Cytocompatibility of Biodentine using a three-dimensional cell culture model

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biocompatibility Testing
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Assessing the biocompatibility of endodontic materials is crucial for clinical success.
• Traditional cell culture methods may not fully replicate the in vivo environment.
• A three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model offers a more relevant platform for evaluating material cytotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of Biodentine, a calcium silicate-based cement, using a 3D cell culture model.
• To compare the cytocompatibility of Biodentine with white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and zinc oxide cement.
• To assess the impact of these materials on the production of IL-1α and TNF-α cytokines.

Main Methods:

• Human maxillary incisor teeth were prepared and root-filled using a single-file reciprocating technique.
• Root-end resection was performed, and teeth were filled with Biodentine, white MTA, or zinc oxide cement (positive control).
• Fibroblasts in a 3D collagen scaffold were exposed to the root apex, and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Cytokine production was measured via ELISA.

Main Results:

• Biodentine and MTA demonstrated cell activity comparable to the negative control, indicating low cytotoxicity.
• Zinc oxide cement exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity and induced marked up-regulation of IL-1α and TNF-α.
• While MTA and Biodentine did not significantly increase TNF-α, both were associated with increased IL-1α production compared to the control.

Conclusions:

• Biodentine and MTA exhibit similar cytocompatibility in a 3D cell culture model simulating in situ root-end filling.
• This 3D model provides a more accurate assessment of endodontic cement cytocompatibility, closely mimicking in vivo conditions.
• The findings support the use of Biodentine and MTA as biocompatible materials for root-end filling procedures.