AUSTRALIAN ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study compared the mechanical properties of eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite (ESDHA), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and calcium hydroxide (CH), and evaluated their cytotoxicity using human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs). Cement samples were prepared and incubated at 37 degrees C under humid conditions. Cytotoxicity was assessed using extracts collected at different setting periods, followed by real-time cell analysis. Compressive strength was measured at multiple time points. Structural and chemical characterisation was performed using X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. ESDHA and MTA showed no cytotoxic effects, whereas CH exhibited initial cytotoxicity with a doubling time of 42.32 +/- 1.69 h on day 1. MTA demonstrated the highest compressive strength (85.6 +/- 3.2 MPa at 28 days), followed by ESDHA (18.9 +/- 1.4 MPa), while CH had the lowest strength (5.1 +/- 0.4 MPa). ESDHA appears to be a promising, cost-effective alternative with favourable cytocompatibility but requires mechanical improvement.