Osteogenic Potential of a Three-Phase Strontium- and Silicon-Doped Tricalcium Silicate Cement on Dental Pulp Stem...

This study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of a novel three-phase cement composed of strontium-doped hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA), silicon-doped hydroxyapatite (Si-HA), and tricalcium silicate (C₃S) on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in vitro.

Sr-HA, Si-HA, and C₃S were synthesized via sol-gel methods, combined with anhydrous calcium sulfate to produce a three-phase cement (3P cement), and characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. DPSCs were cultured on three dilutions of 3P cement and compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine (BDNT) cement, and a control medium. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using the MTT assay, apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/PI staining, and osteogenic differentiation was analyzed through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, and Alizarin Red staining on Days 7 and 14.

The 3P cement exhibited excellent biocompatibility, with the highest DPSC proliferation observed at the 1/5 dilution. Apoptosis rates were minimal and comparable to controls. DPSCs cultured on 3P cement demonstrated significant increases in ALP activity, calcium deposition, and mineralized nodule formation compared to the control (p < 0.05). The osteogenic response was comparable to, or in some measures superior to, MTA and BDNT cement.

The three-phase Sr- and Si-doped tricalcium silicate cement supports DPSC viability and promotes osteogenic differentiation, indicating its potential as a bioactive bone substitute. Further preclinical and in vivo studies are warranted to validate its regenerative efficacy in clinical applications.