Novel coating materials for glassionomer cement: formulation characteristics, surface adhesion and impact on microhardness
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: AIM: The study aimed to assess the characteristics of new formulations as substitutes for petroleum jelly in coating glass ionomer cement (GIC) and the effect on its microhardness. Methodology: Three formulations were produced with different food coloring and essences: Formulation-1(F1) was olive-oil-based, Formulation-2(F2) was coconut-oil-based, and Formulation-3(F3) comprised starch and a lower dose of petroleum jelly as main ingredients. The formulations underwent characterization tests on mechanical, and rheological properties. Surface adherence was tested using methylene-blue added formulations and petroleum jelly on GIC samples subjected to mechanical stimulations. Microscopic imaging at 10x magnification was performed at five-time intervals in 60 min, and the remaining formulation percentages were analyzed using Fiji-Image-J software. The Vickers microhardness was measured on 25 disc-shaped GIC (Fuji IX-GP) specimens coated with formulations, vaseline, and no-coating after 24 h, 7 and 30 days at 37 °C, 100% humidity. In addition, the biocompatibility was evaluated on fibroblast cells using the MTS assay after 24 h exposure to the conditioned media obtained from formulation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: All formulations exhibited pseudoplastic flow and appropriate viscosity suitable for oral application. Surface adhesion of the tested materials showed a statistically insignificant difference, with significant reduction of the materials over time. A statistically significant difference was found in microhardness between olive-oil-based-F1 and other groups, with coconut-oil-based-F2 and uncoated group after 24 h with no difference among formulations and vaseline after 7 and 30 days. Biocompatibility testing showed that all formulations (F1–F3) maintained over 95% fibroblast viability at dilutions of 1:10, 1:100 and 1:1000, supporting their safety for intraoral application. Conclusions: Olive-oil-based-F1 formulation presents a promising superior alternative to petroleum jelly for coating glass ionomer cement. Clinical Relevance: Clinically, the novel surface coating formulations offer a safer, petroleum-free, and patient-friendly alternative to routine products, with the olive oil-based formulation being a promising substitute for vaseline.
Source: BMC Oral Health
Institution: Ege University
Language: English
Subfield: Orthodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Funder: Ege Üniversitesi
OpenAlex ID: W7124268982