Cytotoxicity Evaluation on Clean Grade Silicone Reinforced with Nanosilica Filler as an Alternative Maxillofacial Prosthesis

Abstract

Maxillofacial prosthesis is a non-invasive procedure to replace damaged or lost facial tissue structures. Extraoral maxillofacial prosthesis to resemble facial skin tissue is made of silicone. The addition of fillers and pigments to silicone has been done to improve its physical and mechanical properties while maintaining its biocompatibility. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity of nano silica filler and intrinsic pigment additives in clean grade silicone as an alternative material for maxillofacial prosthesis. Thirty clean grade silicone samples were divided into 6 treatment groups: 1 group of silicone without any additives and 5 groups of silicone with addition of intrinsic pigment and nano silica filler with concentration of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 6%. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay against 3T3L1 fibroblasts. The average absorbance value for all treatment groups was 0,941-1,105, which was lower than the control group. The post hoc test showed that only the 6% of nano silica and intrinsic pigment additive group did not differ from the control group. The addition of silica nano filler and intrinsic pigment to silicone did not cause toxicity to 3T3L1 cells. The cytotoxicity of nano silica is determined by its particle size and concentration. The use of intrinsic pigments produces compounds that are less reactive to genetic material. In conclusion, the addition of nano silica filler and intrinsic pigment to clean grade silicone as an alternative maxillofacial prosthesis is nontoxic. The addition of 6% nano silica filler and intrinsic pigment to clean grade silicone showed the best cell viability.