Bioactive Composite Materials Research Articles

Physicochemical Characterization of Chitosan-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid Material for Ofloxacin Delivery

The present study involved the synthesis of a bioactive composite material using chitosan (CS) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through the free radical polymerization method. The resulting composite material was comprehensively characterized using various experimental techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The quantification of the swelling behavior involved the measurement of changes in the weight of the sample as a function of the time it was immersed in an aqueous buffered solution. The findings indicated that the maximum drug-loading rate of ofloxacin medication (OFL) was 86%. Moreover, the pH sensitivity of the poly acrylic acid grafting multi-walled carbon nanotubes p(CS-co-AA)/MWCNTs nanocomposite facilitated the substantial release of a significant quantity of medication in aqueous buffered solution at a pH of 1.2. The average rate of drug release was measured to be 76% after 72 h duration. On the other hand, the release of the drug at pH 5 and 7.4 was 42% and 32%, respectively. According to the reported findings, the p(CS-co-AA)/MWCNTs carrier has a favorable capacity to control the release of the OFL drug into the intended medium while reducing potential negative effects.

POSS hybrid bioactive glass dental composite resin materials: Synthesis and analysis

IntroductionThis study create a dental composite by hybirding polyhedral oligo-sesquioxide nano monomers and bioactive glass BG 45S5. MethodsMake an experimental composite resin material with a 60 % filler content overall by substituting 20 % of the filler with BG 45S5. The experimental resins are grouped and named P0, P2, P4, P6 and P8 based on the reactive nanomonomer methacrylic acid-based multifaceted oligomeric sesquisiloxane (POSS) added by 2 %–8 % in the resin matrix portion of each group. Utilize a universal testing machine to analyze and compare the mechanical properties of these, then perform Fourier infrared spectrum analysis, double bond conversion analysis, and scanning electron microscope analysis. Based on this, after soaking the experimental materials artificial saliva solution or lactic acid solution for a while, the pH changes of the solution, the release of Ca2+ and PO43− ions, and the precipitation of apatite on the resin material's surface were tested and analyzed. Cell viability tests were used to assess sample cell viability and quantify the cytotoxicity of biological cells. The independent sample t-test was used to examine the group comparisons, and a difference was considered statistically significant at P<0.05. ResultsOutstanding mechanical and the double bond conversion are demonstrated by the nanocomposites when the POSS concentration hits 4 wt%. Agglomeration will cause the performance to deteriorate if the concentration beyond this threshold. In the P4 group, the double bond conversion, CS, and FS rose by a large margin, respectively, in comparison to the blank control group P0. Thankfully, the data demonstrate that adding POSS increases adhesive ability when compared to the blank group P0, however, there is no discernible difference between the other experimental groups. The acid neutralization capacity of the P4 group is essentially the same as that of the control group (P0). Ca2+ and PO43− ions are released in significant amounts following treatment with lactic acid solution, although this tendency is clearly less pronounced in artificial saliva. SEM and EDX data indicate that when the experimental resin is soaked in lactic acid solution and artificial saliva, apatite precipitation will happen on its surface. The results of the cell viability test indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental groups, and the viability of the cells increased after 24hours and 48 hours. ConclusionsPOSS was included into the composite resin along with 20% bioactive glass as a filler. When the proportion of POSS is less than 4%, the indices of composite resin materials rise in a dose-dependent way. When this value is surpassed, performance begins to deteriorate. The inclusion of POSS has no influence on the biological activity of the composites, which means that the hybrid composite resin is capable of acid neutralization, ion release, and apatite precipitation. Clinical SignificanceThe experimental composite resin can be used as an intelligent material in clinical treatment. It has the clinical application potential of preventing demineralization of tooth hard tissue, promoting remineralization, and improving edge sealing through apatite precipitation.

Effect of pulp capping materials on odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells: An in vitro study.

