BioUnion Glass Ionomer promising for Dentin Remineralization and treating root surface and secondary caries: Study
Researchers have found in a new study that glass ionomer containing BioUnion fillers demonstrated effective dentin remineralization and enhanced dentin surface strength through sustained ion release during pH cycling.
These properties suggest that this material could be a promising option for clinical use in treating root surface caries and secondary caries.
A novel glass ionomer cement (GIC) containing BioUnion™ fillers, was developed to enhance anti-demineralization and remineralization by releasing Zn²⁺, F⁻, and Ca²⁺ ions. This study evaluated its effectiveness in preventing root dentin demineralization during pH cycling. Bovine root dentin specimens were divided into three groups: Control (without GIC), Conventional GIC (GIC; Fuji IX, GC Corporation, Tokyo), and GIC with BioUnion™ fillers (GIC-Bio; Caredyne Restore, GC Corporation).
A 4-week pH-cycling protocol was applied, involving daily exposure to a demineralizing solution (pH 4.5) for 4 hours and a simulated body fluid (pH 7.4) for 20 hours. Demineralization was assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and transverse microradiography (TMR). The characteristics of the dentin surface after the pH cycling were evaluated using the Vickers micro-hardness test and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA for FTIR and two-way ANOVA for TMR and micro-hardness.
Results: TMR analysis revealed significantly lower mineral loss and lesion depth in the GIC-Bio group throughout the experimental period (p < 0.001), while SS-OCT images indicated intact surfaces near the margins for both GIC-Bio and conventional GIC, while the control group displayed a pronounced demineralized zone. Progressive increase on surface hardness and mineral content was observed in the GIC-Bio group as confirmed by micro-hardness testing and FTIR analysis, respectively. GIC containing BioUnion™ fillers achieved maximal reduction in lesion depth and promoted remineralization of root dentin among the tested groups.
GIC containing BioUnion™ fillers represent a potentially viable material for the caries management due to its ability to enhance dentin remineralization and surface mechanical properties through sustained ion release during pH cycling.
Reference:
Kyaw Htet, Noriko Hiraishi, Kittisak Sanon, Panchanit Ubolsaard, Khin Pyae Sone, Yasushi Shimada. Effect of Zinc-Releasing Glass Ionomer Cement on Preventing Dentin Demineralization, Journal of Dentistry, 2025, 105718, ISSN 0300-5712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105718. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571225001630)
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