A novel array chip to monitor in situ composite degradation using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

• Published in: Dental materials Vol. 27; no. 8; pp. 811 - 817
• Main Authors: Stoner, Brian R, Piascik, Jeffrey R, Brown, Billyde, Wolter, Scott D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2011
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Arrays; Chips; Composite Resins - chemistry; Composites; Decay; Degradation; Dental materials; Dental Materials - chemistry; Dentistry; Dielectric Spectroscopy - instrumentation; Electric Capacitance; Electric Conductivity; Electric Impedance; Equipment Design; Ethanol - chemistry; Ethyl alcohol; Humans; Hydrolysis; Impedance spectroscopy; Materials Testing - instrumentation; Mathematical models; Microarray Analysis - instrumentation; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Monitors; Polymers - chemistry; Solvents - chemistry; Surface Properties; Temperature; Testing device; Time Factors; Xylenes - chemistry; Degradation; Composites; Impedance spectroscopy; Testing device
• ISSN: 0109-5641; 1879-0097
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2011.04.006

Abstract Objectives This paper presents a novel array-chip technology used to monitor the physical properties of dental composites in situ . The DECAY chip ( D egradation via E lectro c hemical A rra y ) leverages microfabrication techniques to construct a uniform array of recessed wells that may be filled with dental restorative materials (e.g. composite or amalgam) and analyzed electrochemically in solution. Methods The array enables the uniform preparation of multiple specimens and reference controls on a common substrate, all of which may be simultaneously evaluated. The DECAY-chip presented here consists of a 3 × 3 array of 100 μm deep wells, and is used to monitor the degradation of a common dental composite as a function of time. Results The data correlate changes in the measured dielectric properties to surface and bulk changes as the composite is exposed to an ethanol:DI mixture (75% ethanol). A model for the system is presented, as are future plans to simplify the methodology for rapid materials screening and in vitro analyses. Significance This in situ diagnostic chip will enable evaluation of composite specimens, tested under a wide range of simulated oral environments. It may also serve as a screening platform for new composite formulations and aid in the study of materials degradation and failure mechanisms.