Synthesis and characterization of a novel N-vinylcaprolactam-containing acrylic acid terpolymer for applications in glass-ionomer dental cements

Effect of Nanostructures on the Properties of Glass Ionomer Dental Restoratives/Cements: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Overall perspective of nanotechnology and reinforcement of dental biomaterials by nanoparticles has been reported in the literature. However, the literature regarding the reinforcement of dental biomaterials after incorporating various nanostructures is sparse. The present review addresses current developments of glass ionomer cements (GICs) after incorporating various metallic, polymeric, inorganic and carbon-based nanostructures. In addition, types, applications, and implications of various nanostructures incorporated in GICs are discussed. Most of the attempts by researchers are based on the laboratory-based studies; hence, it warrants long-term clinical trials to aid the development of suitable materials for the load bearing posterior dentition. Nevertheless, a few meaningful conclusions are drawn from this substantial piece of work; they are as follows: (1) most of the nanostructures are likely to enhance the mechanical strength of GICs; (2) certain nanostructures improve the antibacterial activity of GICs against the cariogenic bacteria; (3) clinical translation of these promising outcomes are completely missing, and (4) the nanostructured modified GICs could perform better than their conventional counterparts in the load bearing posterior dentition.

Aluminum-free glass ionomer cements containing 45S5 Bioglass® and its bioglass-ceramic

Although the incorporation of bioactive glasses into glass ionomer cements (GICs) has led to promising results, using a bioactive glass as the only solid component of GICs has never been investigated. In this study, we developed an Al-free GIC with standard compressive strength using various combinations of 45S5 Bioglass® and its glass-ceramic as the solid component. The glass-ceramic particles with 74% crystallinity were used for this purpose as they can best act as both remineralizing and reinforcing agents. Strengthening mechanisms including crack deflection and crack-tip shielding were activated for the GICs containing 50-50 wt% bioglass and bioglass-ceramic as the optimum ratio. The progression of the GIC setting reaction at its early stages was also monitored and verified. We also discussed that our bimodal particle size distribution containing both micron- and nanosized particles may enhance the packing density and integrity of the structure of the cements after setting. In such GICs produced in this study, the toxic effects of Al are avoided while chemical bonds are expected to form between the cement and the surrounding hard tissue(s) through interfacial biomineralization and adhesion.

Comparative Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Zinc-reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement and Glass Ionomer Type IX Cement: An In Vitro Study

Aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the flexural strength and microhardness of zinc reinforced glass ionomer cement and glass ionomer type IX cement.

Materials and methods

The sample size of twenty each of group I (zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement) and group II (glass ionomer type IX cement) were selected. The samples were prepared in the customized steel molds and subjected to test for flexural strength and microhardness. The flexural strength was determined by the three-point bending test. After determining the flexural strength, the fragments were used to determine Vickers Hardness by means of an automatic microhardness indenter. The flexural strength and microhardness was calculated for all samples and subjected to statistical analysis. Two sample t-test with unequal variances were used, as the data are found to be from the same material. The normality was checked by using the usual normal probability plot. For flexural strength, p value was found to be 0.007530. Hence, zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement was superior to glass ionomer type IX cement. For microhardness the p value was found to be 0.0023. So, glass ionomer type IX cement was superior to zinc reinforced glass ionomer cement.

Conclusion

The zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement showed enhanced flexural strength when compared to glass ionomer type IX cement, thus increasing the longevity whereas glass ionomer type IX cement had a better microhardness than zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement. Hence, the mechanical properties of various materials should be considered for the long-term clinical success by selecting the appropriate material based on the clinical condition.

How to cite this article

Patil K, Patel A, Kunte S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Zinc-reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement and Glass Ionomer Type IX Cement: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):381–389.

A chitosan-based cascade-responsive drug delivery system for triple-negative breast cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

It is extremely difficult to develop targeted treatments for triple-negative breast (TNB) cancer, because these cells do not express any of the key biomarkers usually exploited for this goal.