Migration and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) is a vital and key factor in the success of reparative dentin formation for maintenance of pulp vitality. Pulp capping materials are used to stimulate DPSCs to induce new dentin formation. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the response of DPSCs to four commercially available pulp capping materials: a bioactive bioceramic (Material 1), a nonresinous ready-to-use bioceramic cement (Material 2), a bioactive composite (Material 3),and a biocompatible, dual-cured, resin-modified calcium silicate (Material 4). hDPSCs were isolated and cultured from freshly extracted teeth and were then characterized by flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation. Discs prepared from pulp capping materials were tested with hDPSCs and MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, cell migration assay and odontogenic differentiation assay was performed. Expression of osteogenic markers (osteopontin, RUNX family transcription factor 2, osteocalcin) and the odontogenic marker (dentin sialophosphoprotein) was detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Materials 1, 2, and 3 generated more cell viability than Material 4. Furthermore, Material 4 showed the least wound exposure percentage, while Material 3 showed the highest percentage. Enhanced mineralization was found in hDSCPs cultured with Material 3,followed by Material 1, and then Material 2, while Material 4 revealed the least calcified mineralization. The results of this study were inconclusive regards contemporary bioceramic materials designed for vital pulp therapy as they have different effects on hDPSC. Further testing for cytotoxicity using live-dead staining, animal experiments, clinical trials, and independent analyses of these biomaterials is necessary for clinicians to make an informed decision for their use.

Bioactive Composite Material Based on Polyurethane with Isoniazid

An urgent task is the development of new implantation materials with a prolonged medicinal effect for the treatment of the extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis. The purpose of this investigation was to obtain an implantation material based on mesh polyurethane with the anti-tuberculosis drug isoniazid, to study the drug release of isoniazid from the polymer, to study the biodegradation of such materials, as well as to analyze cellular reactions to their implantation in the body of experimental animals. According to the results of the study of the dynamics of the release of isoniazid from the structure of mesh polyurethane, it was shown that a little more than 44% of isoniazid was released from the polymer matrix during the 389 days of the study. At the same time, in the first 3 days, a shock dose of the anti-tuberculosis drug was released – more than 18%, which can be important for reducing the pathological process at the location of the implant. When studying the biodegradation of the obtained materials, it was established that there was a redistribution of supramolecular structures, in which the type of these structures remained unchanged, but the size of the globular particles changed. In the model environments, the organization of large, possibly hydrophobic, destruction fragments into large globular formations probably took place, which was reflected in the increase of some physical and mechanical indicators. During implantation, the polymer material was subjected to cellular resorption due to the activity of phagocytic fragments, as well as mechanical loads, which contributed to the removal of destruction products from the mass of the polymer and led to a decrease in the main physical and mechanical parameters. According to the results of the implantation test by histological methods, it was established that around the samples of polyurethane with isoniazid a rather pronounced and long-lasting (up to 1 month) reaction of the type of aseptic inflammation was observed. At the same time, the cellular composition of the connective tissue capsule indicated a fairly good tolerability of the polymer material with prolonged release of isoniazid. It is shown that the obtained bioactive composite material based on polyurethane with isoniazid can be a promising implant material for the treatment of bone and joint tuberculosis.

Development of bioactive composite material based on bambusuril and porous titanium nickelide

At the Tomsk State University, a composite material was developed based on porous titanium nickelide and bambus[6]uril which was deposited on the surface of porous titanium nickelide under vacuum. Bambusuril surface occupancy has been assessed, and the biological response of cells to modified samples has been studied. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was possible to establish that the surface of porous titanium nickelide is unevenly covered with bambusuril island-shaped agglomerates size 0.3–3 µm. Bambus[6]uril is localized both on the surface and in the pores. The developed material has high biocompatibility in vitro and low toxicity.

Bioactive nanoglass regulating the myogenic differentiation and skeletal muscle regeneration.

Bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs) are widely used in the field of biomedicine, including drug delivery, gene therapy, tumor therapy, bioimaging, molecular markers and tissue engineering. Researchers are interested in using BGNs in bone, heart and skin regeneration. However, there is inadequate information on skeletal muscle tissue engineering, limited information on the biological effects of BGNs on myoblasts, and the role of bioactive glass composite materials on myogenic differentiation is unknown. Herein, we report the effects of BGNs with different compositions (60Si-BGN, 80Si-BGN, 100Si-BGN) on the myogenic differentiation in C2C12 cells and in vivo skeletal tissue regeneration. The results showed that 80Si-BGN could efficiently promote the myogenic differentiation of C1C12 cells, including the myotube formation and myogenic gene expression. The in vivo experiment in a rat skeletal muscle defect model also confirmed that 80Si-BGN could significantly improve the complete regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue during 4 weeks implantation. This work firstly demonstrated evidence that BGN could be the bioactive material in enhancing skeletal muscle regeneration.

