The effect of nanozirconia mixed with glass-ionomer on proliferation of epithelial cells and adhesive molecules

Background and aims. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles of zirconia mixed with glass-ionomer on the proliferation of epithelial cells and adhesive molecules (ICAM-1).Materials and methods. Zirconia nanoparticles were mixed with glass-ionomer powder in weight percentages of 0%, 5%, 50%, 70%, and 100%. The powders were then mixed with glass-ionomer liquid in 2:1 weight ratios. The paste was then inserted into a steel ring mold (5 mm in diameter and 0.5 mm in thickness) sandwiched between two glass slides. Glass-ionomer was then cured using a light-curing unit. Seven samples (discs) were prepared for each mixing percentage. Cell cultivation (epithelial) and MTT tests were performed to assess the cytotoxicity of specimens containing different nanozirconia contents. Finally, human ICAM-1 platinum ELISA test was performed for quantitative diagnosis of human ICAM-1 epithelial cells.Results. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in the cytotoxicity of specimens with different nanozirconia contents after 1 and 24 hours and one week. There were no significant differences between the specimens in relation to the ICAM-1 molecules released from epithelial cells.Conclusion. The results revealed that incorporation of zirconia nanoparticles (except for the pure zirconia particles) stimulated the adhesion of epithelial cells to the specimens, making the zirconia-containing glass-ionomers promising biomaterials for dental applications. The highest biocompatibility was obtained for 70 wt% of zirconia after 24 hours.