Preparation and Biological Evaluation of Glass Ionomer Cement- Diopside Nanocomposite

The aim of the present study was to fabricate and characterize glass ionomer cement-diopsid nanocomposite and to evaluate the effect of addition of diopside (CaMgSi2O6) nanoparticles on its bioactivity and fluoride release behaviors. Firstly, diopside nanoparticles were synthesized using sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used in order to phase structure characterization of produced diopside nanopowder. Glass ionomer cementdiopside nanocomposite was fabricated via adding 3wt.% of the diopside nanoparticles to the ceramic part of commercial GIC (Fuji II GC). Artificial saliva and simulated body fluid (SBF) were used in order to study of Fluoride ion release from the fabricated nanocomposite and its behavior after the in-vitro bioactivity test, respectively. Statistical analysis was also carried out on the collected data by the one way analysis of variance (P < 0.05). Results of surface studies by SEM and chemical analysis by Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) after the immersion test as well as trend of pH variations of the SBF during the soaking test, confirmed the bioactivity of the produced nanocomposite.