36 0.085 0.006 63 10 PRECIPITATION POLYMERIZATION IN THE PRESENCE OF NTI-4 NTI4-A 0.027 896 25 0.060 0.035 66 10 NTI4-B 0.108 693 22 0.063 0.023 64 12 NTI4-C 0.161 482 15 0.035 0.012 64 10 NTI4-D 0.215 435 32 0.002 0.001 64 9 NTI4-E 0.323 368 42 0.007 0.003 63 10 NTI4-F 0.430 328 28 0.004 0.002 63 10 NTI4-G 0.538 280 31 0.063 0.023 62 11 NTI4-H 0.645 233 19 0.095 0.0082 62 10

[0168] In light of the results obtained, it can be seen that only when inorganic nanoparticles NTI4 are used at concentrations below 0.430 mg/mL (0.053% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solution) are polymeric particles with sizes less than 300 nm obtained. Note that the inorganic nanoparticles NTI4 are precisely the TiO.sub.2 nanoparticles covered with SiO.sub.2, therefore, we can confirm that the SiO.sub.2 nanometric nuclei are responsible for the reduction of the polymeric particle size and, in turn, the decrease of the polydispersity index values. We can conclude that the lixiviated nuclei are mainly SiO.sub.2 nanometric nuclei.

[0169] In FIG. 6, it can be seen how the size of the polymeric particles and the polydispersity index (PDI) values vs. concentration of inorganic nanoparticles NTI4 present in the polymerization medium decrease.

[0170] FIG. 7 shows optical microscope images of the polymeric particles obtained using the inorganic nanoparticles NTI4-F (A), NTI4-G (B) and NTI4-H (C). Highly monodisperse polymeric particles in the form of a compact bundling are observed.

[0171] In addition, in FIG. 7, it can be seen that the optimal concentration of inorganic nanoparticles NTI4 is from 0.538 mg/ml (NTI4-G) resulting in a polymeric particle size of 28031 nm; based on said concentration, an excess of TiO.sub.2 inorganic nanoparticles covered with SiO.sub.2 can be observed which are deposited on the surface of the polymeric particles which they form.

[0172] The SiO.sub.2 nuclei coming from the glass are highly porous, hydrophilic inorganic materials with increased specific surface and considered fractal surfaces. Said SiO.sub.2 nuclei have a high affinity for the polymers used in this synthesis; the strength of the SiO.sub.2 polymer interactions are much greater than the polymer-polymer, polymer-solvent and solvent-SiO.sub.2 interactions, which reduces the energy barrier of the nucleation due to the surface energy almost to zero which would mean that the phase separations are only produced on the surface of these SiO.sub.2 primary nuclei coming from the glass. Therefore, if said SiO.sub.2 nuclei are maintained at a suitable concentration in the reaction medium, when the polymeric chains reach the maximum molecular weight which can be produced in solution, the phase separation mainly takes place on the SiO.sub.2 nuclei, thus drastically reducing the particle size; the polymeric particle size obtained is thereby much smaller and the resulting polymeric particles are highly monodisperse (see FIG. 1). The particle size is reduced up to 4 times with respect to the particle size obtained in precipitation polymerization in the absence of SiO.sub.2 nuclei (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 6). We can conclude that by controlling the concentration of SiO.sub.2 nuclei in suspension we can modulate the polymeric particle size and obtain monodisperse particle populations.

[0173] In addition, if we compare the values of the polydispersity index obtained in the precipitation polymerization in the presence and absence of SiO.sub.2 nuclei, it can be concluded that the values of the polydispersity index in the presence of SiO.sub.2 nuclei are very low.

[0174] In addition, FIG. 8 shows how when the precipitation polymerization is carried out in different solvents or mixtures thereof, the particle size changes depending on the type of solvent/mixture used. If the polymerization reaction is carried out in pure solvents with a high value of the Hansen solubility parameter to form a hydrogen bridge (.sub.h) such as alcohols, the polymeric chains of the copolymer are maintained solvated up to high conversion values, amorphous macrogels being obtained; if the polymerization reaction is carried out in pure solvents with a high value of the Hansen solubility parameter to provide dispersive strengths (.sub.d) such as apolar solvents (toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, octane, heptane, hexane, etc.), 1500 nm diameter non-spherical particles formed by aggregation/coagulation of smaller particles are obtained (see FIG. 8); if the polymerization reaction is carried out in pure solvents with an increased value of the Hansen solubility parameter to provide polar interactions (.sub.p) (such as acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, butyronitrile, etc.) particles of between 250 and 500 nm are obtained; if the polymerization reaction is carried out in mixtures (e.g. acetonitrile/2-propanol/toluene) of the three types of solvents in which the value of each one of the Hansen solubility parameters can be modulated preferably in mixtures of acetonitrile/2-propanol/toluene, particles sizes of between 600 nm and 2500 nm can be obtained.

