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The research develops and tests new hybrid biomimetic materials that work as mechanically stimulating "scaffolds" to promote early regeneration in implanted bone healing phases. A biomimetic nanostructured osteoconductive material coated apparatus is presented. Bioinspired approaches to materials and templated growth of hybrid networks using self-assembled hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces is finalized to extend the use of hybrids in the medical field. Combined in vivo, in vitro and computeraided simulations have been carried out. A new experimental methodology for the identification of design criteria for new innovative prosthetic implant systems is presented. The new implant design minimizes the invasiveness of treatments while improving implant functional integration [1]. A new bioactive ceramo-polymeric hybrid material was used to modify odontostomatological Titanium implants in order to promote early fixation, biomechanical stimulation for improved scaffold mineralization and ossification. It is a hybrid ceramo-polymeric nanocomposites based on Hydroxyl-Ethyl- Methacrylate polymer (pHEMA) filled with nanosilica particles that have shown biomimetic characteristics [2,3]. This material swells in presence of aqueous physiological solution leading to the achievement of two biomechanical functions: prosthesis early fixation after and bone growth stimulation. Such multidisciplinary approach explores novel ideas in modelling, design and fabrication of new nanostructured biomaterials with enhanced functionality and improved interaction with OB cells. [1] R Aversa, D Apicella, L Perillo, R Sorrentino, F Zarone, M Ferrari, A Apicella, Dental Materials, 25(5), 678-690 (2009). [2] C Schiraldi, A D'Agostino, A Oliva, … R Aversa, M De Rosa, Biomaterials, 25 (17), 3645-3653 (2004). [3] G R. Beck, Shin-Woo Ha, C E Camalier, M Yamaguchi, Y Li, J K Lee, M. N Weitzmann, Nanomedicine, 8(6), 793-803 (2012).

Objectives: The present in vitro study aimed at evaluating the influence of a novel nanocomposite material on implant primary stability by means of periimplants scaffolds. Methods: Thirty-two titanium implants (Winsix, Biosafin) with an innovative design were modified with three-dimensional bioactive scaffolds made up of a new hybrid ceramo-polymeric material. The biomimetic nanocomposite material was designed to promote the precipitation of hydroxyapatite nanoinclusions in periimplant bone. The scaffolds were fabricated as a foamed hydrogel covering the coronal area of the implants; the material was characterized by swelling in contact with biological fluids, with a polymerization kinetic of 0.1 mm/hour. The modified implants were inserted in freshly explanted tibiae of minipigs; 16 standard implants were used as control. Then, the tibiae were kept hydrated in physiological solution and the implants removed after 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours. An electronic device was used to measure the removal torque and the data were statistically analyzed. Results: Insertion torque values ranging between 37 and 56 Ncm were recorded. Mean removal torque values of 61, 67, 79 and 86 were evidenced after 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours respectively. The ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between removal torque values (p

Objectives: The present prospective clinical study aimed at evaluating the clinical perfomances of tooth-supported 3-unit posterior zirconia FDPs after 8 years of service. Methods: Thirty-seven patients received 48 3-unit zirconia-based (Procera, NobelBiocare) FDPs. The prostheses replaced either a premolar or a molar. Specific inclusion criteria were used. Standardized tooth preparations were realized: 2mm occlusal reduction, 1.5mm axial reduction and circumferential chamfer shoulder placed 0.5 mm subgingivally buccally and supragingivally lingually on sound tooth structure; all internal angles were rounded. Impressions were made with polyethers (3M ESPE). CAD-CAM frameworks (Procera, NobelBiocare) with 9mm2 connector and 0.6mm retainer were made. The restorations were luted using a resin cement (RelyXUnicem, 3M ESPE). The patients were recalled after 1, 6 and 12 months after the cementation and then annually for a whole observational period of 8 years. Survival and success of the veneering ceramic and zirconia were assessed. The esthetic and technical outcomes were rated using the USPHS criteria. The biologic outcomes were analyzed at abutment and contralateral teeth. Descriptive statistics were performed (Kaplan-Meier, Wilcoxon). Results: All FDPs completed the study, resulting in 100% cumulative survival rate and 93.75% cumulative success rate. No losses of retention were recorded. Forty restorations were rated Alpha in all measured parameters. Minor chipping of ceramics was detected in 3 restorations. Four restorations were rated Bravo for marginal integrity at 8 years. No significant differences between the periodontal parameters of the test and control teeth were observed. As to esthetics, 42 restorations were rated Alpha and 6 were rated Bravo by both the clinicians and the patients at the 8-year follow-up. Conclusions: Eight-year clinical results showed that posterior 3-unit zirconia-based FDPs can be considered a viable treatment option in the medium-term. These restorations may be considered reliable to replace a posterior missing tooth.

