Cytotoxicity evaluation of an antibacterial dentin adhesive system on established cell lines

Clearfil Protect Bond is a new dental bonding agent recently introduced into clinical practice. It contains an antibacterial monomer that contributes to its antibacterial profile. The aim of the present study was to evaluate cytotoxic effect of Clearfil Protect Bond against three established fibroblastic cell lines, in comparison with four commonly used adhesive materials (Adper Scotchbond 1, Excite, Tyrian SPE, and One Step plus). The experiments were performed using RPC-C2A, BHK21/C13, and MRC5 cell lines. Test specimens, either cured or uncured, were placed in a culture medium and the extraction media were used as experimental material. The effect of the bonding materials was assessed by a modified sulforhodamine-B assay after 24 and 48 h of exposure. All tested agents exhibited an antiproliferative effect on cells, the effect on RPC-C2A being the most marked. Extraction media from the uncured materials were without exception highly cytotoxic. In the experiments performed using extraction medium from cured material, Clearfil Protect Bond appeared to be the least toxic material, followed by Tyrian SPE and One Step plus. Adper Scotchbond 1 and Excite exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect. The cell survival percentage ranged between 66 and 97% for Clearfil Protect bond, 15 and 82% for Tyrian SPE, 28 and 58% for One Step plus, 2 and 28% for Excite, and 1 and 6% for Adper Scotchbond 1. Taking into consideration the limitations of an in vitro study, our results indicate that the new antibacterial dental adhesive system is suitable for clinical application.