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Published on: November 9, 2014
Transdentinal diffusion and cytotoxicity of self-etching adhesive systems
Célia Regina Moreira Lanza1, Carlos Alberto de Souza Costa, Maysa Furlan
1Department of Oral Clinic, Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, PUC-Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Self-etching dental adhesives can diffuse through dentin, impacting odontoblast-like cell metabolism. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was identified as a key diffusing component, affecting cell viability and metabolism in this in vitro study.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Self-etching adhesives are widely used in dental restorations.
- Understanding their potential diffusion through dentin and subsequent cytotoxicity is crucial for clinical success.
- Odontoblast-like cells are vital for maintaining dentin vitality and response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the transdentinal diffusion of self-etching adhesives.
- To assess the cytotoxicity of these adhesives on odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23).
- To identify components responsible for diffusion and cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Human molar dentin disks were used in an in vitro pulp chamber model.
- MDPC-23 cells were cultured on the pulpal side of dentin disks.
- Four self-etching adhesives (Clearfil SE Bond, Clearfil Protect Bond, Adper Prompt, Xeno III), a conventional etch-and-rinse adhesive (Single Bond), and PBS were tested.
- Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay, and diffusion was analyzed by GC/MS.
Main Results:
- All tested self-etching adhesives diffused through dentin.
- Significant reduction in cellular metabolism was observed for all self-etching adhesives compared to the negative control.
- Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was identified as the primary diffusing component.
- The conventional adhesive (Single Bond) showed higher cytotoxicity than most self-etching systems.
Conclusions:
- Components of self-etching adhesive systems can penetrate dentin.
- This diffusion leads to a significant reduction in odontoblast-like cell metabolism.
- Careful selection and application of dental adhesives are necessary to minimize adverse cellular effects.

