Physicochemical and biological characterization of a nationally manufactured MTA cement

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the physicochemical and biological properties of a nationally manufactured mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement.

Methods:The materials under study will be MTA Dura-Link (LEDUC, Uruguay), and for control MTA Angelus (Angelus, Brazil), and MTA ProRoot (Dentsply, USA). All materials will be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions and allowed to set for 72 hours at 37 °C under controlled humidity prior to each test. This project will be submitted for prior evaluation by the institutional ethics committee. Mechanical characterization. Diametral tensile strength (DTS) will be determined (n = 10) following the protocol of ISO 4049:2019, adapted for calcium silicate-based cements. Biocompatibility. Cell viability will be assessed by MTT assay (n = 5) using the NIH 3T3 cell line, in accordance with the guidelines of ISO 10993-5. Bioactivity. The odontoinductive potential of the materials will be evaluated by direct-contact cell culture (n = 5) of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) seeded on pre-set cement discs, following the model described by Paranjpe et al. (J Endod, 2011). Odontoblastic differentiation will be assessed at 14 days by detection of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) expression using high-resolution live-cell microscopy (Nanolive 3D Cell Explorer) coupled to a fluorescence imaging system. Statistical analysis will be performed using one-way ANOVA for the DTS and odontoinductive potential assays, while two-way ANOVA (time and material) will be used for cell viability; in all cases, a significance level of α = 0.05 will be applied. 

Expected Results: All three materials are expected to exhibit comparable physicochemical and biological properties. This study will provide scientific evidence on a clinically active material that currently lacks formal characterization, contributing to the validation of its potential as an odontological biomaterial.