Synthesis of sol–gel derived calcium silicate particles and development of a bioactive endodontic cement

The aim of this study is to produce sol-gel derived calcium silicate particles (CS) and evaluate the influence of different concentration of calcium tungstate in the physical, chemical, mechanical and biological properties of developed cements.Sol-gel route were used to synthesize calcium silicate particles that were characterized with x-ray difraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction and nitrogen absorption. Cements were formulated with the addition of different concentrations of calcium tungstate (CaWO4), resulting in four experimental groups according to the CS:CaWO4 ratio: CS100 (100:0), CS90 (90:10), CS80 (80:20), CS70 (70:30). The setting time, radiopacity, compressive strength, pH, calcium release, cell proliferation and cell differentiation were used to characterize the cements.CS particles were succesfully sinthesized. The addition of CaWO4 increased the radiopacity and did not influenced the setting time and the mechanical properties of cements. The pH of distilled water was increased for all groups and the CS100 and CS90 groups presented incresed calcium release. Reduced cell viability was found for CS70 while CS100 and CS90 presented higher ALP activity and % of mineralized nodules after 21 days.Sol-gel derived CS particles were sucssfully developed with potential to applied for the production of bioactive ceramic cements. The addition of 10% of CaWO4 resulted in cements with adequate properties and bioactivity being an alternative for regenerative endodontic treatments.