Cytotoxicity and microbiological behavior of universal resin composite cements

Dent Mater. 2024 Oct;40(10):1515-1523. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.07.004. Epub 2024 Jul 25.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the cytotoxicity on human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) and Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) biofilm formation on universal resin composite cements (UCs).

Methods: Three UCs (RelyX Universal, 3 M Oral Care - RXU; Panavia SA Cement Universal, Kuraray Noritake - PSAU; SoloCem, Coltene - SCM) and one 'gold-standard' multi-step cement (Panavia V5, Kuraray Noritake - PV5) were used following two polymerization protocols (light-cured - LC; self-cured - SC). Cytotoxicity (MTT) tests were performed after 1, 3 and 7 days of direct contact. Carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate was used to detect the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) expression was analyzed by IL-6 proquantum high sensitivity immunoassay. S. mutans biofilms were grown on UCs samples in a bioreactor for 24 h, then adherent viable biomass was assessed using MTT assay. For microbiological procedures, half of UCs samples underwent accelerated aging. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05).

Results: The highest cytotoxicity was observed for PSAU SC, RXU SC, and PV5 SC at day 1, then for SC RXU after 3 days, and SC PSAU, LC PV5 and SCM after 1-week (p < 0.05). There was no increase in IL-6 expression after 1 day, while it increased depending on the group at 3 and 7 days. The highest ROS expression after 12 h was recorded for PSAU SC, PV5 SC and PV5 LC. Biofilm formation was as follows: RXU > > PSAU = PV5 > SCM, while light-curing systematically decreased biofilm formation (≈-33 %). Aging leveled out differences between UCs and between polymerization protocols.

Significance: The choice of cement brand, rather than category, and polymerization protocol influence cell viability and microbiological behavior. Light-curing is beneficial for reducing the harmful pulpal effect that UCs may possess.

Keywords: Biofilm formation; Bioreactor; Cytokines; Cytotoxicity; Polymerization; Universal resin cements.

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms* / drug effects
  • Composite Resins* / chemistry
  • Dental Pulp* / cytology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Materials Testing*
  • Polymerization
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Resin Cements* / chemistry
  • Resin Cements* / toxicity
  • Streptococcus mutans* / drug effects

Substances

  • Resin Cements
  • Composite Resins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Interleukin-6