Effect of self-etching primers containing N-acryloyl aspartic acid on dentin adhesion

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of aspartic acid derivative, N-acryloyl aspartic acid (N-AAsp) when used as a self-etching primer prior to the application of a commercial bonding agent containing 10-methacryloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate. N-AAsp was synthesized by the reaction of DL-aspartic acid and acryloyl chloride. N-AAsp can be dissolved in water up to 25 wt % and can adequately remove the smear layer. When 20 wt % N-AAsp was applied as a self-etching primer, the tensile bonding strength of resin composite to dentin doubled to 16.0 MPa compared with that of the nonetching group or the 40 wt % H(3)PO(4) etching/water rinse group. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed that the formation of the hybrid layer at the interface between the resin composite and dentin and the thickness of the hybrid layer increased with N-AAsp concentration. The hybrid layer in the specimens treated with 20 wt % N-AAsp aqueous solution presented a uniform structure, whereas those treated with 5 wt % N-AAsp solution showed a porous structure. We conclude that 20 wt % N-AAsp aqueous solution has good potential value as a self-etching primer.