[0175] To functionalize with Zn.sup.+2, Ca.sup.+2 or doxycycline, the polymeric particles obtained in the presence of SiO.sub.2 nuclei are suspended in aqueous solutions of ZnCl.sub.2, CaCl.sub.2) and/or doxycycline, are maintained under agitation for the time required so that the functionalization is produced, which can be from a few hours to days: time required for reaching the adsorption balance). They are then centrifuged and dried in a vacuum oven to constant weight. Specific examples of polymeric particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2, Ca.sup.+2 or doxycycline are shown below.

Example 2: Polymeric Particles Functionalized with Doxycycline to Prevent or Treat Infectious Recurrences after Endodontic Interventions

[0176] The polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline can be obtained by functionalizing the polymeric particles previously obtained with a broad spectrum antibiotic, effective against bacteria commonly found in root canals (doxycycline). The polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline are capable of slowly releasing the antibiotic over more than 28 days and at an effective dose as is shown below:

[0177] To functionalize with doxycycline, the spherical particles with size less than 300 nm obtained previously in the presence of SiO.sub.2 nuclei, the following protocol is followed:

[0178] 30 mg of polymeric particles with size less than 300 nm were submerged in 18 mL of aqueous solution of doxycycline hyclate (Sigma-Aldrich, Darmstadt, Germany) at a concentration of 40 mg/mL, over 4 hours, under continuous agitation. The suspensions were then centrifuged, the particles were separated from the supernatant and were dried in a vacuum oven to constant weight.

[0179] The quantity of doxycycline in the aqueous solution before the immersion of the polymeric particles with size less than 300 nm and in the supernatant, after the incubation of the polymeric particles in the solution of doxycycline was analyzed by high resolution liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Waters Alliance 2690, Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass., USA), technology equipped with a UV-Vis detector. A binary mobile phase was used formed by two solvents A and B in the manner of an isocratic elution with a proportion of 80:20 (A:B). The mobile phase A was an aqueous solution of KHPO.sub.4 50 mM and the mobile phase B 100% acetonitrile. The flow used was from 1.0 ml/min and the total analysis time was 10 min. The retention time was 4.85 min. The doxycycline concentration was calculated based on a standard curve with known levels of doxycycline, measuring the absorbency at 273 nm.

[0180] The release profile of doxycycline coming from the polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline was evaluated after incubating polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline at 37 C. in 1 mL of saline solution buffered with phosphate buffer (pH=7.4). After the incubation process, 100 L aliquots were collected at the time intervals: 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and 28 days. After each supernatant collection process, fresh buffer was added to the polymeric particle suspensions with size less than 300 nm. The aliquots were stored at 20 C. until analysis. All the experiments were carried out three times.

[0181] The quantity of doxycycline found in the solution after the immersion and incubation of the polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline was 399.5 g/ml (per mg of NP) which shows load efficacy of approximately 70%.

[0182] In FIG. 9A, the release values of doxycycline (in g/ml) are shown for each mg of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline for each time interval studied (average values and standard deviation).

[0183] At 12 hours, the doxycycline release was 121 g/ml (per mg of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline). A rapid release effect of doxycycline at greater doses was observed from 12 hours to the first week of storage.

[0184] After 7 hours, the antibiotic release was slower and greater than 20 g/ml (per mg of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline).

[0185] After 14 days, the doxycycline release was practically maintained stable, being 9, 8 and 6 g/ml (per mg of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline) at 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively.

[0186] FIG. 9B shows the accumulated release of doxycycline over 28 days.

[0187] According to the data, the doxycycline is released sustainably at least over 28 days, with a rapid release effect at 24 hours. For any time period of the studies, the dose released is much greater than that considered effective against Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg).

