Cell Viability Assay of Chitosan-Modified Glass Ionomer Restorative Cements

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are widely used dental restorative materials.
• Modifications to GICs, such as chitosan (CS) incorporation, are explored to enhance their properties.
• Evaluating the cytocompatibility of these modified materials is crucial for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the cytocompatibility of chitosan-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) diluents.
• To evaluate the impact of CS modification on the biocompatibility of different GIC materials.
• To determine the effect of exposure time on the cytocompatibility of CS-modified GICs.

Main Methods:

• Three commercial GIC materials (Fuji IX GP, Ketac Universal, Riva Self Cure) were modified with chitosan.
• Diluents were prepared by exposing GIC specimens to DMEM for 0-1, 1-7, and 7-21 days.
• Cytocompatibility was assessed using a Balb/c 3T3 fibroblast cell line via indirect contact and SEM evaluation.

Main Results:

• Ketac Universal showed decreased cell viability on day 1.
• Fuji IX and CS-modified GICs demonstrated consistent cell viability.
• No CS-modified GICs exhibited enhanced cumulative cell biocompatibility; Riva Self Cure with CS showed reduced viability at day 21.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan modification did not universally improve the cytocompatibility of the tested GICs.
• Riva Self Cure modified with chitosan showed decreased fibroblast viability over a 21-day period.
• Further research is needed to optimize CS-GIC formulations for enhanced biocompatibility.