Influence of titanium dioxide nanotubes with alkyl ammonium alkyl bromide on the physicochemical properties and adhesion of experimental adhesive resins to dentin

This study evaluated the effect of the incorporation of titanium dioxide nanotubes with alkyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (ntTiO2/ATAB) into experimental adhesive resins on their physicochemical properties and adhesion to dentin. The experimental adhesive resins were formulated with 66.66 wt% Bis-GMA and 33.33 wt% HEMA, photoinitiator with addition of ntTiO2/ATAB (1:1) in different concentrations: G1%, G2.5%, and G5%. One groups with no ntTiO2/ATAB addition was used as control (G0%). An optical tensiometer was used to analyze the contact angle (COA) by the sessile drop method (distilled water and α-bromonaphthalene) (n = 5), while the surface free energy (SFE) was calculated using Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble method. Flexural strength (FS) test (three-point bending) of polymerized adhesive samples was performed according to ISO 4049:2019 (n = 10) after 24 h or one year of water storage at 37 °C, as well as for the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test, in which a commercial adhesive (GSBMP) was also used as control (n = 10). The adhesive-dentin interfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectrometry (n = 5). Data were analyzed by one-way (COA and SFE), two-way (FLE and μTBS) ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). G5% showed the highest COA with nonpolar liquid and higher SFE than G0%. The G5% showed decreased FS compared to G0%. The μTBS of both controls (G0% and GSBMP) decreased after one year. TiO2/ATAB-containing adhesives to dentin showed no significant decrease after one year. All adhesives formed hybrid layer and the resin tags inside the dentinal tubules. The incorporation of 1 and 2.5% of ntTiO2/ATAB into experimental adhesive resins did not impar the SFE. After one year, any concentration of ntTiO2/ATAB reduced the FS compared with control, but did not impair the μTBS.