Enhancing resin-dentin bond durability using a novel mussel-inspired monomer

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Adhesion Science

Background:

• Improving resin-dentin bond durability is crucial for long-term dental restorations.
• Mussel-derived compounds offer promising bio-inspired strategies for enhanced adhesion.
• The functional monomer N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl)methacrylamide (DMA) has potential for dental adhesive applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate DMA as a functional monomer in dental adhesives.
• To assess DMA's ability to cross-link dentin collagen and polymerize with adhesives.
• To determine DMA's effect on bond strength, durability, MMP inhibition, and cytotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ATR-FTIR, and AFM were used to evaluate DMA's interaction with collagen and adhesive.
• Micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) testing, fracture analysis, and nanoleakage evaluation assessed bonding performance.
• In situ zymography and cell counting kit-8 assays determined MMP inhibition and cytotoxicity, respectively.

Main Results:

• DMA successfully cross-linked with dentin collagen via non-covalent bonds.
• DMA did not negatively impact adhesive polymerization or mechanical properties.
• High bond strength and minimal nanoleakage were maintained after aging, with reduced MMP activity and no observed cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• DMA is a novel, biocompatible functional monomer that enhances resin-dentin bonding.
• DMA improves bond durability by cross-linking collagen and inhibiting MMPs.
• DMA shows significant potential for use in advanced dental adhesive systems.