Sealing Ability of Polydopamine-Coated Gutta-Percha With Bioceramic Sealer: An In Vitro Study

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Achieving a complete three-dimensional seal of the root canal system is critical for endodontic treatment success.
• The hydrophobic nature of gutta-percha can hinder interaction with hydrophilic bioceramic sealers, potentially causing interfacial gaps and microleakage.
• Polydopamine (PDA) surface modification is a bioinspired approach to enhance biomaterial wettability and adhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the sealing ability, interfacial adaptability, and wetting characteristics of PDA-coated gutta-percha cones when used with bioceramic sealer via single-cone obturation.
• To investigate the impact of PDA surface modification on the gutta-percha-bioceramic sealer interface.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen extracted mandibular premolars were instrumented and randomly assigned to receive either uncoated or PDA-coated gutta-percha with bioceramic sealer.
• Sealing ability was evaluated by apical dye penetration.
• Interfacial adaptability was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and wetting ability was assessed by measuring the contact angle between sealer and gutta-percha discs.

Main Results:

• PDA-coated gutta-percha exhibited significantly reduced apical dye penetration compared to uncoated controls (3.04 ± 0.59 mm vs. 4.3 ± 1.11 mm).
• SEM revealed improved interfacial adaptability and absence of gaps at the sealer-PDA-gutta-percha interface after 28 days in simulated body fluid, unlike uncoated controls.
• PDA coating significantly decreased the contact angle between sealer and gutta-percha (28.8° ± 9.4° vs. 77.4° ± 27.1°), indicating enhanced wettability.

Conclusions:

• Polydopamine surface modification significantly enhances the wettability, interfacial adaptation, and sealing performance of gutta-percha when combined with bioceramic sealers.
• This bioinspired coating holds potential for improving the quality and longevity of root canal obturation in clinical practice.