Effect of elastin‐like polypeptide incorporation on the adhesion maturation of mineral trioxide aggregates

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the incorporation of elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) on the adhesion maturation of mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA). Two types of ELPs (V125 and V125E8) were genetically synthesized. V125 consisted of 125 repeating pentapeptides (Val‐Pro‐Gly‐Xaa‐Gly) and V125E8 was functionalized with octaglutamic acid in the C‐terminus of V125; both were diluted to 10 wt% in solution. Three 1.5 mm diameter holes in dentin discs were filled with MTA mixed with either a solution of ELP or deionized water. Push‐out bond strength tests were performed following storage in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 12). The interface between dentin and MTA was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The maturation of MTA was evaluated with a stereoscopic microscope and SEM. The incorporation of a specific ELP (V125E8) significantly increased the bond strength of MTA to dentin with regard to every maturation period (p