Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Accessing the Cytotoxicity and Cell Response to Biomaterials
Published on: July 8, 2021
In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of a novel root repair material
Hui-min Zhou1, Ya Shen, Zhe-jun Wang
1Center for Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China.
Introduction:
This study examined the effect of a new bioactive dentin substitute material (Biodentine) on the viability of human gingival fibroblasts.
Methods:
Biodentine, White ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and glass ionomer cement were evaluated. Human gingival fibroblasts were incubated for 1, 3, and 7 days both in the extracts from immersion of set materials in culture medium and directly on the surface of the set materials immersed in culture medium. Fibroblasts cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium were used as a control group. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the adhesion of human gingival fibroblasts to the surface of the set materials was assessed by using scanning electron microscopy. The data of cell cytotoxicity were analyzed statistically by using a one-way analysis of variance test at a significance level of P< .05.
Results:
Cells exposed to extracts from Biodentine and MTA showed the highest viabilities at all extract concentrations, whereas cells exposed to glass ionomer cement extracts displayed the lowest viabilities (P< .05). There was no significant difference in cell viabilities between Biodentine and MTA during the entire experimental period (P> .05). Human gingival fibroblasts in contact with Biodentine and MTA attached to and spread over the material surface after an overnight culture and increased in numbers after 3 and 7 days of culture.
Conclusions:
Biodentine caused gingival fibroblast reaction similar to that by MTA. Both materials were less cytotoxic than glass ionomer cement.
