Biocompatibility evaluation of Jordanian Portland cement for potential future dental application

Effect of Motiflor AS probiotic for oral health on cell viability in human gingival fibroblasts and human dental pulp stem cells

Objectives

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the possible effects of oral chewable probiotic tablets (PTs) produced to directly support the oral flora on the proliferation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and human gingival fibroblast cells (HGFCs).

Materials and Methods

For analysis in this study, "Motiflor AS," a PT that dissolves in the mouth, containing 13.5mg Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52, L. rhamnosus Rosell-11, L. halivarus HA-118, and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 was used. Cell survival and proliferation were analyzed by methyl-thiazole-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) test and real-time cell analysis method (xCELLigence RTCA-DP) after 24-, 48-, and 72-h incubation periods.

Results

According to the data obtained with RTCA-DP software, there was a significant increase in the proliferation of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) and HGFCs in the 72-h incubation after PT application compared to the 24-h and 48-h incubations (P < 0.0001). After the MTT test, for HDPSCs, the cell proliferation rate was 62.8% and 85.6% in 24- and 48-h incubation, respectively, while HDPSCs cell proliferation rate in 72-h incubation was 135.2% (P < 0.0001). For HGFCs, the cell proliferation rate was 73% and 120.4% in 24- and 48-h incubation, respectively, while HDPSCs cell proliferation rate in 72-h incubation was 139.8% (P < 0.0001). When the results of the two tests applied were evaluated together, the results showed compatibility.

Conclusions

Based on the results, it has been concluded that PT will be useful for maintaining oral health and for dental and gingival patients who will/have undergone dental treatment. It should be keep in mind that protecting our oral and dental health is very important in terms of protecting our general health.

Application of Texture and Fractal Dimension Analysis to Evaluate Subgingival Cement Surfaces in Terms of Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility is defined as “the ability of a biomaterial, prosthesis, or medical device to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application”. Biocompatibility is especially important for restorative dentists as they use materials that remain in close contact with living tissues for a long time. The research material involves six types of cement used frequently in the subgingival region: Ketac Fil Plus (3M ESPE, Germany), Riva Self Cure (SDI, Australia) (Glass Ionomer Cements), Breeze (Pentron Clinical, USA) (Resin-based Cement), Adhesor Carbofine (Pentron, Czech Republic), Harvard Polycarboxylat Cement (Harvard Dental, Great Britain) (Zinc polycarboxylate types of cement) and Agatos S (Chema-Elektromet, Poland) (Zinc Phosphate Cement). Texture and fractal dimension analysis was applied. An evaluation of cytotoxicity and cell adhesion was carried out. The fractal dimension of Breeze (Pentron Clinical, USA) differed in each of the tested types of cement. Adhesor Carbofine (Pentron, Czech Republic) cytotoxicity was rated 4 on a 0–4 scale. The Ketac Fil Plus (3M ESPE, Germany) and Riva Self Cure (SDI, Australia) cements showed the most favorable conditions for the adhesion of fibroblasts, despite statistically significant differences in the fractal dimension of their surfaces.

The effect of adding graphene oxide nanoplatelets to Portland cement: Potential for dental applications

Background:

The potential of graphene-based materials to improve the physiomechanical properties of Portland cement-based materials without compromising biocompatibility is of interest to dental researchers and remains to be discovered.

Aim:

This study investigated the effects of adding graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GONPs) on the surface microhardness and biocompatibility of Portland cement.

Materials and Methods:

Three prototype Portland cement powder formulations were prepared by adding 0, 1, and 3 wt % GONPs in powder form to Portland cement. Prototype cement specimens were in the form of disks, with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. In experiment 1, surface microhardness was measured using the through indenter viewing hardness tester, 20 surface hardness values were obtained from all specimens. In experiment 2, Balb/C 3T3 fibroblasts were cultured with the material disks and the viability of cells was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.

Statistical Analysis:

The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance followed by Dunnett test (α = 0.05) or Tukey test (α = 0.05).

Results:

In response to material disks, the addition of 1 wt % GONPs had a proliferative effect on cells at day 3 and day 7 with a significant difference from the control. The addition of 3 wt % GONPs showed a remarkable increase in surface microhardness; however, it exhibited initial cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

The addition of 1 wt % GONPs to Portland cement improved surface microhardness without compromising biocompatibility; therefore, it has a greater potential for dental applications. The results of this work give other researchers leads in future assessments of this prototype material.

Effect of the addition of nanoparticles of CaCO3 and different water-to-powder ratios on the physicochemical properties of white Portland cement

The addition of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (nano-CaCO₃ ) accelerates the hydration of Portland cement improving its mechanical properties. Conversely, nano-CaCO₃ addition leads to reduction in the water required during initial PC hydration. Therefore, the use of a correct water-to-powder ratio is fundamental for manipulating this hydraulic cement. This study evaluated the effect of nano-CaCO₃ addition and different water-to-powder ratios on the physicochemical properties of white Portland cement (WPC). WPC was associated to different concentrations of nano-CaCO₃ , and the following experimental groups were created: G1a (no nano-CaCO₃ ); G2a (0.5% nano-CaCO₃ ), G3a (1% nano-CaCO₃ ), G4a (2% nano-CaCO₃ ), and G5a (5% nano-CaCO₃ ). The setting-time (ST), compressive strength (CS), dimensional change (DC), solubility (S), and pH were assessed (24 hr and 30 days). Next, WPC + 5% nano-CaCO₃ was manipulated varying the water-to-powder ratio: G1b (WPC/0.33 ml); G2b (WPC/nano-CaCO₃ /0.33 ml); G3b (WPC/0.29 ml); G4b (WPC/nano-CaCO₃ /0.29 ml); G5b (WPC/0.26 ml); and G6b (WPC/nano-CaCO₃ /0.26 ml). The tests were repeated. The data analysis (2-way ANOVA and Tukey test, α = 5%) demonstrated that ST was shorter for samples containing nano-CaCO₃ (p < .05). Reduction in CS was observed for all groups at 30 days, except G5a, G2b, and G6b (p < .05). DC and S had no statistical difference among groups (p > .05) independently of nano-CaCO₃ water-to-powder ratio. After 30 days, there was significant reduction in pH for G3a and G6b (p < .05). The different concentrations of nano-CaCO₃ and water-to-powder ratios affected the physicochemical properties of WPC, especially the setting-time and compressive strength.