An in vitro investigation into the cytotoxicity of methyl methacrylate monomer

Aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of monomer. An in vitro study was designed to study the growth inhibitory effect of monomer (Stellon, Denture Material Improved, Type I, Class I, Dental Products of India Limited) on cells seeded in petri dishes and maintained in an incubator with 5% carbon dioxide at 37 °C. The growth of V79 cells (fibroblast cells) maintained in a culture medium to which monomer was added was studied for a period of 5 days. Results of this study pointed out that even at a concentration of 1 µl of monomer, the cell growth was significantly inhibited, when compared to the control group. The number of viable cells decreased dramatically whereas dead cells increased in the culture groups treated with the monomer. The cytotoxic effect was dose dependent. As the concentration increased from 1 to 10 µl there was a marked inhibition of cell growth and a corresponding increase in dead cell count. Results of this study proved beyond doubt that monomer is indeed cytotoxic even in very low concentrations. Thus, it becomes imperative to adopt every possible means to minimize residual monomer content in heat cured resins. Also precautions to minimize tissue contact should be taken while handling monomer by the dentist and dental personnel in the laboratory.