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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Accessing the Cytotoxicity and Cell Response to Biomaterials
Published on: July 8, 2021
Effects of Bioactive Cements on the Cytotoxicity, Migration, Alkaline Phosphatase Activity, and Mineralization of
Ana Beatriz Vieira da Silveira1, Bárbara Luísa Silva Oliveira1, Eloá Cristina Passucci Ambrósio2
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil.
Introduction/Objective:
The study aimed to assess the biological effects of the capping materials Bio-C Repair, MTA HP Repair, and Biodentine on stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in vitro. Vital pulp therapy seeks to harness the reparative capabilities of the dentin-pulp complex, maintaining primary teeth until their natural exfoliation. Various bioceramic cements formulated from calcium silicate have been developed for this purpose. An ideal material should exhibit bioactivity, bactericidal properties, promote pulp healing, and not disrupt the physiological root resorption process.
Methods:
The study employed tests for cytotoxicity, migration, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization nodule formation. Data analysis was conducted using a two-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc assessments with Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis, and Bonferroni tests (p<0.05).
Results:
In terms of cell viability, both Bio-C Repair and Biodentine demonstrated comparable effectiveness and outperformed MTA HP Repair. Regarding cell migration, after 72 hours, the cells exposed to MTA HP Repair exhibited a greater degree of gap closure compared to the other groups. For ALP activity, SHED cells in contact with Bio-C Repair showed increased ALP activity after 10 days. Biodentine also demonstrated a significant stimulatory effect on the formation of mineralized nodules relative to the other materials.
Discussion:
Bio-C Repair and Biodentine showed better cytocompatibility, while MTA HP Repair enhanced cell migration. Differences in alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization indicate distinct bioactive profiles, highlighting the influence of material composition and experimental conditions.
Conclusion:
All tested cements exhibit bioactive properties suitable for vital pulp therapy in primary teeth. Bio-C Repair showed superior outcomes in both cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity compared to the other materials.
