Biocompatibility of New Pulp-capping Materials NeoMTA Plus, MTA Repair HP, and Biodentine on Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of MTA Repair HP, NeoMTA Plus, and Biodentine, new bioactive materials used for dental pulp capping, on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Methods: Biological testing was carried out in vitro on hDPSCs. Cell viability and cell migration assays were performed using eluates of each capping material. To evaluate cell morphology and cell attachment to the different materials, hDPSCs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the pulp-capping materials was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray and eluates were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Statistical differences were assessed by analysis of variance and Tukey test (P <.05). Results: Cell viability was moderate after 24 and 48 hours in the presence of MTA Repair HP and NeoMTA Plus, whereas at 48 and 72 hours, Biodentine showed higher rates of cell viability than MTA Repair HP and NeoMTA Plus (P <.001). A cell migration assay revealed adequate cell migration rates for MTA Repair HP and NeoMTA Plus, both similar to the control group rates, meanwhile the highest cell migration rate was observed in the presence of Biodentine (P <.001). Scanning electron microscope studies showed a high degree of cell proliferation and adhesion on Biodentine disks but moderate rates on MTA Repair HP and NeoMTA Plus disks. Energy dispersive X-ray pointed to similar weight percentages of C, 0, and Ca in all 3 materials, whereas other elements such as Al, Si, and S were also found. Conclusions: The new pulp-capping materials MTA Repair HP, NeoMTA Plus, and Biodentine showed a suitable degree of cytocompatibility with hDPSCs, and good cell migration rates, although Biodentine showed higher rates of proliferation time-dependent.