RESULTS

In this work, we develop a solution in the form of a cascade responsive nanoplatform based on thermo-sensitive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL)-chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs). These are further modified with the cell penetrating peptide (CPP) and loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). The base copolymer was optimized to undergo a phase change at the elevated temperatures of the tumor microenvironment. The acid-responsive properties of CS provide a second trigger for drug release, and the inclusion of CPP should ensure the formulations accumulate in cancerous tissue. The resultant CPP-CS-co-PNVCL NPs could self-assemble in aqueous media into spherical NPs of size < 200 nm and with low polydispersity. They are able to accommodate a high DOX loading (14.8% w/w). The NPs are found to be selectively taken up by cancerous cells both in vitro and in vivo, and result in less off-target cytotoxicity than treatment with DOX alone. In vivo experiments employing a TNB xenograft mouse model demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor volume and prolonging of life span, with no obvious systemic toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The system developed in this work has the potential to provide new therapies for hard-to-treat cancers.

Microshear Bond Strength of High-viscosity Glass-ionomer to Normal and Caries-affected Dentin Under Simulated Intrapulpal Pressure

Objectives:

The use of high-viscosity glass-ionomer cements (HVGICs) for atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations is widely practiced with the advent of various HVGICs. However, the bonding of the latter to caries-affected dentin (CAD) should be validated, especially because it is the common substrate left after conservative caries removal following the ART approach. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate the microshear bond strength (μSBS) of three HVGICs to normal dentin (ND) and CAD under intrapulpal pressure (IPP) simulation.

Methods and Materials:

The occlusal enamel of 90 molars with mid-coronal caries was cut to expose flat dentin surfaces containing both ND and CAD. Dentin substrates (ND and CAD) were differentiated using visual, tactile, caries-detecting dye, and dye-permeability methods. Prepared crown segments were equally divided (n=30) according to the tested HVGICs into GC Fuji IX GP Fast, Fuji IX GP containing chlorhexidine, and zinc-reinforced ChemFil Rock HVGIC. Microcylinders of tested HVGICs were built up on both dentin substrates (n=30 for each tested HVGIC per each substrate) using starch tubes while the specimens were subjected to simulated IPP of 15 mm Hg. The μSBS test was conducted using a universal testing machine, and failure modes were determined using a scanning electron microscope. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α=0.05).

Results:

For both dentin substrates (ND and CAD), the μSBS values of ChemFil Rock were significantly higher than those recorded for the other HVGICs. The μSBS values of each tested HVGIC to ND and CAD were not statistically different. Failure modes were mainly mixed.

Conclusions:

Zinc-reinforced HVGIC ChemFil Rock showed superior bonding to ND and CAD compared to the GC Fuji IX GP Fast and Fuji IX with chlorhexidine. However, each of the tested HVGICs showed comparable bonding to both dentin substrates (ND and CAD).

Influence of additives on thermoresponsive polymers in aqueous media: a case study of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Thermoresponsive polymers (TRPs) in different solvent media have been studied over a long period and are important from both scientific and technical points of view.

Effects of incorporation of nano-fluorapatite particles on microhardness, fluoride releasing properties, and biocompatibility of a conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC)

Present study evaluated effects of addition of Nanoparticles fluorapatite (Nano-FA) on microhardness and fluoride release of a Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC, Fuji IX GP Fast). Forty-eight specimens prepared, divided equally into 4 groups (2 with Nano-FA); after 24 h and one week Vickers microhardness (HV) was measured. Nano-FA specimens were made from addition of nano-FA to Fuji IX powder (glass powder/Nano-FA ratio=20:1 wt/wt, 3.6:1 P/L ratio). At 24 h, mean (95% CI) HV for GIC and Nano-FA GIC were 40.59 (39.51-41.66) and 46.89 (45.95-47.82) kg/mm², and at one week 44.98 (44.23-45.72), 53.29 (52.58-53.99) kg/mm², respectively. Findings indicated higher HV in Nano-FA specimens (F=221.088, p<0.001). Twenty-eight days weekly cumulative fluoride release in both groups was not different (p>0.05). MTT assay exhibited no inhibition of cell proliferation or reduction in metabolic activity in experimental [84.0 (3.3)] or control groups [85.1 (4.7)] with no difference between groups (p>0.05). New nano-FA GIC was biocompatible and showed improved surface hardness. Future clinical trials can verify the usefulness of Nano-FA GIC.

