Ion Release, Microstructural, and Biological Properties of iRoot BP Plus and ProRoot MTA Exposed to an Acidic Environment

Introduction: This study evaluated how exposing the novel calcium silicate nanoparticulate bioceramic iRoot BP Plus (Innovative Bioceramix, Vancouver, Canada) to an acidic environment affects ion release from this material and alters MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast viability on and attachment to this material. These factors were compared against those of ProRoot MTA under similar conditions. Methods: Each material was exposed to phosphate buffered saline (pH = 7.4) or butyric acid (pH = 5.4) for 5 days. Trace metal elements within the 2 materials and released ions were identified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The microstructures and elemental compositions of MTA and iRoot BP Plus after treatment with butyric acid were determined using scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Furthermore, the viability of MC3T3-E1 cells on and their levels of attachment to the materials after the butyric acid treatment were compared. Results: iRoot BP Plus contained fewer toxic metal elements than MTA. Under acidic conditions, both materials displayed similar ion release abilities, with increased release of Si and Ca ions. Substantial changes in microstructure, including reduced apatite formation, were observed for both materials after exposure to acidic pH. Furthermore, exposing iRoot BP Plus and MTA to an acidic environment increased and decreased MC3T3-E1 cell viability on these materials, respectively. MC3T3-E1 cell attachment to both materials was not significantly affected by acidic pH. Conclusions: iRoot BP Plus seems more biologically appropriate for application in an inflamed acidic environment than ProRoot MTA.