Development and evaluation of reparative tricalciumsilicate-ZrO2-Biosilicatecomposites

Biosilicate is a bioactive glass-ceramic used in medical and dental applications. This study evaluated novel reparative materials composed of pure tricalcium silicate (TCS), 30% zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and 10 or 20% biosilicate, in comparison with Biodentine. Setting time was evaluated based on ISO 6876 standard, radiopacity by radiographic analysis, solubility by mass loss, and pH by using a pH meter. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and NR assays. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red were used to evaluate cell bioactivity. Antimicrobial activity was assessed onEnterococcus faecalisby the direct contact test. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Tukey; Bonferroni and Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests (alpha= 0.05). The association of Biosilicate with TCS + ZrO(2)had appropriate setting time, radiopacity, and solubility, alkaline pH, and antimicrobial activity. TCS and Biodentine showed higher ALP activity in 14 days than the control (serum-free medium). All cements produced mineralized nodules. In conclusion, Biosilicate + TCS ZrO(2)decreased the setting time and increased the radiopacity in comparison to TCS. Biosilicate + TCS ZrO2 presented lower solubility and higher radiopacity than Biodentine. In addition, these experimental cements promoted antimicrobial activity and mineralization nodules formation, suggesting their potential for clinical use.

Automated summary

The combination of Biosilicate with TCS + ZrO(2) showed appropriate setting time, radiopacity, solubility, alkaline pH, and antimicrobial activity. TCS and Biodentine demonstrated higher ALP activity in 14 days compared to the control group, and all cements were able to produce mineralized nodules.