OBJECTIVETo evaluate a new type of diatomite-based machinable ceramic biocompatibility by studying its induced apoptosis on L929 cell in contrasted with other prosthodontics materials.

METHODSCell line was treated with extracting liquid containing different concentrations of diatomite-based machinable ceramic and other materials. Flow cytometry tested cell cycle progression and induced cell apoptosis. Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis staining kit quantitative detected cell death patterns. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSThe experimental groups had no special influence on cell cycle. Apoptosis rates of the new ceramic closed to the negative group (P > 0.05). The apoptosis rate of resin was the highest, and the cell necrosis level of resin was increased, which had significant difference to the new ceramic (P < 0.05). The Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA levels of the new ceramic and the negative group were closed to each other, which had no statistical significance (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe new diatomite-based machinable ceramic has no apparent cytotoxicity, which is consistent with the clinical application of the basic requirements of biocompatibility.