The release of elements from the base metal alloys in a protein containing biologic environments and artificial saliva – An invitro study

Abstract

Introduction: It has been reported that protein containing solutions can accelerate the release of elements from the base metal alloys. Aim: This study aims to determine whether the solution in which an alloy is submerged and the exposure time have any effect on the amount of release of elements from the Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloys. Material and Methods: A total of 126 specimens were made from the Ni-Cr alloy and 42 specimens were made from Co‑Cr alloy in the form of 5mm diameter discs, 2mm in thickness. Dissolution experiments were carried out in Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and artificial saliva for a period of seven weeks and atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for elemental analysis. Statistical Analysis: T-test was done to correlate the difference of elemental release from both BSA and artificial saliva. ANOVA test was done to compare the release at different time intervals and to compare the release of elements at different time intervals within a particular solution. TUKEY HSD test was done for comparison between the elements in a particular solution. Results: The results showed that the elemental release was seen in both the solutions with a significant increase of release in BSA. The release of elements from the Ni-Cr alloy showed the predominant release of Cr. Conclusion: The protein containing solution showed maximum release of elements from Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloys. The elements that released from the alloys never reached their threshold for toxic effects. Hence these alloys can be safely used in fabrication of metal restorations without any ill effects.