Physical and biological properties of bioactive glass-containing Bis-GMA-free pulp capping materials: An <i>in vitro</i> study

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate Bis-GMA-free pulp capping materials incorporating bioactive glass (BG). Experimental Bis-GMA-free resin-based materials (TC2.1) were formulated with varying concentrations of 45S BG (0, 10, and 20 wt%). Degree of conversion (DC) was measured using FT-IR-ATR spectrometry. Cell viability was assessed through MTS assay on human dental pulp stem cells. Wound healing capacity was evaluated using scratch assay, while odontogenic differentiation was assessed through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red S staining. TC2.1+BG0% achieved highest DC (68.1±3.5%), with values decreasing as BG content increased (TC2.1+BG20%: 34.4±4.2%). All formulations maintained cell viability above 80%, with TC2.1+BG20% demonstrating superior wound healing capacity and highest ALP activity compared to commercial controls. Mineralization assays showed enhanced calcium deposition in TC2.1+BG20% by day 14. This novel material demonstrates promising biocompatibility and mineralization-inducing properties while maintaining adequate polymerization efficiency, offering potential advantages for vital pulp therapy applications.