Cytotoxicity evaluation of three light-cured dentin adhesive materials on human gingival fibroblasts, ex vivo

To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of three current light-cured dentin adhesives, in both uncured and post-cured conditions, on human gingival fibroblasts.

The materials tested were Heliobond, Adper Single Bond 2 and Xeno V, which are characterized by various compositions and application procedures. Each agent, in volumes of 5 and 10 μL, was tested after polymerization, and those unpolymerized were diluted in DMEM to 10-3 and 10-5. The cytotoxicity of the adhesives was assessed on the basis of a test of cell viability in a culture of human gingival fibroblasts, with the use of tetrazolic salt (MTT assay).

The results showed that, among the adhesive/bonding systems tested, Xeno V was the least cytotoxic. There were statistically significant differences in cell survival between polymerized Xeno V, Adper Single Bond 2 and Heliobond in the amount of 5 μL as well as between the Xeno V and Adper Single Bond 2 in 10-5 dilutions. The tested adhesives were more toxic in the polymerized form than in the dilutions. Samples of 10 μL resulted in a lower survival percentage of fibroblasts compared to 5 μL.

All the tested adhesives demonstrated cytopathic effects towards human gingival fibroblasts, but varied in their cytotoxicity. This has clinical implications. Dentists should follow the rules of adhesive application, precisely dose them and not allow direct contact with the gums as, even after polymerization, adhesive agents exhibit potential cytotoxic activity.