Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Rapid Mix Preparation of Bioinspired Nanoscale Hydroxyapatite for Biomedical Applications
Published on: February 23, 2017
Apatite-forming ability (bioactivity) of ProRoot MTA
M G Gandolfi1, P Taddei, A Tinti
1Laboratory of Biomaterials and Oral Pathology, Endodontic Clinical Section, Department of Odontostomatological Science, University of Bologna Department of Biochemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. mgiovanna.gandolfi@unibo.it
Aim:
Apatite-forming ability, considered as an index of bioactivity (bond-to-bone ability), was tested on ProRoot MTA cement after immersion in phosphate-containing solution (DPBS).
Methodology:
Disk samples were prepared and immersed in DPBS for 10 min, 5 h, 1 and 7 days. The cement surface was studied by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, by micro-Raman spectroscopy and by environmental scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (ESEM-EDX) analyses. The pH of the storage solution was also investigated.
Results:
Spectroscopic analyses revealed calcium phosphate bands after 5-h immersion in DPBS. After 1 day, an even coating composed of apatite spherulites (0.1-0.8 micron diameter) was observed by ESEM/EDX. After 7 days, its thickness had increased. Apatite nucleation had already occurred after 5-h immersion. At this time, the presence of portlandite (i.e. Ca(OH)(2) , calcium hydroxide) on the cement surface was also observed; at longer times, this component was released into the medium, which underwent a remarkable pH increase.
Conclusions:
The study confirms the ability of ProRoot MTA to form a superficial layer of apatite within hours. The excellent bioactivity of ProRoot MTA might provide a significant clinical advantage over the traditional cements used for root-end or root-perforation repair.
