A new approach in self-etching adhesive formulations: replacing HEMA for surfactant dimethacrylate monomers

This study evaluated the influence of surfactant dimethacrylates (SD) on the resin-to-dentin microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and characterized the interfacial micromorphology of the hybrid layer of the experimental HEMA-free self-etching systems. Five experimental HEMA-free two-step self-etching systems containing different SD (Bis-EMA 10, Bis-EMA 30, PEG 400, PEG 1000, and PEG 400 UDMA) and a HEMA-containing system (control) were compared. Each experimental adhesive system was applied and resin composite restorations were incrementally built up in bovine incisors. After 24 h, restored teeth were sectioned to obtain 24 sticks per group. Thereafter, the specimens were subjected to the μTBS test. Data (MPa) were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. Adhesive-dentin interfaces were analyzed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The adhesive system formulated with PEG 400 UDMA produced μTBS similar to the HEMA-containing group and statistically higher than the HEMA-free groups. Similar failure percentages were observed in the PEG 400 UDMA and the control group. In the SEM analysis, all the adhesive systems presented similar partially demineralized hybrid layer (1.5-3.0 μm thickness) with well-formed resin tags. All SD presented reasonable initial μTBS, with the PEG 400 UDMA being a promising monomer to be considered as a HEMA substitute in adhesive systems compositions.