Evaluation of the physicochemical and biological properties of EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow

ABSTRACT Introduction Understanding the physicochemical and biological properties of endodontic sealers is important for endodontic treatment planning. This study evaluated the properties of EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (BCH), EndoSequence BC Sealer (BC) and AH Plus (AHP). The effect of temperature on setting time and flow on these sealers was also evaluated. Methods Setting time, flow, radiopacity, pH, solubility and calcium release were investigated following International Standardization Organization (ISO) guidelines. Sealers’ morphology and chemical composition were evaluated by scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of sealers was tested against two strains of Enterococcus faecalis. Sealer cytotoxicity and effects on mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and mineralization genes were also investigated. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA, Tukey’s, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s multiple comparison tests. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Setting time and flow rate of all sealers were affected by heat (P≤0.05). Setting times and solubility of BCH and BC were significantly higher than AHP (P≤0.0001). Radiopacity of AHP was higher than BCH and BC (P≤0.0001). All sealers were alkaline and had antibacterial effects. Cell viability was higher for BCH and BC than AHP (P≤0.0001). No significant differences in mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and mineralization genes were observed. Conclusions Overall, BCH and BC had similar physicochemical and biological properties. The observed high solubility of BCH and BC, as well as the high cytotoxicity of AHP might negatively impact the clinical performance of these materials. Application of heat affected setting time and flow of all sealers.