Chemical composition and bioactivity potential of the new Endosequence BC Sealer formulation HiFlow

To evaluate in a laboratory setting the effects of Endosequence BC Sealer HiFlow (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA), a novel calcium silicate-based sealer developed for use in warm canal filling techniques, on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).

Eluates of EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (BCHiF) (Brasseler USA), EndoSequence BC Sealer (BCS) (Brasseler USA) and AH Plus (AHP) (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) were placed in contact with hPDLSCs. The characterization of the chemical elements of the root canal sealers was assessed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the ion release of the sealers. MTT assay and wound healing techniques were used to determine cell viability and migration, respectively. Cell morphology and cell attachment were assessed using a direct contact technique of hPDLSCs onto the surface of the sealers and analysed by SEM. The bioactivity potential was carried out with the Alizarin Red and qPCR testing methods. The statistical differences were evaluated using one-way anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05).

ICP-MS and EDX revealed significantly more zirconium in BCHiF than BCS (P < 0.05), whereas BCS had slightly higher levels of Ca²⁺ than BCHiF (P < 0.05). The cell viability assay revealed no relevant differences between BCS and BCHiF when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Both BCS and BCHiF had similar rates of cell migration to the control group at 24 and 48 h. Cell morphology and adhesion capacity were also similar for BCS and BCHiF groups, whilst the AHP group was associated with reduced adhesion capacity. The Alizarin Red assay revealed a significant difference between the BCS and the control group (P < 0.001), as well as for the BCHiF group (P < 0.001). Finally, BCS and BCHiF promoted overexpression of osteo/cementogenic genes.

In general, EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow possesses suitable biological properties to be safely used as a root canal filling material and promote increased expression of oste/cementogenic genes by hPDLSCs.