Inorganic elemental analysis and identification of residual monomers released from different glass ionomer cements in cell culture medium

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Glass ionomer cements (GICs) release inorganic elements and organic residual monomers with the potential for deleterious effects on pulp cells. OBJECTIVE: To identify and quantify inorganic elements present in different GICs and released components from these materials in cell culture medium. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Samples of two resin-modified GICs for base/liner (Vitrebond and Fuji Lining LC), two resin-modified restorative GICs (Vitremer and Fuji II LC) and two conventional restorative GICs (Ketac Fil Plus and Ketac Molar Easymix) were prepared and analyzed by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (EDXRF). Extracts of these materials were obtained by immersion of each sample in separate containers of DMEM for 24 h (total surface-liquid ratio = 45.7 mm²/mL). The extracts were analyzed by EDXRF and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULT: Higher percentages of strontium, silicon and aluminum were identified in Vitrebond, Vitremer, Fuji Lining LC, Fuji II LC, and Ketac Fil Plus, while zinc was detected only in Vitrebond. Ketac Molar Easymix presented a greater atomic composition of lanthanum, calcium, aluminum and silicon. Strontium was detected in the extracts from all materials except Ketac Molar Easymix; calcium was present in extracts from Ketac Fil Plus; zinc only in Vitrebond; and silicon in Fuji II LC extract. The analysis by GC-MS detected 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate (HEMA) in the extracts from all resin-modified GICs, and iodine benzene was detected only in the Vitrebond extract. CONCLUSION: Of the GICs sampled, Vitrebond released the highest number of components with cytotoxic potential.