Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effect on Modified Glass Ionomer Cement with Calcium Carbonate: An in vitro Study

Abstract

Objective: Glass ionomers, commonly used as base ma- terials, are also employed as restorative materials after modifications are made to their content. By altering their physical properties through additives, attempts have been made to impart antibacterial characteris- tics. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects resulting from the addition of calcium carbonate (marble powder) to conventional glass ionomer luting cement on gingival fibroblast cells. Material and Methods: Conventional glass ionomer cement (Ionofil U, VOCO, Ger- many) was used in this study. The specimens were divided into three groups: Group A-Glass ionomer without marble particles (control). Group B-Glass ionomer with 5% wt. Calcium Carbonate (marble par- ticles) added to the powder component. Group C-Glass ionomer with 10% wt. Calcium carbonate (marble particles) added to the powder component. Prepared samples were kept in medium for 24 hours. The cytotoxicity levels of the biomaterials used in the study were deter- mined using the MTT (3-4.5-dimethyl-thiazolyl-2.5-diphenyltetra- zolium bromide) method on gingival fibroblast cell. Statistical evaluation was performed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Duncan test (p<0.05). Results: Biomaterials other than those in Group A, when applied to fibroblast cells, did not exhibit cytotoxicity; instead, they stimulated fibroblast cell proliferation. Group A reduced fibroblast cell viability rates at concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25%. Conclusion: Marble powder enhanced glass ionomers showed poten- tial for clinical applications as samples did not show cytotoxic effects. Further physical tests are needed to assess the clinical suitability of the materials.