In vitro assessment of cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antimicrobial properties of pediatric restorative dental materials.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of three glass ionomer-based restorative materials and one alkasite material on murine fibroblast cells (L929). Additionally, their antibacterial activities against two prominent oral pathogens were investigated.

METHODS

The tested materials included ChemFil Rock (Dentsply Sirona, Germany), EQUIA Forte HT Fil (GC, Japan), Ruby Liner (Rubydent, Turkey), and the alkasite material Cention Forte (Ivoclar Vivadent, Switzerland). Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were assessed using the L929 fibroblast cell line through MTT and comet assays. Antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis were determined using the agar diffusion method. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (GraphPad Prism v5.03). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.0001 for cytotoxicity and p < 0.05 for genotoxicity.

RESULTS

All tested materials exhibited cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on L929 cells, with no statistically significant differences among the groups. None of the materials demonstrated antibacterial activity, as indicated by the absence of inhibition zones against both S. mutans and E. faecalis.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluated glass ionomer-based and alkasite restorative materials induced significant cytotoxic and genotoxic responses in vitro but showed no antibacterial efficacy. These findings underline the necessity for further in vivo investigations to determine their clinical safety and long-term biocompatibility.