Effect of Addition of Chitosan on Properties of Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement―An in Vitro Study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of modifying the liquid component of conventional GIC with 10 v/v % and 50 v/v % Chitosan on fluoride release and flexural strength in comparison to conventional GIC.

Method: The liquid component Conventional GIC was modified by adding 10 v/v % and 50 v/v % Chitosan. To evaluate fluoride release, 90 discs of 10*2mm were prepared, stored in 50ml distilled water for 1hr, 24hrs and 1 week and measured in DR-2000 spectrophotometer. To measure flexural strength, 30 samples of 10*2.5*2.5mm were prepared, loaded until fracture in Universal testing machine.

Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance and student Newman Keul test were used to analyze the data

Results: The accumulated fluoride release at various time intervals were greater for 50 v/v% Chitosan modified GIC than the other groups. Mean Flexural strength of 10 v/v% Chitosan modified GIC was found to be statistically significant than the other groups.

Conclusion: Chitosan enhances the Fluoride release and flexural strength properties of conventional GIC.