The development of iron-free partially stabilized cement for use as dental root-end filling material.

To determine the effect of increasing the proportion of zinc on partially stabilized cement (PSC) produced using a one-step sol gel process. A one-step sol-gel process of Portland cement-based PSC with Zn was synthesized by replacing iron nitrate. The crystalline phases of the PSC-Zn powder were analysed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental groups [i.e., MTA, PSC-Fe (control), PSC with 1% Zn, PSC with 3% Zn, and PSC with 5% Zn] were immersed in simulated body fluid for 3 h, 1 and 3 days to evaluate the hydration product formation. The microstructure and surface morphology were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Initial and final setting times of the materials were determined using an ASTM Vicat needle testing machine. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of PSC-Zn system, primary osteoblasts cell lines were used. The addition of increased weight percentages of Zn, resulted in a more unstable phase which favoured the formation of a monoclinic structure of C3 S with an increased hydration reaction of PSC and reduced setting time. The cytotoxicity testing of PSC with Zn revealed that the material was not toxic. The newly synthesized PSC-Zn material had short setting time and was biocompatible.