Continuous Hydrothermal Synthesis of Inorganic Nanoparticles: Applications and Future Directions

Nanomaterials are at the leading edge of the emerging field of nanotechnology. Their unique and tunable size-dependent properties (in the range 1-100 nm) make these materials indispensable in many modern technological applications. In this Review, we summarize the state-of-art in the manufacture and applications of inorganic nanoparticles made using continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis (CHFS) processes. First, we introduce ideal requirements of any flow process for nanoceramics production, outline different approaches to CHFS, and introduce the pertinent properties of supercritical water and issues around mixing in flow, to generate nanoparticles. This Review then gives comprehensive coverage of the current application space for CHFS-made nanomaterials including optical, healthcare, electronics (including sensors, information, and communication technologies), catalysis, devices (including energy harvesting/conversion/fuels), and energy storage applications. Thereafter, topics of precursor chemistry and products, as well as materials or structures, are discussed (surface-functionalized hybrids, nanocomposites, nanograined coatings and monoliths, and metal-organic frameworks). Later, this Review focuses on some of the key apparatus innovations in the field, such as in situ flow/rapid heating systems (to investigate kinetics and mechanisms), approaches to high throughput flow syntheses (for nanomaterials discovery), as well as recent developments in scale-up of hydrothermal flow processes. Finally, this Review covers environmental considerations, future directions and capabilities, along with the conclusions and outlook.

In-line Monitoring of Monomer and Polymer Content During Microgel Synthesis Using Precipitation Polymerization via Raman Spectroscopy and Indirect Hard Modeling

This contribution presents in-line monitoring of microgel synthesis by precipitation polymerization based on Raman spectroscopy. The spectra are evaluated via multivariate Indirect Hard Modeling (IHM) regression. Therefore, mechanistic models of the pure component spectra for solvent, monomer, and microgel are created by a sum of adaptable parameterized peak functions (Gaussian-Lorentzian). Instead of individual calibrations for each analyte, one comprehensive model is calibrated to predict both the monomer and microgel fraction while ensuring a consistent mass balance. As a novelty, this leads to an in-line microgel quantification based on an interactive spectral model. The results show cross-validation errors (RMSECV) of monomer and microgel fractions as low as 0.028 wt % and 0.084 wt %, respectively. The ability of IHM to account for non-linear spectral changes was found to reduce the microgel RMSECV by a factor of two compared to linear CLS regression. The calibration model allows simultaneous observation of the decrease in monomer content and the formation of microgels. Long as well as short focus immersion optics reveal characteristic vibrations of the turbid microgel suspension, although long focus optics are influenced by scattering particles to a greater extent. Precise examination of the model proves that the prediction is robust against changes in microgel particle size or temperature, which opens up the application of Raman spectroscopy as a comprehensive process analytical technology in microgel synthesis.

Synthesis of well-defined alkyne terminated poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) with stringent control over the LCST by RAFT

The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) of N-vinyl caprolactam (NVCL) using two new xanthates with alkyne functionalities is reported. The kinetic data obtained for polymerization of this non-activated monomer using a protected alkyne-terminated RAFT agent (PAT-X1) revealed a linear increase of the polymer molecular weight with the monomer conversion as well as low dispersity (Đ) during the entire course of the polymerization. The system reported here allowed us to enhance the final conversion, diminish Đ and reduce the polymerization temperature compared to the typical values reported in the scarce literature available for the RAFT polymerization of NVCL. The resulting PNVCL was fully characterized using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) techniques. The temperature-responsive features of PNVCL in aqueous solutions were fully investigated under different conditions using turbidimetry. The presented strategy allows the synthesis of well-defined PNVCL with sharp and reversible phase transition temperatures around 37 °C. By manipulating the polymer molecular weight, or the solution properties, it is possible to tune the PNVCL phase transition. As a proof-of concept, the alkyne functionalized PNVCL was used to afford new linear block copolymers, by reacting with an azide-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (N3-PEG) through the copper catalyzed azide-alkyne [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The results presented establish a robust system to afford the synthesis of PNCVL with fine tuned characteristics that will enable more efficient exploration of the remarkable potential of this polymer in biomedical applications.

