Dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic responses of contemporary glass ionomer cements: an in vitro study
BMC Oral Health, vol.26, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 26 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1186/s12903-026-08447-8
- Journal Name: BMC Oral Health
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Biocompatibility, Cell culture, Cytotoxicity, Glass ionomer cement, MTT
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: The biocompatibility of restorative materials is critical due to their close contact with vital tissues. Resin-modified glass ionomer cements have been developed to improve mechanical properties; however, their cytotoxic effects remain controversial. Materials and methods: In this study, five glass ionomer-based restorative materials with different formulations were tested: four resin-containing materials (Ionosit Baseliner, Nord Liner, Glass Line, and Ionoseal) and one conventional glass ionomer cement (Ketac Molar Easymix). A total of 35 samples (7 specimens for each material) evaluated with standardized discs (5 × 2 mm). Extracts were prepared according to ISO standards and applied to L929 mouse fibroblast cells at four concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%) for 24 and 48 h, and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Absorbance was measured using a spectrophotometer at the appropriate wavelength. Results: Cytotoxic responses varied depending on the material type, concentration, and exposure time. At 24 h and 100% extract concentration, the mean cell viability was 7.14% for Glass Line, 28.69% for Ketac Molar Easymix, 7.37% for Ionosit Baseliner, 86.96% for Nord Liner, and 83.61% for Ionoseal. After 48 h, the corresponding values were 8.03%, 18.34%, 7.32%, 61.62%, and 55.78%, respectively. Glass Line and Ionosit Baseliner showed the highest cytotoxicity, while Nord Liner and Ionoseal showed relatively better cytocompatibility under the tested conditions. Conclusions: The cytotoxic responses of glass ionomer cements varied according to material composition, concentration, and exposure time. Among the tested materials, Nord Liner and Ionoseal demonstrated more favorable cell viability profiles under the tested in vitro conditions. These findings highlight the importance of material composition in restorative procedures performed close to pulp tissues.