[0188] Table 6 shows all the data of doxycycline release: release of doxycycline (g/mL per mg of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline) at each time point, accumulated release of doxycycline in each time frame (g/mL per mg of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline) and also, the accumulated release in %.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 6 Doxycycline release data per mg of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline. Accumulated Accumulated Release release release Time (g dox/mL) (g dox/mL) (%) 12 h 121.129 121.129 30 24 h 106.598 227.727 57 48 h 45.808 273.535 68 7 d 21.0805 294.6155 74 14 d 9.1065 303.722 76 21 d 8.185 311.907 78 28 d 6.323 318.23 80

[0189] The average bacterial susceptibility to doxycycline is around 0.1 to 0.2 g/mL and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to which PG is susceptible is 6 g/mL. Doxycycline acts against PG inhibiting the synthesis of various microbial proteins. Doxycycline is bonded to ribosome to avoid the synthesis of RNA since it prevents the addition of more amino acids to the polypeptide. Doxycycline also causes a powerful and lasting inhibition of the metalloproteases of the dentin matrix which are related to chronic inflammation processes and the abysses at apicial level. Therefore, the long-term administration of a subantimicrobial dose of doxycycline can be considered an effective treatment for periodontal and periapical inflammation even when it does not induce antimicrobial effects on the subgingival microflora.

[0190] The levels of doxycycline release found can have antibacterial effects not only for Pg, but also for other bacteria present in the human subgingival plaque. Doxycycline at a concentration of between 0.5 and 1 g/mL is bactericidal against different Pg strains and at a concentration of between 0.1 and 6.0 g/mL it is effective against putative periodontal pathogens. It is important to point out that the evaluated polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline are capable of releasing more than 6.2 g/ml even after 28 days.

[0191] The data herein outlined in terms of doxycycline release shows a sustained release and much more effective than other release systems tested up to now, such as for example a doxycycline formulation incorporated in a cellulose acetate matrix studied by Tonetti [Tonetti M S, Lang N P, Cortellini P, Suvan J E, Eickholz P, Fourmousis I, Topoll H, Vangsted T, Wallkamm B. Effects of a single topical doxycycline administration adjunctive to mechanical debridement in patients with persistent/recurrent periodontitis but acceptable oral hygiene during supportive periodontal therapy. J Clin Periodontol 2012; 39(5):475-482].

[0192] In the work by Kim et al. [Kim T S, Brklin T, Schacher B, Ratka-Krger P, Schaecken M T, Renggli H H, Fiehn W, Eickholz P. Pharmacokinetic profile of a locally administered doxycycline gel in crevicular fluid, blood, and saliva. J Periodontol 2002; 73(11):1285-1291], the formulation of a biodegradable doxycycline gel and a release capacity of 20 mg/mL of doxycycline at 15 minutes which is reduced to 577 g/mL after 3 days and to 16 g/mL at 12 days are described.

[0193] In [Deasy P B, Collins A E, MacCarthy D J, Russell R J. Use of strips containing tetracycline hydrochloride or metronidazole for the treatment of advanced periodontal disease. J Pharm Pharmacol 1989; 41(10):694-699], the use of tetracycline hydrochloride together with poly(hydroxybutyric acid) to produce a biodegradable polymeric matrix is described, which showed a sustained release for slightly more than 5 days, with a rapid release effect at a very significant high dose during the first 24 hours.

[0194] In general, all the materials previously published can release doxycycline in greater concentrations but in very short periods of time which denotes uncontrolled rapid release effects in very short time. The polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline (polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline) are capable of slowly releasing the antibiotic over more than 28 days and at an effective dose.

[0195] The experiment carried out to show the antibacterial efficiency of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline (polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline) against Pg in planktonic culture is described below.

[0196] The bacteria Pg 33277 were obtained from ATCC (Bethesda, Md.). The anaerobic microorganism Pg was cultivated in a tryptic soy medium supplemented with yeast extract (5 g/L), hemin (5 mg/L), menadione (1 mg/L) in an anaerobic recipient (80% N.sub.2, 10% 002, 10% H.sub.2) over 72 hours. The bacteria were collected by centrifugation and resuspended in the same culture medium. The number of bacteria per mL was determined by measuring the optical density at 600 nm and adjusting it to a standard bacteria suspension of 110.sup.7 CFU/ml.

