The Effect of Blood Contamination on the Chemical Characterization of Hydrated Mineral Trioxide Aggregates and Their Dentin-Interface: A Comparative Study

The presence of blood contamination could affect the chemical characterization of mineral trioxide aggregates as endodontic repair material during surgical approach. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the chemical characterization of two white mineral trioxide aggregates (ProRoot and Angelus) mixed with blood versus water. ProRoot and Angelus were mixed with either distilled water, fresh human blood, or diluted blood and analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The same materials were packed inside holes in dentin blocks for scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray. Gray Portland cement was used as a control. The infrared spectra of unhydrate powders showed an increase in alite in ProRoot and Angelus, belite in Portland cement, and calcium hydroxide in Angelus. Upon hydration, changes in these bands were detected. Energy-dispersive X-ray displayed significantly higher calcium, aluminum, and phosphorous in hydrated Angelus and silicon in hydrated ProRoot (p < 0.05). No phosphorous was detected in ProRoot. Traces of iron were detected in blood groups. A granular pattern was observed at the hydrated material of all tested groups. Definitive gaps were detected at certain areas within hydrated material and its dentin-interface, particularly in blood-contaminated groups. It was supported with the appearance of new bands assigned to Amide I and II of blood protein. It was concluded that the presence of blood during the hydration process of mineral trioxide aggregates produced small gaps of protein impurities within the hydrated material, affecting its chemical behavior and dentin/material-interface integrity.