Effect of biodentine modified with bioactive glass nanoparticles on biocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation, and gene expression of human dental pulp stem cells

Background: Achieving a proper root-end seal is essential for the success of endodontic surgery, ensuring prevention of microleakage, promoting healing, and enhancing treatment longevity. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the biocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation, and gene expression of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), biodentine (BD), and BD modified with bioactive glass nanoparticles (nBAG) on human dental pulp stem cells. Materials and Methods: Discs were prepared using unmodified Biodentine (BD), BD combined with 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/w) Bioactive glass nanoparticles (nBAG), with MTA serving as the control group. Biocompatibility and cell morphology were assessed using the MTT assay. Osteogenic potential was evaluated through alizarin red S staining, and gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteonectin (OSN) was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: All groups were biocompatible, though BD + 3% nBAG showed slightly reduced cell viability. Alizarin red S staining demonstrated significantly higher mineral deposition in BD + nBAG groups versus BD and MTA. However, qRT-PCR indicated that MTA had the highest ALP and OSN expression, while BD and BD + 3% nBAG showed reduced gene expression. Conclusion: Incorporation of nBAG into BD improved mineralization while maintaining cytocompatibility. However, decreased osteogenic gene expression highlights the need for further formulation refinement.