Biocompatibility of two commercial forms of mineral trioxide aggregate

Abstract

Aim: To examine the biocompatibility of two commercial forms of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), by evaluating the morphology of an established cell line. Methodology: The two cements were cast on glass cover slips and cured for 1 or 28 days. Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells were trypsinized and seeded at a density of 1 × 105 cells and were then placed in medium over the material-coated coverslips for 1, 5 and 7 days. After these time intervals the media were discarded and the cells fixed. Cell morphological investigation was performed by scanning electron microscopy at various magnifications ranging from x 250 to x 500. The biocompatibility of cement constituents, alusilicate flux and bismuth oxide was also investigated. Results: All cement samples cured for 1 day showed a confluent cell monolayer after 5 and 7 days. The response to both materials was similar. Materials cured for 28 days showed incomplete cell confluence after 1 and 5 days. Alusilicate flux and bismuth oxide did not demonstrate biocompatibility. Conclusions: The 1-day cured samples of two commercial forms of MTA showed good biocompatibility. However, the 28-day cured samples were less biocompatible after 1 and 5 days.