Evaluation of cytotoxicity of MTA employing various additives

Behnam Jafarnia1, Jin Jiang, Jianing He

  • 1Division of Endodontology, School of Dental Medicine, The University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030-1715, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with various additives remains biocompatible. Additives do not affect set MTA cytotoxicity, and only 3% sodium hypochlorite gel impacts freshly mixed MTA viability, with likely no clinical significance.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Dental Materials
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a widely used dental material.
  • Additives are often incorporated into MTA to enhance its handling properties.
  • Understanding the impact of these additives on MTA's cytotoxicity is crucial for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cytotoxicity of MTA when mixed with various additives.
  • To determine if additives affect the cell viability of both freshly mixed and set MTA.

Main Methods:

  • MTA was mixed with water, saline, 2% lidocaine, 5% CaCl(2), 3% NaOCl gel, and K-Y liquid.
  • L929 cells were incubated with MTA pellets for 24, 48, and 72 hours.
  • Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay and analyzed with one-way ANOVA.

Main Results:

  • Set MTA showed no significant differences in cell viability regardless of the additive used.
  • Freshly mixed MTA with 3% NaOCl gel exhibited significantly lower cell viability (29%-50%) compared to other additives.
  • Both gray and white MTA formulations yielded similar results.

Conclusions:

  • Additives do not alter the cytotoxicity of set MTA.
  • Most tested additives do not affect the cytotoxicity of freshly mixed MTA, with 3% NaOCl gel being an exception.
  • MTA remains biocompatible even when mixed with tested additives, including 3% NaOCl gel, suggesting minimal clinical concern.

Related Concept Videos