Conventional glass-ionomer materials: A review of the developments in glass powder, polyacid liquid and the strategies of reinforcement

OBJECTIVES

The development of glass-ionomers (GIs) from the earliest experimental GI formulations to the modern day commercially available GIs was reviewed. The aim of the review was to identify the developments in the glass powder and polyacid liquid constituents of GIs since their inception in the late 1960s.

DATA

The glass powder has undergone major changes from the earliest GI powder formulation (G200) in an effort to enhance the reactivity with the polyacid liquid. The GI liquids have also been optimised by the manufacturers in terms of polyacid composition, molecular weight and concentration to improve the handling characteristics. Despite these developments in the glass powder and polyacid liquid constituents, GIs cannot 'truly' be advocated for the restoration of posterior dentition due to the poor mechanical properties when compared with dental amalgam and resin-based composites (RBCs).

SOURCES

Various attempts to improve the mechanical properties of GIs through substitution of reinforcing fillers to the GI powder or modification of the GI liquid were identified in the dental literature. Despite the claimed improvements in mechanical properties of the modified GIs, a wide variation in mixing and testing conditions was identified which prevented a valid assessment of the reported reinforcement strategies. When investigating a GI reinforcement strategy it is crucial that the mixing and testing conditions are standardised to allow a valid comparison between studies.

STUDY SELECTION

The dental literature reporting the earliest experimental GIs to modern day commercially available GIs (1969-2015) was reviewed. In addition, full-text publications and abstracts published in English reporting various GI reinforcement strategies were included.

CONCLUSION

Nevertheless, major improvements in GI formulations through a reinforcement strategy have yet to be made to enable clinical usage of GIs for the restoration of posterior dentition.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

GIs chemically are inherently weak but bond to sound tooth structure without the need for preconditioning or removal of sound tooth structure such that improvements in the mechanical properties of GIs would be desirable. Although advances have been made through different GI glass powder and polyacid liquid formulations over the past 40 years, further improvements in the mechanical properties of the current GIs are required to be indicated for the restoration of posterior dentition. The literature is replete with reports on GI reinforcement, however, improved reporting and control of mixing and testing conditions are required for a valid assessment of the reinforcement strategies.

Galactose-functionalized multi-responsive nanogels for hepatoma-targeted drug delivery

We report here a hepatoma-targeting multi-responsive biodegradable crosslinked nanogel, poly(6-O-vinyladipoyl-D-galactose-ss-N-vinylcaprolactam-ss-methacrylic acid) P(ODGal-VCL-MAA), using a combination of enzymatic transesterification and emulsion copolymerization for intracellular drug delivery. The nanogel exhibited redox, pH and temperature-responsive properties, which can be adjusted by varying the monomer feeding ratio. Furthermore, the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) of the nanogels was close to body temperature and can result in rapid thermal gelation at 37 °C. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed that the P(ODGal-VCL-MAA) nanogel showed uniform spherical monodispersion. With pyrene as a probe, the fluorescence excitation spectra demonstrated nanogel degradation in response to glutathione (GSH). X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an amorphous property of DOX within the nanogel, which was used in this study as a model anti-cancer drug. Drug-releasing characteristics of the nanogel were examined in vitro. The results showed multi-responsiveness of DOX release by the variation of environmental pH values, temperature or the availability of GSH, a biological reductase. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay showed a higher anti-tumor activity of the galactose-functionalized DOX-loaded nanogels against human hepatoma HepG2 cells, which was, at least in part, due to specific binding between the galactose segments and the asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGP-Rs) in hepatic cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometric profiles further confirmed elevated cellular uptake of DOX by the galactose-functionalised nanogels. Thus, we report here a multi-responsive P(ODGal-VCL-MAA) nanogel with a hepatoma-specific targeting ability for anti-cancer drug delivery.

