Cytocompatibility of a self-adhesive gutta-percha root-filling material

CONTEXT: A novel root-filling material based on the incorporation of ultrafine alkaline bioactive glass particles (bioactive gutta-percha, [BGP]) was developed to work without sealer. AIM: In the present study, the objective was to verify the in vitro biological response to this material by assessing its cytocompatibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prototypes of BGP were compared to conventional gutta-percha (GP), dense polystyrene beads as a negative control and fragments of latex as a positive control. Extracts of each material were prepared according to ISO 10993-5:2009, and human osteoblast-like cells in primary culture were exposed to all extracts for 24 h. Cell viability was assayed sequentially for three different parameters: mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, and cell density. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Nonparametric analysis (using Kruskal–Wallis test combined with post hoc Dunn's test) was performed for comparison among groups, with significance established at 5%. RESULTS: BGP reduced mitochondrial activity to 62% of control, but presented no toxicity on membrane integrity and proliferation assays. BGP effect on metabolism was dose-dependent and reduced to acceptable levels with dilution. CONCLUSION: The novel GP material presented slight dose-dependent effects on cell metabolism but did not affect cell survival.