Laboratory-based additive modifications in glass ionomer cements: A scoping review using a systematic data mining and trend analysis framework (2015-2024).

Abstract

<h4>Objectives</h4>This scoping review aimed at identifying laboratory-based additive modifications in commercial glass ionomer cements (GICs), analyzing trends between additives and properties improved, and highlighting research gaps relevant to clinical performance using an expert-guided informatics framework (EGIF), a human-in-the-loop approach grounded in materials informatics (MI).<h4>Data/sources</h4>Reporting followed the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. PubMed and ScienceDirect were screened from 01 January 2015 to 31 December 2024. Additional relevant articles were identified through reference mining.<h4>Study selection/results</h4>A total of 1,222 articles were screened, and 79 unique records selected and further analyzed. Additives to GICs were categorized into nine classes according to MeSH classification. Based on the final selected articles, trends were analyzed regarding the GIC base materials used in experiments, the types of additives incorporated, and the properties improved. Research on GIC modification has been steadily increasing, with Fuji™ Ⅸ GP and Fuji™ Ⅱ LC being the most frequently used base materials. Recent studies have primarily focused on improving physicochemical properties while maintaining or even enhancing bioactivity.<h4>Conclusions</h4>EGIF based on these data suggests that the incorporation of nano-sized metals or bioactive glass or glass fiber may compensate for the limitations of commercially available GICs and enhance their bioactivity. Furthermore, AI-assisted approaches are expected to facilitate the prediction of the optimal additive and their ratios.<h4>Clinical significance</h4>This review provides an evidence-based map of additive strategies for GIC modification. As it synthesizes only in vitro findings, the results may guide rational development of next-generation GICs but do not directly reflect clinical outcomes.