Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Accessing the Cytotoxicity and Cell Response to Biomaterials
Published on: July 8, 2021
Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate induce similar cellular responses in a fibroblast cell line
Camila M Corral Nuñez1, Helen J Bosomworth1, Claire Field1
1Centre for Oral Health Research, School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Introduction:
The aim of this study was to assess the cell viability and messenger RNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-6 in 3T3 fibroblast cells when in direct contact with Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur de Fossés, France) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).
Methods:
Biodentine and MTA were coated onto coverslips and allowed to set. An uncoated coverslip and one coated with GC Fuji IX (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) were used as controls. Coverslips were cultured with 3T3 fibroblast cells. Cell viability was assessed quantitatively using AlamarBlue dye (Serotec, Oxford, UK) after 3, 6, 24, and 72 hours. Morphologic cell changes of 3T3 cells in contact with BD and MTA were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and cytokine expression was assessed at the messenger RNA level by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction after 3 and 24 hours of direct contact with the materials.
Results:
Cells in contact with Biodentine and MTA showed similar viability to untreated control cells at all time points, with the exception of 6 hours when viability was decreased with both treatments. Examination by scanning electron microscopy revealed cells adhering to most of the Biodentine surface after 24 hours. However, for MTA samples, significantly fewer cells were observed. The messenger RNA expression of IL-1α and IL-6 by cells in contact with Biodentine was similar to cells in contact with MTA.
Conclusions:
Biodentine and MTA showed similar cytotoxicity and induced a similar pattern of cytokine expression.