Nanoclays reinforced glass ionomer cements: dispersion and interaction of polymer grade (PG) montmorillonite with poly(acrylic acid)

Montmorillonite nanoclays (PGV and PGN) were dispersed in poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) for utilization as reinforcing filler in glass ionomer cements (GICs). Chemical and physical interaction of PAA and nanoclay (PGV and PGN) was studied. PAA–PGV and PAA–PGN solutions were prepared in different weight percent loadings of PGV and PGN nanoclay (0.5-8.0 wt%) via exfoliation-adsorption method. Characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD results of PAA–PGN demonstrated that the interlayer space expanded from 12.83 to 16.03 Å indicating intercalation whereas the absence of the peak at d(001) in PAA–PGV indicated exfoliation. XPS scans of PGV and PGN nanoclays depicted the main peak of O 1s photoelectron due to Si–O–M (M = Mg, Al, Fe) whereas, Si–O–Al linkages were identified by Si 2p or Si 2s and Al 2p or Al 2s peaks. The disappearance of the Na peak confirmed that PAA molecules exchanged sodium ions present on surface of silicate layers and significantly reduced the electrostatic van-der-Waals forces between silicate plates resulting in intercalation or exfoliation. FTIR spectra of PAA–nanoclay suspensions demonstrated the presence of a new peak at 1,019 cm(-1) associated with Si–O– stretching vibrations which increased with increasing nanoclays concentration. Information concerning the dispersion of nanoclay in PAA aqueous solutions, chemical reaction and increase interlayer space in montmorillonite nanoclay is particularly useful regarding dispersion and reinforcement of nanoclay in PAA.

Photoinitiated polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate by riboflavin/triethanolamine in aqueous solution: a kinetic study

The polymerization of 1–3 M 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) initiated by riboflavin/triethanolamine system has been studied in the pH range 6.0–9.0. An approximate measure of the kinetics of the reaction during the initial stages (~5% HEMA conversion) has been made to avoid the effect of any variations in the volume of the medium. The concentration of HEMA in polymerized solutions has been determined by a UV spectrophotometric method at 208 nm with a precision of ±3%. The initial rate of polymerization of HEMA follows apparent first-order kinetics and the rates increase with pH. This may be due to the presence of a labile proton on the hydroxyl group of HEMA. The second-order rate constants for the interaction of triethanolamine and HEMA lie in the range of 2.36 to 8.67 × 10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹ at pH 6.0–9.0 suggesting an increased activity with pH. An increase in the viscosity of HEMA solutions from 1 M to 3 M leads to a decrease in the rate of polymerization probably as a result of the decrease in the reactivity of the flavin triplet state. The effect of pH and viscosity of the medium on the rate of reaction has been evaluated.

Properties of a proline-containing glass ionomer dental cement

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Proline-containing glass ionomers are promising fast-set dental restorative materials with superior mechanical properties; however, little information is available on other physical properties of this type of glass ionomer.

PURPOSE

The objectives of this study were to synthesize and characterize a polyacrylic acid terpolymer containing proline derivative (PD) and to investigate the physical properties of this glass ionomer cement (GIC) and its cytotoxicity in vitro.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A terpolymer of AA (acrylic acid), IA (itaconic acid), and proline derivative (MP) with an 8:1:1 molar ratio was synthesized and characterized. Experimental GIC specimens were made from the synthetized terpolymer with Fuji IX (GC America, Alsip, Ill) commercial glass ionomer powder as recommended by the manufacturer. Specimens were mixed and fabricated at room temperature and were conditioned in distilled water at 37°C for 1 day and 1 week. Vickers hardness was determined with a microhardness tester. The water sorption characteristics and fluoride releasing properties of the specimens were investigated. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the experimental glass ionomer was assessed by evaluating the C2C12 cell metabolism with methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Commercial Fuji IX was used as a control for comparison. The data obtained for the experimental GIC (PD) were compared with the control group by using 1- and 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple range test at α=.05.

