Effect of phosphorylated chitosan and carbodiimide biomodification on the chemical composition of eroded dentin

To evaluate the chemical composition and morphological properties of eroded dentin after biomodification with phosphorylated chitosan (P-Chi) and carbodiimide (EDC).

42 bovine dentin specimens were used; 21 of these specimens were subjected to erosive challenge with 0.3% citric acid (pH = 3.2) for 2 hours. The specimens were randomly divided into six groups according to dentin substrate (sound or eroded) and biomodification [with 2.5% P-Chi, with 0.5 mol/L EDC, or no biomodification (control)]. The specimens were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, n= 5, in triplicate) and atomic force microscopy (AFM, n= 2) to verify the phosphate, carbonate, and organic matrix absorption peaks and to investigate surface morphology, respectively. The data were analyzed with Origin 6.0.

Dentin erosion reduced the intensity of the phosphate (1,100 cm⁻¹) and carbonate (872 cm⁻¹) related bands, which evidenced demineralization. Eroded dentin consisted of a more irregular surface containing slightly more open tubules. Modification with P-Chi removed intertubular dentin, which was compatible with surface demineralization; however, this modification obliterated dentin tubules. EDC did not promote demineralization. Biomodified dentin had a more irregular surface, irrespective of substrate type.

Eroded dentin demineralization promoted by biomodification with 2.5% phosphorylated chitosan (P-Chi) is a promising indicator for further studies and highlights the dentin intrinsic characteristics. From the point of view of dentin surface chemical analysis, more studies with P-Chi should be conducted to achieve greater interactions with surfaces and to improve the adhesive interface.