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Published on: July 10, 2014
Doxycycline-encapsulated nanotube-modified dentin adhesives
S A Feitosa1, J Palasuk2, K Kamocki3
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Division of Dental Biomaterials, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN, USA Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University-UNESP, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
This study developed a novel dental adhesive using doxycycline-encapsulated halloysite nanotubes. The modified adhesive effectively inhibited MMP activity and Streptococcus mutans growth without cytotoxicity, showing promise for durable dental restorations.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials Science
- Nanotechnology in Dentistry
Background:
- Dental adhesives are crucial for resin composite restorations but susceptible to degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
- Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) offer a potential platform for drug delivery in dental applications.
- Doxycycline (DOX) is known for its MMP inhibitory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize a novel doxycycline-encapsulated halloysite nanotube (HNT+DOX)-modified dental adhesive.
- To evaluate the anti-MMP activity, cytocompatibility, and bonding characteristics of the HNT+DOX adhesive.
- To test the hypothesis that DOX release from the HNT+DOX adhesive inhibits MMP activity.
Main Methods:
- HNTs were encapsulated with DOX and incorporated into a commercial bonding system (SBMP).
- Groups tested: unmodified SBMP, SBMP with HNTs, and SBMP with HNT+DOX.
- Evaluated degree of conversion (DC), microtensile bond strength, cytotoxicity on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, and anti-MMP properties.
Main Results:
- The HNT+DOX adhesive demonstrated significant inhibition of Streptococcus mutans growth, confirming successful DOX encapsulation.
- DOX-containing eluates significantly inhibited MMP-1 activity compared to the control.
- No statistically significant differences in DC or microtensile bond strength were observed between groups.
- All tested adhesive eluates were non-cytotoxic to hDPSCs.
Conclusions:
- The developed HNT+DOX adhesive successfully encapsulates and releases doxycycline, exhibiting antimicrobial and anti-MMP activities.
- This therapeutic adhesive shows potential for enhancing the longevity of hybrid layers and improving the clinical performance of dental restorations.
- Further research into encapsulated MMP inhibitors in therapeutic adhesives is warranted.