[0197] The polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline and a control formed by polymeric particles without functionalization were suspended in saline phosphate buffer at three different concentrations (10 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 0.1 mg/ml). The suspensions were placed in Eppendorf tubes with bacteria cultures (110.sup.7 CFU/ml for each 0.45 ml of suspension) and were incubated for 3, 12, 24 and 48 hours at 37 C. At the end of each incubation period, the effect on the bacteria was evaluated and is described below. All the experiments were carried out in anaerobiosis conditions and the viability of the bacterial cells was evaluated determining the capacity thereof to transform a tetrazolium salt (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) in the colorant formazan (Sigma Chemical Co.). The different bacterial suspensions were placed in a 96-well microplate. The MTT marking reactive was added to each culture well and the plates were incubated for 4 h at 37 C. After incubation, a solubilizing reactive was added, provided by the manufacturer and then incubated again over night at room temperature.

[0198] In order to evaluate the number of viable bacterial cells, a spectroscopic determination was carried out of the purple color coming from the colorant formazan produced from MTT by the viable bacterial cells. To this end, readings were taken at 560 nm, using an ELISA reader (Spectrostar Nano, BMG Labtech, Cary, N.C., USA.) [Banzi et al., 2014]. As a control parameter, an incubated bacteria culture was used without the presence of particles only in phosphate buffer.

[0199] All the tests were carried out three times. The data were expressed as average standard deviation and were analyzed by means of ANOVA analysis and the Scheffe F method for post hoc comparisons.

[0200] In FIG. 10, the survival values are shown expressed as numbers of viable Pg cells following incubation after 3, 12, 24 and 48 h of exposure to polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline, unfunctionalized polymeric particles and phosphate buffer as control.

[0201] The polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline showed a bacterial reduction of between 77.5 to 98.8% in the different concentrations and incubation times tested. At 24 hours, all the concentrations tested of polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline reached more than 98% of bacterial death. After 48 hours of incubation, these values were reduced to 80.3%, 94.8% and 96.4% (concentrations of 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/ml respectively).

[0202] The advantage of the polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline herein described is the long-lasting release effect of the antibacterial and the association of two beneficial effects: 1) antibacterial effect 2) inhibition of the metalloproteases. It is a simple formulation to apply and is compatible with all the materials used for filling the root canal. It is expected that the application of this formulation in the root canal reduces/prevents/resolves, to a large extent, the infectious recurrences and the need for secondary surgical interventions subsequent to the endodontic interventions. Since the biocompatibility of the polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline is greater than 90% with human fibroblasts, these polymeric particles functionalized with doxycycline may be a very useful tool when endodontic revascularization techniques are used. An additional application of these particles is the topical administration in the dentin. They can close the dentin tubules, inhibit the metalloproteases of the dentin and restore the mechanical properties of the dentin interface.

Example 3: Polymeric Particles Functionalized with Zinc and with Calcium for the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity

[0203] The polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 are capable of being administered topically on the surface of the dentin, they are bonded to proteins of the dentin matrix (collagen) and facilitate the remineralization thereof by way of the slow release of said ions and the attraction of calcium and phosphate which contain the biological fluids.

[0204] The polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 were obtained in the following manner: 30 mg of polymeric particles were submerged at room temperature for 3 days under continuous agitation in aqueous solutions of ZnCl.sub.2 or CaCl.sub.2), with zinc or calcium concentrations of 40 mg/L, at pH 6.5 with the aim of achieving the adsorption balance of the metallic ions. The suspensions were then centrifuged and the particles were separated from the supernatant and were dried in a vacuum oven to constant weight. The values achieved in the ion bond were 0.960.04 g particles Ca/mg and 2.150.05 g particles Zn/mg. The release capacity of the calcium and zinc ions was measured after incubating the polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 in 5 mL of bidistilled water at 37 C. After this incubation step, 5 mL aliquots were collected at the following time intervals: 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 21 days 28 days. After each collection of supernatant, 5 mL of fresh bidistilled water was added. The aliquots were stored at 20 C. until the analysis thereof. The concentrations of calcium and zinc were analyzed by way of a spectrometer (ICP-OES) (ICP-OES Optima 8300, Perkin-Elmer, MA, USA.). All the tests were carried out three times.

