Development of glass ionomer cement modified with seashell powder as a scaffold material for bone formation

Abstract

Purpose: The present study examined the possibility of modifying the structural properties of glass ionomer cement by adding seashells to form a possible ‘scaffold’ material for cases of bone formation. Methods: White and black seashells were ground into a fine, homogeneous powder. To analyze their composition, the seashell samples were submitted to EDX and X-Ray diffraction. The ground seashells were mixed with the glass ionomer cement at either 1, 5 or 10% concentrations (in weight). Samples without any seashells were used as the control group. Solutions and GIC samples were analyzed for pH measurement. The structural and superficial analysis of samples was performed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: There was no difference in pH values among the tested solutions with different seashell concentrations (1, 5 and 10%). In the GIC samples with the shells, the pH values were close to 7.0. The EDX and X-Ray diffraction showed calcium carbonate (CaCO3) peaks for the shell samples. The superficial SEM analysis demonstrated that the samples containing seashells had framework formations in their structures. Conclusion: Although there is a need for biocompatibility and cellular cytotoxicity testing in vitro, as well as in vivo evaluation, seashells could be used in glass ionomer cement aiming at the development of a ‘scaffold’ material for bone grafting or osseointegration.