In vitro bioactivity of newly introduced dual-cured resin-modified calcium silicate cement

This study was designed to investigate the in vitro bioactivity of a new dual cured calcium silicate cement (TheraCal PT) compared to its light cured (TheraCal LC) and chemically set (Biodentine) counterparts.

The study is an in vitro original research article. Prepared cements discs were immersed in deionized water. Ca2+ release was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma‑optical emission spectrometry while pH was assessed using a pH meter after 1, 14, and 28 days. Discs for surface characterization were immersed in phosphate‑buffered saline (PBS) and were examined using an environmental scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X‑ray (ESEM/EDX),immediately after setting and at 1,14,and 28 days intervals after that.Attenuated total reflectance (ATR)/Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy analyses were performed after setting and after 28 days storage in PBS. Statistical analysis was performed using the two‑way repeated measure analysis of variance test followed by Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons (P < 0.05).

Biodentine exhibited the highest mean values for Ca2+ release (792,639,278 ppm) and pH (10.99, 12.7, 11.54) at all time intervals. ESEM/EDX displayed a continuous layer of calcium phosphate formed by Biodentine andTheraCal LC whileTheraCal PT developed scarce interrupted precipitates after immersion in PBS.ATR/FTIR and Raman spectroscopy for the formed precipitates confirmed the presence of phosphate and Ca (OH) 2 in Biodentine,TheraCal LC and TheraCal PT.

TheraCal PT exhibited limited in vitro bioactivity which may limit its prognosis in clinical applications for vital pulp therapy.TheraCal LC is considered a potential bioactive calcium silicate cement despite its lower Ca2+ release compared to Biodentine. Highest bioactivity was observed in Biodentine.