Surface modification of activated carbon cloth with calcium silicate and hydroxyapatite: bioactive composite material

In this study new compounds consisting of activated carbon cloths (ACC) modified with calcium silicate (CaSiO3) were prepared for hydroxyapatite (HAP) generation. ACC samples were oxidized with 8 M HNO3 at different times (15 min and 2 h), to increase oxygenated functional groups. The CaSiO3 fine powders were prepared by chemical coprecipitation using Ca(NO3)2∙4H2O and Si(OC2H5)4, and 5 M NaOH was used as precipitant. The resulting powders were mixed with ethanol by ultrasound stirring and the previously oxidized activated carbon fibers were placed leaving under stirring for 30 min to allow particle dispersion. Once the formed compounds were dried, the samples were immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 21 days in conical tubes at 36.5 °C to allow the HAP formation on the ACC/CaSiO3 composite surface. The results indicated that the increase in oxidation time improves HAP formation on the surface from ACC/CaSiO3 compounds and this bioactive composite may be a potential material for bone regeneration.

Invigorating chronic wound healing by nanocomposites composed with bioactive materials: a comprehensive review.

Wound healing research has revealed a plethora of data regarding various techniques for treating diverse types of wounds. It is well known that chronic wounds heal slowly and are vulnerable to infection. Also, there are numerous factors like destitute blood passage, undetermined inflammation, angiogenesis, neuropathy, and cell multiplication which overhang chronic wound healing. To eliminate the speculative features of chronic wounds, we made a consecutive survey on specific categories of biomaterials like bioglass, bioactive glass, bioceramics, biopolymers, and biocompatible metal oxide nanoparticles. In particular, the bioglass or bioactive glass which is a silica matrix composed of sodium, calcium, phosphorous, etc., is used for bone-bonding ability and easily dissolved in vivo conditions to repair damaged and wounded tissues with their peculiar physiochemical (surface area, porous nature, structural formation, mechanical stability) and biological properties (biocompatible, cytocompatible, osteoinductive, angiogenesis, hemostatic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammation). Furthermore, based on the existing literature studies, we summarized the healing of diabetes wound tendency by bioactive composite materials and offer detailed information on the method, techniques, and future technologies for wound healing.

Surface Modification of Activated Carbon Cloth with Calcium Silicate and Hydroxyapatite: Bioactive Composite Material

Surface Modification of Activated Carbon Cloth with Calcium Silicate and Hydroxyapatite: Bioactive Composite Material

Evaluation of Biocompatibility of two bioactive composite resin materials versus MTA: A Comparative histopathological study

Evaluation of Biocompatibility of two bioactive composite resin materials versus MTA: A Comparative histopathological study

In-vitro evaluation of the shear bond strength and fluoride release of a new bioactive dental composite material.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was (1) to determine and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of a bioactive composite “Activa Bioactive Restorative” with and without bonding agent and a nanocomposite “Filtek Z350 XT/Z350” and (2) to measure and compare the amount of fluoride release from a bioactive composite “Activa Bioactive Restorative” and a glass ionomer ”Equia forte”. Material and MethodsForty two dentin surfaces from freshly extracted human molars were prepared for shear bond strength testing. The specimens were randomly divided into three equal groups. The restorative materials were applied to all dentin surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a special jig (Ultradent) in the following manner : Group 1 (Activa Bioactive Restorative with adhesive), Group 2 (Activa Bioactive Restorative without adhesive) and Group 3 (Filtek Z350 XT/Z350). The bonded specimens were subjected to thermocycling in 5°C and 55°C water baths then tested for SBS in a universal testing machine (1 mm/minute). Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene tests were used to evaluate the distribution of the variable and the equality of variances respectively and a Student’s T- test was applied to compare the mean strength between the groups. In the next test, thirty disc shaped specimens were fabricated using Activa BioActive restorative and Equia Forte; 15 specimens from each material. The specimens of each group were immersed separately in 5 ml of deionized water. Fluoride release was measured daily throughout 15 days using a fluoride-specific ion electrode and an ion-analyzer. Repeated measures analysis of variance with one within-subject factor (time) and one between-subject factor (Activa Bioactive / Equia Forte) was applied to compare the amount of released fluoride between groups and within time. It was followed by univariate analyses and Bonferroni multiple comparisons tests. ResultsThe mean shear bond strength of Activa Bioactive Restorative with adhesive was found to be 17.379 (± 8.5043) MPa and 19.443(± 8.3293) MPa for the Filtek Z350 XT/Z350 group. There was no significant difference between both groups. Regarding fluoride release, the amount of Fluoride released was significantly greater in the Equia Forte group compared to the Activa Bioactive group (-p-value<0.05). The mean amount of Fluoride has significantly decreased over time with Activa Bioactive group (-p-value<0.001); it showed the highest fluoride release during the first 24 hours post-setting. Also in the Equia Forte group, the mean amount of Fluoride release showed a progressive and significant decrease over time (-p-value<0.001), although the amount of Fluoride released was significantly greater in the Equia Forte group compared to the Activa Bioactive group (-p-value<0.05). ConclusionsActiva Bioactive Restorative with adhesive and a nanocomposite showed similar bond strengths. Activa Bioactive Restorative doesn’t have the self-adhesive property. The fluoride ion release profile of Activa was lower than that of the Equia Forte. Key words:Bioactive composite, nanocomposite, glass ionomer, fluoride release, shear bond strength, thermocycling.

