Bioactivity of a Calcium Silicate–based Endodontic Cement (BioRoot RCS): Interactions with Human Periodontal Ligament Cells In Vitro

• This work was designed to study the interactions of newly developed tricalcium silicate cement (BioRoot RCS) with apical tissue compared with a standard zinc oxide–eugenol sealer (Pulp Canal Sealer).
• A simulation of the interactions that occur in vivo between these materials and periodontal ligament cells was reproduced. Root canals of extracted human incisors were prepared and filled with the lateral condensation technique. The root apices were dipped in the culture medium. These conditioned media were used to investigate their effects on human periodontal ligament cell proliferation and secretion of angiogenic and osteogenic growth factors.
• Tricalcium silicate material is not cytotoxic and induces angiogenic and osteogenic growth factors secretion. Based on these properties, BioRoot appears suitable for root filling although other physical characteristics need to be investigated.

IntroductionTricalcium silicate–based materials are recognized as bioactive materials through their capacity to induce hard tissue formation both in the dental pulp and bone. Sealing the apex implies that the root canal filling materials interact with the periapical tissues. This work was designed to study the interactions of newly developed tricalcium silicate cement (BioRoot RCS; Septodont, Saint Maur Des Fosses, France) with apical tissue compared with a standard zinc oxide–eugenol sealer (Pulp Canal Sealer [PCS]; SybronEndo, Orange, CA).MethodsCell viability was assessed by direct contact between human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and BioRoot RCS or PCS. In addition, an in vitro tooth model was used to study the interactions between these materials and PDL cells. For this purpose, human extracted incisors were sectioned at the enamel-cementum junction; root canals were prepared, sterilized, and filled with lateral condensation with both materials. The root apices were dipped in the culture medium for 24 hours. These conditioned media were used to investigate their effects on human PDL cells. Cell proliferation was investigated with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the secretion of angiogenic and osteogenic growth factors was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsBioRoot RCS has less toxic effects on PDL cells than PCS and induced a higher secretion of angiogenic and osteogenic growth factors than PCS.ConclusionsTaken together, these preclinical results suggest that the calcium silicate cement (BioRoot RCS) has a higher bioactivity than the zinc oxide–eugenol sealer (PCS) on human PDL cells.