A ZnO-doped adhesive reduced collagen degradation favouring dentine remineralization

Abstract Objectives The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of a ZnO-doped etch and rinse adhesive in decreasing MMPs-mediated collagen degradation at the resin–dentine hybrid layer, and increasing bonding stability. Methods C-terminal telopeptide concentrations (ICTP) were determined after 24 h, 1 wk and 4 wk in human dentine beams. Dentine was treated: (1) 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s (PA), (2) PA-etched dentine infiltrated with Single Bond (SB), (3) PA-etched dentine infiltrated with ZnO doped SB (ZnO particles – 10 wt% – were added to the bonding resin) (ZnO–SB), and (4) Clearfil SE Bond primed-dentine was infiltrated with Clearfil SE bonding resin (CSE). Microtensile bond strength (MTBS) was assessed for the different groups at 24 h and after 3 months. Debonded dentine surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Results MMPs-mediated collagen degradation occurred in demineralized dentine (PA). Resin infiltration decreased collagen degradation. The lowest collagen degradation was found for Zn-doped SB, followed by CSE. When these adhesives were applied, ICTP values did not change throughout the study period. At 24 h, similar MTBS was attained for all adhesives. Only SB decreased MTBS after three months. Conclusions Addition of ZnO particles to SB produced a reduction in dentine collagen degradation and increased resin–dentine bonds durability. In Zn-doped adhesive interfaces, a calcium phosphate layer and tubular occlusion was encountered at the debonded interface. Clinical significance ZnO particles addition into the bonding resin of SB makes a breakthrough to prevent the hybrid layer degradation and to preserve its bonding efficacy overtime.