Comparison of mineral precipitation, elemental release, pH change and cytotoxicity of calcium-silicate cements and an experimental resin-modified glass ionomer cement containing bioactive glass

Introduction: Resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) exhibit lower remineralising potential than calcium-silicate (Ca-Si) cements. This study aimed to prepare an experimental RMGIC incorporating Sr/F-bioactive glass nanoparticles (EXP) to enhance remineralisation on demineralised dentine. The experimental material was compared with commercial Ca-Si cements (RetroMTA [MTA], Biodentine [BDT], Theracal LC [TC]) and a commercial RMGIC (Vitrebond [VB]). Materials and methods: = 3). Indirect cytotoxicity of material extracts on human dental pulp stem cells was assessed using the 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-di-phenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) assay (n=4). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test. Results: The highest increase in the mineral-to-collagen ratio was observed with MTA (78%), which was significantly higher than that of VB (-28%) and EXP (-33%). Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated mineral precipitation with MTA, BDT and TC but not with VB or EXP. Additionally, MTA, BDT and TC produced the highest alkalinisation of the storage solution (pH~12). EXP exhibited the release of multiple ions (Na, Al, Si, P, Ca and Sr). Although MTA showed the highest cell viability, all materials demonstrated cell viability exceeding 70%. Conclusion: The experimental RMGIC containing Sr/F-bioactive glass nanoparticles exhibited inferior remineralising potential compared with Ca-Si cements. However, it promoted the release of multiple essential ions.