The preparation and study on properties of calcium sulfate bone cement combined tuning silk fibroin nanofibers and vancomycin-loaded silk fibroin microspheres.

In this study, a bioactive composite material based on calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) bone cement was studied, which use calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) as coagulant and silk fibroin nanofibers (SFF) solution as the curing liquid, further loaded vancomycin silk fibroin microspheres (SFM/VCM). The drug release effect of bone cements caused by tuning weight content of SFM/VCM (0.5, 1, 2%) and the concentration of silk fibroin solution (SFS) (20, 60, 100 mg/mL) used for preparation of SFM was studied in this article. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) demonstrated that the average diameter of microspheres gradually increased and the setting time was prolonged with the concentration of SFS increasing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were used to analyze the composition of composite materials. The result of compressive strength revealed that the composites contained 0.5% SFM/VCM showed better mechanical performance independent on the concentration of microspheres and the cumulative drug release percentage of all composites were less than 55% after 4 weeks. The drug-loading bone cement possesses not only injectability but also sustained release capability which has a promising prospect in the field of bone substitute material.

Bioactivity Experimental Studies of Composite Materials Promising for Use in Traumatology and Orthopedics: Review

The aim of the study — to determine the properties of modern bioactive composite materials that have the greatest advantage for use in traumatology and orthopedics, particularly in spine surgery.Material and Methods. We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Medline, eLIBRARY and Semantic Scholar. The keywords “implants”, “biomaterials”, “composites”, “tissue engineering”, “scaffolds”, “graphene”, “hydrogels”, “3D bioprinting” were used to identify papers examining the topic of interest. We included comparative studies published from 2010 to 2020 in our review. The following properties were evaluated in papers: biotolerance, bioactivity, osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, osteostimulation, mechanical strength.Results. Special attention is paid to the creation of composites. Composites are made by combining two or more materials to achieve biochemical and biomechanical properties. In composites production, a certain place is occupied by the technology of 3D bioprinting, thanks to which it is possible to develop an individual implant according to a given situation.Conclusion. The combination of composite materials properties indicating on their bioactivity and mechanical strength, as well as the use of 3D techniques to design the geometric forms of implants, provide a high potential for use in traumatology and orthopedics, particularly in spinal surgery.

Growing living and multifunctional mycelium composites for large-scale formwork applications using robotic abrasive wire-cutting

This paper presents four key developments that are leading to the scalability of the fabrication processes of mycelium material. We develop a biological and digital fabrication pipeline for (1) growing large mycelium composite blocks, (2) on-site robotic wire-cutting, (3) using mycelium materials as a multi-functional formwork, and (4) implementing the self-healing of fungal organisms. The purpose of the research is to investigate the processing approaches, variable material handling and materials properties of large biohybrid (composed of biological and non-biological material) foam blocks. The robotic tool provides the freedom to shape and structure this novel biological material and opens the possibility of making unique architectural modules. For the first time, mycelium materials are robotically wire-cut in situ, which results in two demonstrators. Departing from an application-based intention, we test the compatibility of thermal insulating mycelium formwork with a concrete slab. As such, we combine two different materials with hybrid physical and architectural properties. Additionally, we investigated the self-healing and living properties of mycelium components after robotic implementation. The combination of microbiological systems and fibrous substrates creates a unique class of bioactive composite materials, with potential applications at in the construction sector.