[0205] The release results (average and standard deviation) of the Ca.sup.2+ and Zn.sup.2+ ions are shown in Table 7, the values expressed as g of ion released per 10 mg of polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 at each time point.

[0206] The calcium release varied from 0.856 to 1.007 g over the first week. This calcium release doubled after 21 days, being around 2 g. The polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2 maintained a sustained zinc release which varied from 0.021 to 0.025 g between 12 hours and 21 days. A double increase was observed in day 28 when 0.044 g was released.

[0207] Taking into account the initial cation load for every 10 mg of polymeric particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2: 9.60.4 g Ca.sup.2+ and polymeric particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2: 21.50.5 g Zn.sup.2+), the total release percentages of Ca.sup.2+ and Zn.sup.2+ for every 10 mg of particles at each time period is also shown in Table 7.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 7 Average values and standard deviations of the g of Ca.sup.2+ and Zn.sup.2 +ions released for every 10 mg of particles as a function of the time and % of accumulated release of each ion for every 10 mg of particles % Release % Release accumulated accumulated Time Ca.sup.2+ (g) Ca.sup.2+ Zn.sup.2+ (g) Zn.sup.2+ 12 h 1.006 (0.002) 10.5 0.025 (0.001) 0.1 24 h 1.007 (0.001) 21.0 0.025 (0.001) 0.2 48 h 0.909 (0.003) 30.4 0.023 (0.002) 0.3 7 d 0.856 (0.001) 39.4 0.021 (0.001) 0.4 21 d 2.082 (0.05) 61.0 0.024 (0.002) 0.5 28 d 2.031 (0.02) 82.2 0.044 (0.005) 0.8 12 h 1.006 (0.002) 10.5 0.025 (0.001) 0.1 24 h 1.007 (0.001) 21.0 0.025 (0.001) 0.2 48 h 0.909 (0.003) 30.4 0.023 (0.002) 0.3 7 d 0.856 (0.001) 39.4 0.021 (0.001) 0.4 21 d 2.082 (0.05) 61.0 0.024 (0.002) 0.5 28 d 2.031 (0.02) 82.2 0.044 (0.005) 0.8

[0208] The polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 can occlude the dentin tubules. This occlusion can reduce the pain when there is dentin hypersensitivity. The occlusion capacity of the tubules has been demonstrated by means of direct observation with scanning electron microscopy and permeability tests through the dentin.

[0209] To verify the occlusion of the dentin tubules, the following treatment protocol was carried out: Healthy molars were obtained with the informed consent of the donors (from 18 to 25 years of age), according to a protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Institution (405/CEIH/2017), the dentin samples were exposed to a solution of citric acid (pH 3.8) for 1 minute to guarantee the initial opening of the dentin tubules and eliminate the smear layer. The dentin surfaces were rinsed before applying the functionalized and unfunctionalized polymeric particles. Suspensions in phosphate buffer of unfunctionalized polymeric particles, the polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 at a concentration of 10 mg/mL) and a phosphate buffer solution without any kind of particles, which is termed untreated dentin, were applied for 30 seconds. Said samples are stored in phosphate buffer for 24 hours and 7 days.

[0210] The samples were then incorporated into a 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution in a 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer for 24 h. The samples were subjected to supercritical drying (Leica EM CPD 300, Vienna, Austria), they were covered with carbon by means of a Nanotech Polaron-SEMPREP2 sputter coating (Polaron Equipment Ltd., Watford, UK) and were evaluated by means of scanning electron microscope FESEM (FESEM Gemini, Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany).

[0211] The tubular occlusion percentage was determined from the FESEM topographic images, the following states of the tubules being defined as the possible stages: open tubules (A), partially filled tubules (P), occluded tubules (O) and covered tubules (C).

[0212] The analysis of disperse energy was carried out at selected points using, to this end, an R-X detector system (EDX Inca 300, Oxford Instruments, Oxford, United Kingdom) coupled with the FESEM.

[0213] As can be observed in FIG. 11A, 100% of the dentin tubules were open in untreated dentin, after 7 days of storage. At 24 hours, 100% of the tubules were shown occluded in the treated cervical dentin with unfunctionalized polymeric particles. Half of these tubules remained full after 7 days of storage.