Objectives: The present in vivo animal study aimed at evaluating the osseointegration of biomimetic bone scaffolds made up of an innovative nanocomposite material. Methods: A novel nanocomposite hybrid ceramo-polymeric material was designed and produced to interact with bone tissue at nanoscale interfaces. The chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the material were analyzed and characterized. The highly bioactive material was designed to fabricate three-dimensional bone scaffolds in order to promote osseointegration through the precipitation of hydroxyapatite nanoinclusions in periimplant bone. The biomimetic nanocomposite was fabricated as a foamed hydrogel swelling in contact with biological fluids. The biofidelity of the scaffolded implant system was simulated in a digital environment and the stress and strain distributions assessed using three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis. The biomimetic properties of the nanocomposite material were validated in vivo in an animal model, using three-dimensional scaffolds around dental implants inserted in tibiae of minipigs. After explantation, such tibiae were subjected to micro-computed tomography scannings to evaluate bone-to-implant and bone-to- scaffold contact. Results: The chemical, physical and mechanical laboratory tests showed high biomimetic properties for the innovative hybrid material. Stress and strain distributions within the physiological range of trabecular adaptive organization (2000-3000 με) were noticed in periimplant bone with the Finite Element Analysis. The micro-CT scannings showed comparable percentages of bone contact at level of both the scaffolds and the titanium of the implants. Conclusions: The innovative hybrid ceramo-polymeric nanomaterial proved to promote accelerated osseointegration in post-surgical early healing phases.

A biomimetic approach has been applied to design and realize new odontostomatological Titanium (Ti) implants using a multifunctional bioactive ceramopolymeric hybrid material. The proposed biomimetic/biomechanical approach consists in combining mechanical and physical characterization of the hybrid nanocomposite to biosolid mechanics Finite Element Analysis of the new design implants. Hybrid ceramopolymeric nanocomposites based on Hydroxyl-Ethyl-Methacrylate polymer (pHEMA) filled with nanosilica particles are presented as biomimetic-scaffolding materials. Cytotoxicity and Osteoblast cells adhesion tests have shown good material biocompatibility and osteoconductivity [1]. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) confirmed the hybrid mechanical behaviour of these nanocomposites. Moreover, this class of material swells in presence of aqueous physiological solution according to limiting Case II sorption mode turning from glassy and rigid to soft and rubbery while presenting a mechanical behaviour, at 5 to 10 % nanosilica volume loadings, that is comparable with that of bone (when glassy) and to that of the cartilage and Ligaments (when rubbery). Materials swelling behaviour and mechanical characterizations are presented. Design criteria and FEM simulation are discussed. The use of mechanically compatible hybrid hydrogels as scaffolding materials are expected to increase prosthesis adaptation mechanisms introducing active interfaces that improve implant biomimetics while reproducing cartilage and ligaments biomechanical functions. [1] C Schiraldi, A D'Agostino, A Oliva, … R Aversa, M De Rosa, Biomaterials, 25 (17), 3645-3653 (2004). [2] R Aversa, D Apicella, L Perillo, R Sorrentino, F Zarone, M Ferrari, A Apicella, Dental Materials, 25(5), 678-690 (2009). [3] D Apicella, R Aversa, F Ferro, D Ianniello, A Apicella, J. of Biomedical Material Research: Part B, Applied Biomaterials, vol-93(1), 150-163 (2010).

"The research develops new hybrid biomimetic materials that work as mechanically stimulating “scaffolds” to promote early regeneration in implanted bone healing phases. A modified commercial odontostomatological implant has been biomechanically investigated by Finite Element Analysis. A biomimetic nanostructured osteoconductive material has been used to replace part of the implant screw. Combined material characterization (mechanical and aqueous media sorption behaviour) and computer-aided simulations have been carried out. Such biomimetic multidisciplinary approach allowed us to explore many novel ideas in modelling, design and use of new nanostructured biomaterials and devices with enhanced functionality and improved interaction with Osteoblast cells."

"Our study proposes an innovative integrated transportation\/photovoltaic energy system that will enable the Pompei municipality to develop a set of Urban Ecotourism policies and instruments for the preparation and adoption of a more environmental sustainable mobility strategies to be applied in their future PUC (Municipality Urban Plan). The innovative character of the study resides in two principal aspects: the technologies applied, namely, the use of thin film photovoltaic panels (copper-indium-gallium-(di)selenide cells) on flexible support and the way these technologies are applied. A combined energy\/mobility approach based on “Zero Km and Zero emission energy production for Zero Emission electric transportation strategy” to be implemented in the public Urban Plan (Piano Urbanistico Comunale) of the town of Pompei is presented. According to the technology to be adopted (thin PV film on flexible supports integrated in the parking shelters roofs), to the foreseen PV plant of 700 sqm parking lots and to an innovative multifunctional design approach (biomimicrying sun track roof), an improved yearly power production of 100.0 MWh is foreseen with a 20-25% increase of power production with respect to standard fixed PV panels of the same type."