Physical properties and bioactivity of Aloe vera modified tricalcium silicate-based cement

Abstract

Objective: This study compares the physical properties and bioactivity of tricalcium silicate-based cement (Matreva MTA) modified with various concentrations of Aloe vera (AV) solutions and Biodentine cement. Methods: Sixty discs were prepared, and divided into 5 groups (12 discs each) based on the estimated materials: group I: Biodentine, group II: Matreva MTA, group III: Matreva MTA with 10% AV, group IV: Matreva MTA with 20% AV and group V: Matreva MTA with 30% AV. The flow and setting time were assessed following ISO standard 6876:2012 and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard C266-21, respectively. The in-vitro bioactivity was evaluated after 1, 14, and 28 days of immersion in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) including pH, calcium ion release, and apatite formation. All data were statistically analyzed. Results: Increasing the AV concentration added to Matreva MTA from 0 to 30% decreased the flow and setting time. Significant high mean pH and calcium ion release values were observed for 20 and 30% AV-modified Matreva MTA cement at 14 and 28 days (P≤ 0.05). Environmental scanning electron microscope/ energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (ESEM/EDX) analysis confirmed calcium phosphate nucleation on the surfaces of 20 and 30% AV-modified Matreva MTA cements after immersion in HBSS. Conclusion: Addition of 20 and 30% AV solutions to Matreva MTA reduced the setting time and improved the handling characteristics as well as the in-vitro bioactivity, resembling the qualities of Biodentine. Both AV-modified Matreva MTA and Biodentine cements had extended alkalinizing activity and calcium ion release. Clinical relevance: AV-modified Matreva MTA can be considered a promising biomaterial for different endodontic applications.