In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of Stichopus hermanii extract calcium hydroxide combination for pulp capping therapy

Aim: This study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of golden sea cucumber extract (ETE) ( Stichopus hermanii ) combined with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) on BHK-21 fibroblast cells. Methods: A true experimental design with a post test-only control group was used, involving 35 samples divided into six groups: 4 treatment groups, a cell control, and media control. BHK-21 fibroblast cells were cultured and exposed to varying concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%) of ETE combined with Ca(OH)2. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed using the post hoc Mann–Whitney test for comparisons. Results: The combination of 0.8% ETE with Ca(OH) 2 resulted in the highest cell viability (92.27%), indicating the lowest cytotoxicity. Cell viability at the 0.2% extract combination was 27.94%. Cell viability at the 0.4% extract combination was 68.01%. Significant differences in cell viability were observed between the 0.2% and 0.8% extract combination groups ( P = 0.045). Conclusion: The combination of 0.8% ETE with Ca(OH) 2 demonstrated the least cytotoxicity to BHK-21 fibroblast cells in the in vitro model, suggesting its potential biocompatibility for pulp capping applications.