In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity of palatal expanders

Authors

  • Matheus Melo Pithon Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ
  • Rogério Lacerda dos Santos Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ
  • Fernanda Otaviano Martins Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ
  • Maria Teresa Villela Romanos Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ

Keywords:

Cytotoxicity, cross-bite, cell culture

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of two palatal expanders made of stainless steel or composite. Methods: Six expanders were divided into two experimental groups: metallic expander and composite expander. Three control groups also were assessed: positive control (amalgam), negative control (glass stick), and control cell (cells not exposed to any material). The sterilized expanders were immersed into Eagle’s minimum essential medium for 24 h, and the contact assay was performed using L929 fibroblasts. The cells were incubated for 24 h, and 100 μL of 0.01% neutral-red staining solution were added followed by incubation for 3 h and cell fixation. Cytotoxicity was evaluated at four different periods of time: 24, 48, 72, and 168 h. Counting of viable cells was performed by using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 492 nm, and data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: The positive control groups (amalgam) were statistically different from the other groups. No difference of cytotoxicity was found among the groups and periods of time. Conclusions: The tested metallic and composite expanders showed no significant cytotoxicity within this experimental design.

Author Biographies

Matheus Melo Pithon, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ

Departamento de Ortodontia UFRJ

Rogério Lacerda dos Santos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ

Departamento de Ortodontia UFRJ

Fernanda Otaviano Martins, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ

Departamento de Microbiologia UFRJ

Maria Teresa Villela Romanos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-UFRJ

Departamento de Microbiologia UFRJ

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Published

2009-03-17

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Section

Original Article