Physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of an experimental resin‐based pulp capping material containing the quaternary ammonium salt and Portland cement

Aim To evaluate in vitro the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and calcium phosphate nucleation of an experimental light‐curable pulp capping material composed of a resin with antibacterial monomer (MAE‐DB) and Portland cement (PC). Methodology The experimental material was prepared by mixing PC with a resin containing MAE‐DB at a 2 : 1 ratio. Cured pure resin containing MAE‐DB served as control resin. ProRoot MTA and Dycal served as commercial controls. The depth of cure, degree of monomer conversion, water absorption and solubility of dry samples, calcium release, alkalinizing activity, calcium phosphate nucleation and the cytotoxicity of materials were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using anova followed by Tukey's HSD test (equal variance assumed) or Tamhane test (equal variance not assumed) and independent‐samples t‐tests. Results The experimental material had a cure depth of 1.19 mm, and the mean degree of monomer conversion was 70.93% immediately post‐cure and 88.75% at 24 h post‐cure. The water absorption of the experimental material was between those of MTA and Dycal, and its solubility was significantly less (P