Objective:
To investigate, via a biomaterials approach, the properties of glass ionomer in manufactured form and a biologically modified form to promote cellular attachment.
Method:
1. The properties of surface hardness, strength [compressive, diametral, flexural (3 point and biaxial)], diametral fatigue strength and adhesive bond strength of commercial available glass ionomer (GC Fuji VIII, ChemFil Superior) were determined prior to and following addition of bio-additives (Collagen Type I, RGD, Emdogain).
2. Biocompatibility was ascertained using cell culture techniques (observation under the microscope, Cell viability testing (MTT Assay) and Examination the expression of Vimentin) the potential and optimum concentrations of bioactive additional components, required to promote relevant cell attachment, to the modified restorative materials were investigated.
Result:
GC Fuji VIII was shown by cell observation and viability tests to be less biocompatible than ChemFil Superior.
The addition of Type I collagen to ChemFil Superior increased the expression of Vimentin as determined by Immunocytochemistry and western blotting, indicating that the cells had become more fibroblastic. This increase was not seen to the same level with Emdogain.
Addition of Type I Collagen and RGD to ChemFil Superior improved all of its physical properties significantly (p > 0.05), except for shear bond strength where no detriment was observed.
Conclusion:
This approach has clinical potential to improve the restoration of root caries but before application further investigations is warranted.