RESULTS

Proline-modified GIC (PD) exhibited significantly higher surface hardness values (Vickers hardness number [VHN] 58 ±6.1) in comparison to Fuji IX GIC (VHN 47 ±5.3) after 1 week of maturation. Statistical analysis of data showed that the water sorption properties of the experimental cement (PD) were significantly greater than those of the control group (P<.05). The experimental GIC showed a significant increase in the amounts of initial fluoride release (P<.05) with continued fluoride release from the bulk of the material. The experimental group showed slightly reduced cell metabolism and cell number in comparison to the control group. However, the results were not statistically different (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

An amino acid-containing GIC had better surface hardness properties than commercial Fuji IX GIC. This formulation of fast-set glass ionomer showed increased water sorption without adversely affecting the amount of fluoride release. Considering its biocompatibility, this material shows promise not only as a dental restorative material but also as a bone cement with low cytotoxicity.

Evaluation of a conventional glass ionomer cement with new zinc formulation: effect of coating, aging and storage agents

OBJECTIVE

The study focused on a recently launched conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) with a particular chemical formulation of both, filler and acrylic liquid, by analysing its mechanical behaviour in comparison to three conventional GICs. Furthermore, the effect of resin coating and storage conditions was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three commercially available GICs were chosen: Riva Self Cure (SDI), Fuji IX Fast (GC) and Fuji IX GP Extra/Equia (GC). Additionally a newly developed zinc-containing GIC--ChemFil Rock (Dentsply)--was tested. Mechanical properties were determined at macro- [flexural strength (FS) and modulus of elasticity (E (flexural))] and micro-scale [Vickers hardness (VH) and indentation modulus (E)] after storing coated and uncoated specimens in artificial saliva and distilled water for 7 and 30 days.

RESULTS

ChemFil Rock revealed the highest FS, but the lowest VH and E. The micro-mechanical properties of the analysed GICs did neither benefit from the new zinc formulation nor from resin coating. A resin coating is nevertheless a valuable support for GIC fillings, since it offers the absence of visible surface defects like crazing and voids, and thus, it led to significant improvements in flexural strength. This statement is also valid for ChemFil Rock, contrary to manufacture recommendation. The impact of storage agent and storage duration on the measured properties was low.

CONCLUSIONS

The new development (ChemFil Rock) might represent a promising approach regarding longevity of GIC fillings in molar regions, due to the high flexural strength and the absence of visible surface defects like crazing and voids.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

All GICs should receive surface protection in order to perform their maximum in stability.

Ultrasonically set novel NVC-containing glass-ionomer cements for applications in restorative dentistry

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of application of ultrasound on the physical properties of a novel NVC (N-vinylcaprolactam)-containing conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC). Experimental GIC (EXP) samples were made from the acrylic acid (AA)-itaconic acid (IA)-NVC synthesized terpolymer with Fuji IX powder in a 3.6:1 P/L ratio as recommended by the manufacturer. Specimens were mixed and fabricated at room temperature and were conditioned in distilled water at 37°C for 1 day up to 4 week. Ultrasound (US) was applied 20 s after mixing by placing the dental scaler tip on the top of the cement and applying light hand pressure to ensure the tip remained in contact with cement without causing any deformation. Vickers hardness was determined using a microhardness tester. The working and setting times were determined using a Gillmore needle. Water sorption was also investigated. Commercial Fuji IX was used as control for comparison (CON). The data obtained for the EXP GIC set through conventional set (CS) and ultrasonically set (US) were compared with the CON group, using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple range test at α = 0.05. Not only ultrasonic (US) application accelerated the curing process of both EXP cement and CON group but also improved the surface hardness of all the specimens. US set samples showed significantly lower water sorption values (P < 0.05) due to improved acid-base reaction within the GIC matrix and accelerated maturation process. According to the statistical analysis of data, significant increase was observed in the surface hardness properties of CS and US specimens both in EXP samples and the CON groups. It was concluded that it is possible to command set GICs by the application of ultrasound, leading to GICs with enhanced physical and handling properties. US application might be a potential way to broaden the clinical applications of conventional GICs in restorative dentistry for procedures such as class V cavity restorations.