Physicochemical, mechanical and cytotoxicity evaluation of chitosan-based accelerated portland cement

In recent years, the possibility of using accelerated portland cement (APC) as a cheaper alternative to endodontic materials attracts attention. Chitosan-based accelerated portland cement (APC-CT) material was prepared with different concentrations of chitosan (CT) solutions of 0%, 0.625%, 1.25% and 2.5% (w/v), and its physicochemical, mechanical and cytotoxicity properties were evaluated. The results indicated that APC-CT exhibited good physicochemical and mechanical properties, the addition of CT improved the pH and solubility of APC and extended its setting times. However, compressive strengths were reduced and minimum effect on microhardness was observed. Surface morphology of APC-CT was characterized by the presence of CT crystallites which spread and filled the spaces in APC structure that resulted in more homogeneous phases. The chemical compositions of APC and APC-CT were almost identical with intensified O, C and Si in APC-CT, and the interaction of chitosan with APC was confirmed by FTIR spectra. The cytotoxicity and cell attachment assays indicated that APC-CT supports the cell proliferation and shows favourable interaction and cell response to the materials in vitro which imply that this material is non-toxic. In conclusion, the results exhibit suitable physicochemical, mechanical and biocompatibility properties of APC-CT as a promising endodontic material for clinical dental applications. Further development of APC-CT is indicated for the synthesis of variable dental restorative materials. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.