Novel Nanotechnology of TiO(2) Improves Physical-Chemical and Biological Properties of Glass Ionomer Cement

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of glass ionomer cement (GIC) added with TiO(2) nanotubes. TiO(2) nanotubes [3%, 5%, and 7% (w/w)] were incorporated into GIC's (Ketac Molar EasyMix™) powder component, whereas unblended powder was used as control. Physical-chemical-biological analysis included energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), surface roughness (SR), Knoop hardness (SH), fluoride-releasing analysis, cytotoxicity, cell morphology, and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Parametric or nonparametric ANOVA were used for statistical comparisons (α ≤ 0.05). Data analysis revealed that EDS only detected Ti at the 5% and 7% groups and that GIC's physical-chemical properties were significantly improved by the addition of 5% TiO(2) as compared to 3% and GIC alone. Furthermore, regardless of TiO(2) concentration, no significant effect was found on SR, whereas GIC-containing 7% TiO(2) presented decreased SH values. Fluoride release lasted longer for the 5% and 7% TiO(2) groups, and cell morphology/spreading and ECM composition were found to be positively affected by TiO(2) at 5%. In conclusion, in the current study, nanotechnology incorporated in GIC affected ECM composition and was important for the superior microhardness and fluoride release, suggesting its potential for higher stress-bearing site restorations.