Methods: To develop calcium hydroxide pastes, compared the chemical properties and the antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials of these pastes. According to the ISO7406 technique report and Chinese medicine criterion, the biocompatibility of this calcium hydroxide paste was tested by the following trials: short term general toxicity,haemolysis test, cytotoxicity test (Agar overlay method) and sensitization test.To compare the antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials of this calcium hydroxide paste to calcium hydroxide/saline, Calcium Hydroxide Plus (Roeko®), 45% benzalphenol solutionand 45% formaldehyde cresol solution by the agar diffusion test, broth dilution test and cytotoxicity test (MTT assay).
Results:1. The best direction for producing calcium hydroxide paste, which has lower cytotoxic effect and is more effective in eliminating bacteria, contains 52.5% calcium hydroxide powder, 10% CMCP, 10% glycerin, 27.5% propylene glycol.
2. The tested calcium hydroxide paste showed no heamolysis action and toxicity, but it showed slight sensitization and cytotoxicity.
3. Comparing with calcium hydroxide/saline, Calcium Hydroxide Plus (Roeko®), 45% benzalphenol and 45%formaldehyde cresol solution, the standard of cytotoxicity of calcium hydroxide paste was 1. The formaldehyde cresol solution showed the best effective antimicrobial capability, but its standard of cytotoxicity was 3. The calcium hydroxide/ saline, Calcium Hydroxide Plus (Roeko®) were ineffective against all bacteria used in study.
Conclusions: The development calcium hydroxide past showed no heamolysis action and toxicity, but it showed slight sensitization and cytotoxicity. The results indicated that the tested material showed good biocompatibility. Comparing with other traditional medication, calcium hydroxide paste showed effective antimicrobial capability and good biocompatibility.