Optimization of dental adhesive interfaces using tissue biomodulation with DESIGNER biopolymers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• The long-term stability of resin-dentin bonds is crucial for durable dental restorations.
• Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are natural polyphenols with potential biomodulatory effects.
• Developing novel approaches to enhance dental adhesive interfaces is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of four proanthocyanidin-DESIGNERs (PAC-DESIGNERs) on resin-dentin bond strength.
• To assess the effects of PAC-DESIGNERs on resin monomer conversion and dentin matrix properties.
• To determine the cell biocompatibility of PAC-DESIGNERs in a 3D cell culture model.

Main Methods:

• PAC-DESIGNERs with varying degrees of polymerization (DP) were synthesized.
• Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was measured after 24 hours and 1 year.
• Degree of conversion (DC), dentin matrix chemistry (ATR-FTIR), viscoelastic properties (DMA), and cell viability were analyzed.

Main Results:

• All PAC-DESIGNERs significantly enhanced long-term µTBS compared to controls.
• Resin monomer DC was not negatively affected; some PAC-DESIGNERs increased DC.
• PAC-DESIGNERs improved dentin matrix mechanical properties and demonstrated good cell biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• PAC-DESIGNERs effectively optimize dentin-resin bond strength.
• The molecular structure of PAC-DESIGNERs modulates dentin matrix chemistry-mechanics and adhesive properties.
• These findings suggest PAC-DESIGNERs are promising for improving dental adhesive performance and biocompatibility.