Bio-enhanced NGV/QC-Zn@ZSM-5 zeolite nanoplatform for stabilizing the dentin-adhesive interface

Dentin adhesives are essential for minimally invasive restorative dentistry. However, the long-term stability of the resin-dentin interface remains limited due to collagen degradation and bacterial erosion. Achieving synergistic antibacterial activity, collagen cross-linking, and remineralization at this interface is therefore crucial for durable dentin bonding. Quercetin (QC), a natural polyphenol, possesses both antibacterial activity and collagen cross-linking capability. These properties can be further enhanced through coordination with metal ions to form metal-phenolic networks (MPNs). In this study, we used the NGV peptide, derived from bone sialoprotein (BSP, a non-collagenous protein), as a remineralization motif. We combined NGV with an MPN to construct a bio-enhanced nanoplatform (NGV/QC-Zn@ZSM-5) for dentin adhesives. The nanoplatform was prepared by incorporating Zn²⁺ into ZSM-5 zeolites, followed by surface coating with a QC-Zn MPN and subsequent functionalization with NGV. ZSM-5 serves as a multifunctional carrier due to its high ion-exchange capacity, tunable surface chemistry, and ability to enable controlled Zn²⁺ release. The resulting system is designed to stabilize collagen, inhibit bacterial biofilm formation, and promote dentin remineralization. This integrated strategy strengthens the resin-dentin interface against both enzymatic and bacterial degradation, thereby improving bonding durability. Notably, after aging, the modified adhesive exhibited a bond strength approximately 2.03-fold higher than that of the commercial control. Overall, these results highlight the strong potential of this nanoplatform to enhance the longevity and clinical performance of dental bonding restorations.