Gingival fibroblast proliferation and interaction with different nanohybrid resin-based composite materials: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the interactions between human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) and resin-based composite materials of different viscosities by analyzing fibroblast proliferation, adhesion and overall cellular response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two nanohybrid composite resins were tested: Estelite Universal Flow (flowable) and Estelite ASTERIA (packable). Cylindrical specimens were prepared, sterilized and incubated with hGFs under controlled conditions. Cells were seeded at different densities and examined using LIVE&DEAD staining at 24 hours, 3 days and 7 days to evaluate cell viability, morphology and proliferation. The experimental setup followed ISO 10993-12:2012 guidelines for cytotoxicity testing.

RESULTS: The packable composite showed superior biocompatibility, with higher cell viability and proliferation than the flowable composite. After 3 days, cells on the packable material exhibited enhanced scaffold colonization and maintained fibroblast-like morphology, whereas the flowable composite showed delayed organization and reduced colonization. A significant reduction in cell viability was observed after 7 days, particularly in the flowable group, likely due to cumulative cytotoxic effects from monomer release.

CONCLUSIONS: Both composite resins demonstrated acceptable biocompatibility, although differences emerged based on viscosity and composition. The packable composite exhibited better performance in supporting cell proliferation and viability.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Material selection, particularly viscosity and monomer composition, may influence soft-tissue behavior around restorations, highlighting the importance of choosing composites with favorable biological profiles in everyday clinical practice.

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