Cytotoxicity of eluates from light-polymerized denture base resins

This study examined the metabolic effects of eluates from four light-polymerized denture base resins and one heat-polymerized denture base resin on oral epithelial cells in vitro. The eluate was cell culture medium that contained either or both of apparently nonpolymerized components and reaction products that diffused out of the resin samples. Eluates were prepared by daily transfer of sample disks in a cell culture medium over 10 days. Toxicity of eluates was tested immediately after transfer (fresh) and after storage for 30 days (aged) by use of radioisotope incorporation and cell viability studies. The fresh eluates inhibited cell metabolism, whereas the aged eluates stimulated then inhibited the responses. Results suggest that the components that leach out of the tested materials do so at different rates and have prolonged toxic effects on cells. Thus soaking prostheses in water before insertion may be beneficial.