Improvement of silicate cement properties with bacterial cellulose powder addition for applications in dentistry

The goal of this paper was to synthesize a new family of composites starting from mineral binder powders and biocellulose membranes, with applications in endodontics. An important achievement consisted in the crushing of biocellulose 3D structure in a polygranular powder via an hydrothermal treatment. Afterwards, the polymer powder was mixed with silicate cement powders synthesized through the sol-gel technique. The resulting hybrid materials were investigated by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical measurements. The hydrocompounds developed after 28 days of hardening exhibited an increased structuring degree and favourably adhered to the surface of the embedded biocellulose particles, which led to a faster setting time. A large part of the paper was dedicated to in vitro biological tests. All materials showed a pronounced mineralization process in simulated conditions. Moreover, they did not exert cytotoxic effects, but presented the ability to sustain cell survival and to promote cell proliferation.