Effect of containing silica fume on cytotoxicity of white mineral trioxide aggregate

BACKGROUND: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has a high biocompatibility and its physical properties could be improved by adding the containing silica fume an amorphous silicon dioxide (condensed silica fume [CSF]). The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of MTA mixed with CSF on the viability of L929 mouse fibroblast cell using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay (MTT assay). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study white MTA was mixed with distilled water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mixtures of White MTA with 10%, 15%, and 20% CSF by weight were prepared and mixed with distilled water. Cytotoxicity of mixtures was compared with MTT assay on L929 mouse fibroblast cell line after 24, 48, and 72 h. Differences in cytotoxicity were assessed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Mean ± SD of vital cell counts cultured in MTA, MTA + 10% CSF, MTA + 15% CSF, and MTA + 20% CSF were 98% ± 6%, 97% ± 6%, 94% ± 4%, and 98% ± 4%, respectively. One-way ANOVA did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that addition of CSF to MTA may not influence its cytotoxicity.