[0214] In FIG. 11B, it can be observed how there are 100% of closed tubules in dentin samples treated with spherical polymeric particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2 (after 7 days of application). In the case of polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2, after 7 days, some tubules started to be visible, a large quantity of them (95%) remaining occupied. The occlusion of the dentin tubules was due to the deposit and growth of mineral structures composed of calcium and phosphate which was revealed with the detection of Ca and P in the qualitative analysis.

[0215] Table 8 shows all the data of the state of the tubule canals at 24 hours of the treatment of the dentin surfaces with the different formulations used and after 7 days of applied treatment. While the mineral deposits generated after the application of the particles seems not to disappear with time, the sodium and calcium phosphosilicates which form carbonated apatites used in other treatments of the hypersensitivity of the dentin show high rates of solubility. Similarly, the different calcium, potassium or ferrite oxalates also used to treat the hypersensitivity of the dentin show high rates of elimination or dissolution by action of saliva.

[0216] Another treatment, recently proposed, for dentin hypersensitivity is the application of nanohydroxyapatite particles because they cause closure of tubules, but it has been demonstrated that these buffers are dissolved and compromise the efficacy of the treatment in the long term.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 8 Percentage of occluded tubules as a function of the polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 abbreviations. Untreated: untreated dentin, A: open, P: partially full, O: occluded, C: covered. 24 h 7 d O P F C Total O P F C Total Untreated 90 10 0 0 100 80 20 0 0 100 Polymeric 0 0 100 0 100 10 20 50 20 100 particle Polymeric 40 10 20 30 100 0 0 0 100 100 particle function- alized with Zn.sup.+2 Polymeric 0 0 0 100 100 0 5 95 0 100 particle function- alized with Ca.sup.+2

[0217] To evaluate the permeability of the dentin, different healthy uniradicular teeth were obtained with the informed consent of the donors (from 18 to 25 years of age), according to a protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Institution (405/CEIH/2017). 5 mm of each root was eliminated, below the cement-enamel bond, with the aid of a diamond blade mounted on a microtome at low speed (Accutom-50 Struers, Copenhagen, Denmark). A fluid filtration system was inserted in the pulpar chamber to measure the volume of fluid which can pass through the dentin. A cervical cavity was prepared in the shape of a V with a mesial-distal width of 5 mm and an occlusal cervical height of 3 mm and a depth of 2 mm with an 801-014 carbide bur. Acid etching (32% phosphoric acid) was carried out to remove the smear layer and to ensure dentin permeability. Suspensions in phosphate buffer of unfunctionalized polymeric particles, polymeric particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2, at a concentration of 10 mg/mL or only one solution of buffer (for the test of the untreated dentin) were applied. After the treatment, the samples were stored for 24 hours and 7 days. The dentin fluid flow (DFF) through the cervical dentin was measured after the two storage periods. 5 fluid volume readings were registered every 3 minutes for 15 minutes and the average was calculated. The rate of the dentin fluid flow DFF was evaluated after the application of the different treatments, with respect to the initial flow rate [% of reduction in the flow rate=100(DFF.sub.initialDFF.sub.post-treatment) DFF.sub.initial]. The statistical analysis was carried out with multiple comparative ANOVA and Student Newman Keuls samples. A value of P<0.05 was established to obtain significance.

[0218] In FIG. 12, the % of decrease of dentin fluid flow DFF in each sample can be observed.

[0219] At 24 hours, the cervical dentin treated both with unfunctionalized polymeric particles and with polymeric particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 obtained the greatest reduction of the dentin fluid flow DFF.

[0220] At 7 days of treatment, the dentin treated both with polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 achieved the greatest reduction of dentin fluid flow DFF.

[0221] The samples treated with polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2 showed a reduction of dentin fluid flow DFF greater than 90% after 7 days of storage and the dentin treated with polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 did not modify the dentin fluid flow DFF values during the periods studied.

[0222] A reduction in the flow index unequivocally reflects the effect of the occlusion of the dentin tubules and the disappearance of the pain in the patients.

[0223] The presence of 30% of the dentin tubules open or partially full (Table 2) show a reduced occlusion capacity and a temporary remineralizing effect of the unfunctionalized polymeric particles. In addition, the low reduction of the fluid flow (FIG. 12) at 7 days disregarded the use of unfunctionalized polymeric particles for the hypersensitivity of the dentin.

