Comparative evaluation of a novel strontium silicate-based sealer on dental stem cells from human: an in vitro study

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the biological effects of a novel strontium silicate-based bio-ceramic sealer (CRoot SP) with two widely used sealers, AH Plus (epoxy resin-based) and iRoot SP (calcium silicate-based), on human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).

In vitro assays were conducted to assess cytotoxicity (using Cell Counting Kit-8 reagent, CCK-8), migration (wound healing assay), osteogenic differentiation (alizarin red S staining and western blot analysis), anti-inflammatory properties (reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) detection), and antibacterial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Sealer extracts were prepared at concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 10 mg/mL in accordance with ISO 10993-5.

CRoot SP exhibited excellent biocompatibility and significantly enhanced cell proliferation, particularly in DPSCs at higher concentrations. It markedly promoted PDLSCs migration and osteogenic differentiation at low concentrations (0.02-0.2 mg/mL), though this effect decreased with increasing concentration. CRoot SP also demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and the lowest levels of ROS and NO, indicating strong anti-inflammatory properties. iRoot SP exhibited favorable bioactivity and concentration-dependent promotion of osteogenesis but induced higher levels of inflammatory mediators. AH Plus exhibited significant cytotoxicity, especially at high concentrations, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, likely due to the release of toxic monomers.

CRoot SP possesses superior biocompatibility, pro-regenerative properties at low concentrations, anti-inflammatory potential, and antibacterial efficacy compared to iRoot SP and AH Plus, supporting its clinical potential for use in regenerative endodontic procedures.