Compatibility of Carbon Composite Biomaterials for Repairing Bone Tissue Injury in Wushu Training

With the improvement of economic level, more and more people begin to pursue a healthy lifestyle, among which sports have become an important way of modern people’s sports, but in the process of sports, there will inevitably be some injuries, especially in martial arts training, and bone is the most vulnerable part. Because of the special physiological characteristics of cartilage tissue, it is difficult to recover after injury. This problem has become the main health problem in real life, which greatly affects people’s health and quality of life. At present, the technology of carbon composite biological nanomaterials is more and more mature, and the bioactive composite materials are composed of polymers and bioactive components, which have very good biocompatibility. In recent years, the bioactive composite materials have been applied to clinical practice and achieved very good results. Based on this, this paper considers linking the bioactive carbon composite biomaterials with the recovery of bone tissue damage, and according to the biocompatibility of bioactive composite materials, it is applied to the repair of bone tissue injury in clinical practice. In this paper, two kinds of carbon composite biomaterials, calcium carbonate composite and graphene composite, were synthesized by electrochemical method and photocatalytic reduction method. The crystal of calcium carbonate complex and graphene composite was extracted by changing the experimental time and the parameters of the solution in the experiment, and then the two carbon composite materials were analyzed as biomineralization complex biocompatibility, cell growth, and cell activity of the complex as a drug carrier for bone tissue injury. The experimental results show that the two kinds of carbon composite biomaterials can provide a very good interface for cell adhesion and spreading. This experiment proves that the artificial bone made of carbon composite biological nanomaterials has good biocompatibility, and the biocompatibility of carbon composite biological nanomaterials can be directly applied to clinical bone tissue repair surgery.

Fabrication and modeling of prototype bike silencer using hybrid glass and chicken feather fiber/hydroxyapatite reinforced epoxy composites

Recently, the significant development and advantages of bioactive natural composite materials have been employed in modern engineering constructions, aerospace, packing industries, automotive fields, and more. The fiber materials are derived from natural plant materials (e.g., coir, jute, and bamboo) and animal waste products which show excellent physico–chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties compared to man–made fibers. In this study, the replacement of man–made fiber materials with polymer matrix composites using natural waste chicken feather fiber (CFF) based reinforced lightweight epoxy hybrid composite materials were prepared for the development of a prototype bike silencer. The hybrid composites were prepared from epoxy resin reinforced with synthetic inorganic glass fibers (GF) and natural organic CFFs (with 5, 10, and 20 % composition) together with 3 % of nano–hydroxyapatite (nHA) as a catalytic filler. The 3D modeling, design, and fabrication of a prototype bike silencer were undertaken, using Suzuki Samurai as a reference model specimen. The hybrid 82 G F/15CFF/3HA composite material showed optimum tensile strength and yield strength values of 167.00 and 58.10 MPa, respectively. The observed von–Mises stress, maximum displacement, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio values were 6.9260 MPa, 0.8661 mm, 13.90 GPa, and 0.39, respectively. Further, the presence of voids in the hybrid 82 G F/15CFF/3nHA composite bike silencer showed higher absorption capacity with effective reduction of toxic CO, HC, O2, and CO2 pollutants as well as remarkable heat releasing capacity, as compared to the steel silencer. The fabricated hybrid 82 G F/15CFF/3nHA composite material may effectively be utilized for the development of renewable, eco–friendly biocomposites with exceptional performances.

Direct pulp capping with bioactive materials – A case series

The case series describes the use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and a bioactive composite resin as a direct pulp capping agent after small pulpal exposure during caries excavation in permanent molars. After clinical examination, pulp sensibility with cold test and radiographic examinations in both cases, the teeth were diagnosed with reversible pulpitis. Caries removal was done and MTA was placed in patient 1 and the bioactive composite resin material was placed in patient 2 followed by composite resin restoration. At 1 week follow&amp;#8209;up, patient’s spontaneous symptoms had resolved in both the cases. Six months follow&amp;#8209;up demonstrated maintenance of pulp vitality, clinical function, as well as the absence of pain/tenderness to percussion/palpation/cold sensitivity tests; periapical radiograph showed normal periodontium. These favourable results indicate that both Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and a bioactive composite resin can be successfully used as direct pulp capping agents.

