• A zinc-containing bioactive glass–resin cement was synthesized for potential use as a pulp capping agent. • The material maintained favorable mechanical integrity under exposure to biological fluids. • Blood exposure influenced the setting behavior of all tested materials, with the new cement remaining stable after full setting. • The material supported dental pulp stem cell adhesion and migration under in vitro conditions. • Its moisture-independent setting reaction indicates potential applicability in single-visit vital pulp therapy. This study evaluated the mechanical and biological performance of a zinc‑modified bioactive glass–resin pulp‑capping agent (NPA) under clinically relevant conditions and compared it with MTA Angelus and Biodentine in the presence of blood and phosphate‑buffered saline (PBS). Setting time (n = 4; ISO 9917) and Vickers microhardness (n = 10) were measured after exposure to blood‑ or PBS‑moistened pellets. Dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) adhesion (n = 6) was examined by scanning electron microscopy, and DPSC migration (n = 6) was assessed using a scratch assay with material extracts diluted at 1:1, 1:4, and 1:8. The results showed that blood exposure significantly prolonged setting times for all materials (p < 0.05), with NPA showing the longest and Biodentine the shortest. NPA demonstrated the highest microhardness in both media (p < 0.01), although blood reduced hardness across groups. At 1:1 dilution, no measurable cell migration was observed; therefore, statistical analysis was limited to diluted concentrations. Lower concentrations enhanced cell migration, reaching 124% for MTA, 104.5% for NPA, and 86% for Biodentine at 1:8. SEM confirmed DPSC adhesion on all materials, with improved spreading on MTA and NPA. Despite slower setting, NPA showed superior microhardness and favorable cellular responses, suggesting its potential as a candidate material for vital pulp therapy.
Heydari et al. (Fri,) studied this question.