Comparative X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Conventional MTA and Bacterial Cellulose-Reinforced MTA- An in Vitro Study

Abstract Purpose: Bacterial cellulose (BC) has garnered attention in dental materials due to its moldability, cost-effectiveness, high water retention, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Incorporating bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNC) into Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has been shown to accelerate hardening and reduce setting time, thereby enhancing clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the crystalline structures of conventional MTA and bacterial cellulose-reinforced MTA (BC-MTA) using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Materials and Methods: Cylindrical samples (6 mm × 4 mm) of conventional MTA (MTA Plus™) and BC-MTA (Vedayukt India Pvt. Ltd.) were prepared and incubated under saturated conditions at 37°C for 24 hours. XRD analysis was performed using a Philips diffractometer with CuKα radiation over a 2θ range of 4° to 70°, at 40 mA and 45 kV. Phase identification was carried out using DIFFRAC.EVA software supported by the ICDD database. Results: Both materials exhibited similar primary constituents—carbon (C), oxygen (O), calcium (Ca), and chloride (Cl). Conventional MTA showed bismuth oxide as a radiopacifier, whereas BC-MTA contained tungsten, indicating a compositional shift. BC-MTA also exhibited broader and less intense diffraction peaks, suggesting reduced crystallinity, potentially due to the influence of the cellulose matrix on crystal lattice formation. Conclusion: BC-MTA and conventional MTA share similar elemental compositions but differ in radiopacifiers and crystallinity. The integration of bacterial cellulose alters the structural properties of MTA, potentially influencing its setting characteristics and clinical performance.