Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties and Fluoride Release Profiles of a GIC and Chitosan-modified GIC

Aim: To evaluate the effect of addition of 10% v/v and 20% v/v chitosan (CH), a biopolymer, into FUJI IX glass ionomer cement (GIC) on its compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), and fluoride release (FR) at both 24 hours and 7 days after preparation of the cement mix. Materials and methods: A total of 60 disc-shaped samples with dimensions 6 mm length and 4 mm diameter for CS (n = 30) evaluation and 3 mm height and 6 mm diameter for DTS (n = 30) evaluation were prepared using Teflon molds. All the samples were divided into three groups, group I: Consisting of FUJI IX GIC (n = 20.), i.e., control; group II: Consisting of 10% v/v CH GIC (n = 20), and group III: Consisting of 20% v/v CH GIC (n = 20). The concentration of cumulative fluoride ion released was determined as function of time using a fluoride ion-selective electrode (ORION) at 24 hours and 7 days. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the unpaired “t”-test were used to the mean values, and then, at a significance threshold of 5%, Tukey’s honestly significant difference post-hoc analysis was performed. Results: The highest CS was shown by group II, which being 178.14 ± 4.32 followed by group III with a mean of 154.26 ± 1.86 and 148.16 ± 2.95 for group I. The maximum mean value for DTS was shown by group II, i.e., 16.40 ± 2.29, followed by group III which showed 14.35 ± 1.69, and the least mean value was shown by group I, i.e., 9.12 ± 0.81. Group II showed the highest concentration of release of fluoride at both 24 hours and the 7th day of testing, with the values being 13.09 and 40.59 ppm, respectively. This was followed by group III which showed an FR of 10.61 and 31.13 ppm. Conclusion: On conclusion, it is proven that 10% v/v CH GIC significantly enhanced the CS, DTS, and FR compared with 20% v/v CH GIC and FUJI IX GIC. Clinical significance: The condensable GICs, which were created for atraumatic restorative treatment, need more advancement in their mechanical and anticariogenic qualities since they have greater occlusal wear rate and lower fracture strength and antibacterial qualities than other restorative materials. Bioadhesive CH-fluoride microparticles aid in enhanced fluoride availability and absorption, giving protection against caries.