[0224] On the contrary, when the dentin was treated with polymeric particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2, the reduction of the dentin fluid flow DFF at 7 days of storage achieved similar values, close to 90% (FIG. 2). This substantial effect on the reduction in the dentin fluid flow index is associated with the occlusion of the dentin tubules, owing to the generation of calcium phosphate salt deposits, as confirmed after the analysis with FESEM and EDX. Therefore, polymeric particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 have demonstrated a high capacity for the occlusion of the dentin tubules and should be considered a viable treatment for the hypersensitivity of the dentin since they can occlude the dentin tubules when calcium phosphate precipitation is induced.

[0225] To evaluate the nanohardness (Hi) and Young's elasticity modulus, healthy teeth were obtained with the informed consent of the donors (from 18 to 25 years of age), according to a protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Institution (405/CEIH/2017). Two blocks of dentin were obtained from the buccal surfaces of each root, just below the cement-dentin bond by means of cutting using a diamond blade mounted on a microtome (Accutom-50 Struers, Copenhagen, Denmark) with plenty of irrigation with water. The surfaces were polished by means of the use of abrasive SiC discs from 800 to 4000 grits (grain size) followed by final polishing steps carried out with diamond pastes from 1 m to 0.25 m (Struers LaboPol-4; Struers GmbH, Hanover, Germany).

[0226] All the samples were observed by means of AFM to evaluate the existence of tubular occlusion and those with occluded tubules were excluded from study.

[0227] The dentin samples were treated with a solution of citric acid (pH 3.8) for 1 minute to ensure the opening of the dentin tubules and eliminate the dentin smear layer. The dentin surfaces were rinsed before applying the samples/suspensions. Suspensions in PBS of unfunctionalized polymeric particles, polymeric particles functionalized with Ca.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 at a concentration of 10 mg/mL or only one solution of buffer for the test of the untreated dentin were applied for 30 seconds.

[0228] The treated teeth were stored in phosphate buffer at 37 C. for 24 hours and 7 days. For the virtually static nanoindentation with the Berkovich diamond indentor, 10 indentations were carried out with a peak load of 4000 pN and an operating time of 10 s in each dentin sample in the PD and ID areas at 24 hours and 7 days of storage. Based on this test, the nanohardness (Hi) and Young's elasticity modulus (Ei) values of the samples were obtained. The indentor progressively pressed (at constant speed) the sample up to a maximum load of 4000 pN (load value of the experiment) and then the load was progressively released to the value zero (unloading value of the experiment). Based on the slope of these curves of Load vs. Depth, the nanoindentation values were obtained by means of applying the Oliver-Pharr method, which is based on a continuous, isotropic and homogeneous elastic contact model. The data were evaluated by means of ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls, presetting a value p<0.05 to achieve statistical significance.

[0229] The results of this study showed that the nanohardness (Hi) and the Young's elasticity modulus (Ei) of the surface of the cervical dentin, obtained after applying polymeric spherical particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2, significantly increased after storage for 7 days, in comparison with samples treated for 24 hours. In addition, the dentin treated with polymeric particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2 achieved the highest Hi and Ei values of all the samples studied, after 7 days of storage (FIG. 13).

[0230] The increase in nanohardness (Hi) and Young's elasticity modulus (Ei) on the surface of the dentin is due to a remineralizing effect related to the appearance of mineral precipitates, fundamentally Ca, P and Zn, inside the demineralized organic matrix, in the intrafibrilar compartment. In fact, the extrafibrilar minerals act like a granular material which can support the load, but the intrafibrilar mineralization is the key factor to ensure that the collagen fibrils have the same high elasticity modulus and hardness as in the biomineralized natural dentin. The functional remineralization is the result of a process which causes the recovery of the lost physical and chemical properties in the dentin due to wear and erosion caused by foods and mastication. The most important point is that with the polymeric particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2 not only are the dentin tubules occluded, eliminating pain, but the increase in the mechanical properties of the dentin which generates zinc, will very likely cause the cessation or at least slowing of the dentin wear, stopping the progress of this disease. The polymeric particles functionalized with Zn.sup.+2 are also inhibitory of the metalloproteases which are clearly involved in the rapid advance of this pathology, due to causing chemical degradation and hydrolysis of the eroded dentin. There is therefore a triple beneficial effect.