The synergistic effect of combining the bioactive glasses with polymer blends on biological and material properties

AbstractThe possibility of combining the advantages of bioresorbable polymers blending and the modification of blend matrix with bioactive ceramic fillers was presented for the first time in order to obtain composite materials for biomedical applications. Two kinds of sol‐gel‐derived bioactive glasses: S2‐high silica and A2‐high lime content were combined with PCL/PLGA blend at different volume ratio, that is, 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25. Materials were fabricated in the form of thin films using a solvent casting method. The influence of these variables on surface properties (morphology, roughness, wettability), their mechanical performance, in vitro bioactivity and Saos‐2 osteoblast‐like cell response (cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity), were successfully investigated. Due to the specificity of fabrication route, studies were conducted to examine the opposite surfaces of the films, that is, Petri dish glass‐ or air‐exposed during casting. It was demonstrated that the PCL/PLGA ratio of blend matrix, as well as chemical composition of gel‐derived bioactive glass particles, are two‐key factors that allow altering the surface and mechanical properties of the materials in a wide range. This, in turn, modulates significantly the bioactivity of materials and the response of osteoblast‐like cells. Our findings indicate the new possibilities of designing biodegradable and highly bioactive composite materials with potential osteogenic properties.

In Vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect of a New Bioactive Restorative Material (Activa)

Aim: Evaluation in vitro the antibacterial effect of new bioactive composite restorative material (Activa)in comparison to two different bioactive materials on Streptococcus mutans, and lactobacillus acidophilus.Materials and Method: Three types of bioactive restorative materials were used. The materials used inthis study were Bioactive composite Activabioactive composite (A1), FUJI II LCCapsules (A2) and FujiIX Extra Capsules (A3). Each restorative materialwere manipulated in accordance with manufacturer’sguidelines and embedded in wells made-up inplates of trypticase soy agar seeded with Streptococcus mutans(B1) and Lactobacillus MRS agar seeded with Lactobacillusacidophilus (B2). The antibacterial activity wasevaluated by using a caliper to measure the diameter of growth inhibitionzones after 1 day, 1 week, 2weeksand3weeks.Results: The results of the tested materials were collected, statistically analyzed using the ANOVA test todetermine the difference between the mean diameters of the inhibition zone produced. The results indicatethat Fuji IX hadhigher antibacterial effects in comparison with the other Activa Bioactive materials andFujiII LC.Conclusion: All three different bioactive materials promoted growth inhibition of the cariogenic bacteriaassayed. Fuji IX glass-ionomer showed the highest efficacy and durability against the tested strains.

Antimicrobial activity and pH measurement of calcium silicate cements versus new bioactive resin composite restorative material

BackgroundThe purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the antimicrobial effect and pH of two calcium silicate cements Mineral trioxide aggregate high plasticity (Angelus PR, Brazil) and iRoot BP Plus (BioCeramix Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada) and new bioactive restorative resin composite restorative material (ACTIVA, MA, Pulpdent, USA) against aerobic bacteria, strictly anaerobic bacteria and a yeast by using an agar diffusion test.MethodsThe materials were tested immediately after manipulation and were applied to the agar plates. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5.25% was used as a positive control group. The dry filter paper acted as a negative control group for this study. The size of the inhibition zone for each material was measured after 12, 24 and 48 h. At the time of pH measurement; materials were prepared, crushed then dispersed in distilled water.ResultsThe one-way Anova test revealed that iRoot BP Plus significantly showed superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to MTA-HP against the following species; Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius and Candida albicans (P < 0.05). All of the tested materials did not show any antimicrobial effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinomyces israelii. The new bioactive resin composite material (ACTIVA) showed the least antimicrobial activity against the previously mentioned microorganisms except E. faecalis. NaOCl significantly showed the highest antimicrobial activity among the test group (P < 0.05). iRoot BP Plus was more alkaline (pH 12.1 ± 0.14/ 11.9 ± 0.25) in comparison to MTA-HP (pH 11.6 ± 0.16/ 11.2 ± 0.10) while ACTIVA was slightly acidic (pH 5.4 ± 0.09/ 6.5 ± 0.08).ConclusionsAccording to the findings of this study, it was concluded that calcium silicate- based cements showed a potential antimicrobial activity mainly due to its high alkalinity. The new bioactive resin composite restorative material exhibits less antimicrobial activity due to its resinous ingredients and slightly acidic nature. Antimicrobial effect of calcium silicate cements against strictly anaerobic bacterial species is still questionable.