Antibacterial Effects and Physical Properties of a Glass Ionomer Cement Containing BioUnion Filler with Acidity-Induced Ability to Release Zinc Ion

BioUnion filler is a bioactive glass particle that releases Zn2+ in an acidic environment. In this study, the ion release, antibacterial, and physical properties of a glass ionomer cement (GIC) incorporating BioUnion filler (CA) were assessed in vitro. The concentration of Zn2+ released from CA into acetic acid was higher than that released into water and its minimum inhibitory concentrations against six oral bacterial species. Moreover, the concentration of Zn2+-release was maintained during all the seven times it was exposed to acetic acid. Compared to a conventional cement and resin composite, CA significantly inhibited the growth of oral bacteria and hindered their adhesion on the material surface. Thus, our study outcomes show that the release of Zn2+ from CA in the acidic environment does not affect its compressive strength.