Interaction between odontoblast and bio-calcium phosphate cement reinforced with chitosan

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is one of many useful materials for restoring tooth defects, periodontium and maxillofacial area. Chitosan is a biodegradable material that has been shown to promote the growth and differentiation of osteoblasts in culture. This study examined the interaction between odontoblasts and bio-calcium phosphate cement reinforced with chitosan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 5x10(3) odontoblastic cells were seeded into each well. Various concentrations of bio-calcium phosphate cement reinforced with chitosan (10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 microg/ml, 1, 2, 4 mg/ml) were diluted and added to the wells. The well was incubated for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. After incubation, the number of cells was assessed to determine the cell viability. A cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay and chromosomal aberration test were carried out to estimate the extent of chromosomal abnormalities. Microscopic photographs and RT-PCR were performed to examine the adhesion potential of bio-calcium phosphate cement reinforced with chitosan. RESULTS: Bio-CPC-reinforced chitosan did not show significant cytotoxicity. The number of damaged chromosomes in the cells treated with Bio-CPC-reinforced chitosan was similar to that in the control cells. There was no significant increase in the number of chromosomal aberrations in the Bio-CPC reinforced chitosan exposed cells. Microscopic photographs and RT-PCR confirmed the adhesive potential of bio-CPC reinforced chitosan to odontoblasts. CONCLUSION: Bio-CPC-reinforced chitosan did not affect the odontoblastic cell viability, and had no significant cytotoxic effect. Bio-CPC-reinforced chitosan showed adhesive potential to odontoblasts. These results are expected form the basis of future studies on the effectiveness of dental restorative materials in Bio-CPC reinforced with chitosan.