The Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Bioactive Dental Materials

Abstract

The promotion of biologically based treatment strategies in restorative dentistry is of paramount importance, as invasive treatments should be avoided to maintain the tooth’s vitality. This study aimed to assess the biocompatibility of commercially available bioactive materials that can be used for dental pulp capping. The study was performed with a monocyte/macrophage peripheral blood SC cell line (ATCC CRL-9855) on the following six specific bioactive materials: ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Sirona), MTA Angelus (Angelus), Biodentine (Septodont), TheraCal LC (Bisco), ACTIVA BioACTIVE (Pulpdent) and Predicta Bioactive Bulk (Parkell). The cytotoxicity of the investigated agents was measured using a resazurin-based cell viability assay, while the genotoxicity was evaluated using an alkaline comet assay. Additionally, flow cytometry (FC) apoptosis detection was conducted with a FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit I. FC cell-cycle arrest assessment was carried out with propidium iodide staining. The results of this study showed no significant cytotoxicity and genotoxicity (p > 0.05) in ProRoot MTA, MTA Angelus, Biodentine, ACTIVA BioACTIVE and Predicta Bioactive. Conversely, TheraCal LC presented a significant decrease (p < 0.001). In conclusion, due to excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, MTA, Biodentine, ACTIVA BioACTIVE and Predicta Bioactive may be suitable for pulp capping treatments. On the other hand, due to the high cytotoxicity of TheraCal LC, its use should be avoided in vital pulp therapies.

Dentine Remineralisation Induced by “Bioactive” Materials through Mineral Deposition: An In Vitro Study

“…The microstructural EDX analysis is in line with other studies, except for those elements with a low proportion (which may be considered "trace elements") within the materials' composition [27,40,61]. However, slight variations in the reported chemical composition determined through EDX/EDS analyses may arise due to differences in the equipment utilised and the measurement protocol.…”

“…ProRoot MTA and MTA Angelus showed some greater toxicity compared to Biodentine, Activa BioActive, and Predicta Bulk Bioactive. Biodentine is the material with the least toxicity and simultaneously the best properties for both indirect and direct pulp capping [27]. BD has become the most used agent for VPT, although long-term clinical studies are still needed to confirm Biodentine as the gold standard material for VPT [28].…”

“…Moreover, Thera-Cal LC demonstrates cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on SC cells, making it inappropriate for biological treatment of pulp diseases. A possible cause for its toxicity is the presence of Bis-GMA monomers in its composition [27].…”

“…However, there is limited information available about its properties, especially with regard to its interaction with the pulp and dentine. Although available research states that Predicta does not exhibit cytotoxic or genotoxic potential, further investigation is necessary to determine its real biocompatibility, bioactivity, and dentine remineralisation capacity [27].…”

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of bioceramic root canal sealers compared to conventional resin-based sealer

“…Then, the cell plates were centrifuged and 100 μL of a 10% resazurin solution was added to each well. After 4-h incubation at 37 °C absorbance at 600 nm and a reference wavelength of 690 nm was measured with a Synergy HT spectrophotometer (BioTek, Vermont, VT, USA) 30 , 31 .…”