Cytotoxicity evaluation of dentin bonding agents by dentin barrier test on 3-dimensional pulp cells.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 4 dentin-bonding agents on the cell viability of bovine derived cells. STUDY DESIGN Cytotoxicity of dentin-bonding agents (G-Bond [GB], Adper Prompt Self-Etch [APSE], Clearfil DC Bond System [CDCB], and Quadrant University-1-Bond [UB]) was analyzed with a dentin barrier test device using 3-dimensional (3D) pulp cell cultures. A commercially available cell culture perfusion chamber was separated into 2 compartments using a 500 μm dentin disk. The 3D cultures were placed on a dentin disk and held in place with a special biocompatible stainless steel holder. Test materials were introduced into the upper compartment in direct contact with the cavity side of the dentin disks according to the manufacturer's instructions. Subsequently, the pulpal part of the perfusion chamber containing the cell cultures was perfused with a medium (2 mL/h). After an exposure period of 24 hours, cell survival was determined by using the MTT assay. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS In the dentin barrier test, cell survival rates of UB and CDCB were similar to the control group (P > .05). However, all other tested materials were cytotoxic for the 3D pulp-derived cell cultures (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Dentin-bonding agents include biologically active ingredients and may modify pulp cell metabolism when the materials are used in deep cavities in spite of a dentin barrier. If these adhesive agents are used in deep cavities, a biocompatible cavity liner should be used.