Surface properties and in vitro Streptococcus mutans adhesion to self-etching adhesives

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Dental self-etching adhesives are crucial for bonding restorative materials.
• Understanding bacterial adhesion to these surfaces is vital for preventing oral diseases.
• Streptococcus mutans is a primary pathogen in dental caries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the surface properties and in vitro adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to three two-step self-etching dental adhesives.
• To investigate the influence of mucin coating on bacterial adhesion.
• To compare the performance of Clearfil Protect Bond, Silorane System Adhesive, and Adper Scotchbond SE.

Main Methods:

• An artificial mouth system was used to simulate oral conditions.
• Dental adhesives were applied to hydroxyapatite-coated resin carriers.
• Surface free energy was measured before and after mucin coating.
• Bacterial adhesion was quantified using a fluorescent dye assay.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in surface free energy were observed among adhesives prior to mucin coating.
• Mucin coating reduced surface free energy variations between the adhesives.
• Silorane System Adhesive exhibited significantly lower Streptococcus mutans adhesion compared to Clearfil Protect Bond and Adper Scotchbond SE, irrespective of mucin coating.

Conclusions:

• Silorane System Adhesive demonstrates reduced initial adhesion of Streptococcus mutans.
• Surface free energy and thermodynamic principles correlate with streptococcal adherence to dental adhesives.
• Findings provide insights into material selection for improved oral hygiene.