The biocompatibility evaluation of epoxy resin-based root canal sealers in vitro

The cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of epoxy resin-based root canal sealer AH26 and AH-Plus were determined in vitro. Root canal sealers were eluted for 24 h in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and diluted in culture medium. Cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT [tetrazolium dye, 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, C18H16N5SBr] assay for mitochondrial enzyme activity and also the cell viability. Genotoxicity assays were assessed using the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) for DNA damage measurement. Result indicated that both the AH26 and AH-Plus sealers exhibited a dose-dependent increase in astrocyte toxic effects. Additionally, dose-dependent astrocyte DNA damage was also noted for both sealers. Therefore, these epoxy resin-based sealers, AH26 and AH-Plus demonstrated both cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in vitro.