Synergistic enhancement of hydraulic endodontic cement via zinc-enriched mesoporous bioactive glass integration

To develop an innovative hydraulic bioceramic (HB) formulation by incorporating zinc-functionalized mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG-Zn) into a commercial calcium silicate-based cement (ProRoot MTA White), aiming to enhance bioactivity, accelerate setting kinetics, and improve clinical performance. A modified cement (MTA-MBG-Zn) was processed by blending MTA with 15 wt% MBG-7.5Zn. The physicochemical properties, including crystalline phases, microstructure and textural characteristics, were analyzed. Functional performance was evaluated through setting time measurements, in vitro bioactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF), and biocompatibility using human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). MTA-MBG-Zn exhibited increased surface area and porosity, resulting in faster bioactive response and reduced final setting time compared to unmodified MTA. Enhanced hydroxyapatite formation and elevated silicon ion release were observed, alongside reduced release of potentially toxic bismuth and aluminum ions. Both materials demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with MTA-MBG-Zn showing slightly higher cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity. The integration of MBG-Zn into calcium silicate-based cement significantly improves its physicochemical and biological performance. These findings support the potential of MTA-MBG-Zn as an advanced material for regenerative endodontics, offering enhanced biomineralization, sealing ability, and a more favorable ion release profile. • A novel hydraulic bioceramic MTA-MBG-Zn was developed by integrating Zn-functionalized mesoporous bioactive glass into ProRoot MTA. • Modified cement showed higher surface area and nanoporosity, speeding setting and boosting bioactivity. • MTA-MBG-Zn slowered Bi and Al release, and showed excellent cytocompatibility promoting osteogenic differentiation in vitro . • The MTA-MBG-Zn formulation demonstrates strong potential for regenerative endodontic applications.