Experimental etch-and-rinse adhesives doped with bioactive calcium silicate-based micro-fillers to generate therapeutic resin–dentin interfaces

Abstract Objectives This study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic bioactive effects on the bond strength of three experimental bonding agents containing modified Portland cement-based micro-fillers applied to acid-etched dentin and submitted to aging in simulated body fluid solution (SBS). Confocal laser (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also performed. Methods A type-I ordinary Portland cement was tailored using different compounds such as sodium–calcium–aluminum–magnesium silicate hydroxide (HOPC), aluminum–magnesium–carbonate hydroxide hydrates (HCPMM) and titanium oxide (HPCTO) to create three bioactive micro-fillers. A resin blend mainly constituted by Bis-GMA, PMDM and HEMA was used as control (RES-Ctr) or mixed with each micro-filler to create three experimental bonding agents: (i) Res-HOPC, (ii) Res-HCPMM and (iii) Res-HPCTO. The bonding agents were applied onto 37% H 3 PO 4 -etched dentin and light-cured for 30 s. After build-ups, they were prepared for micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) and tested after 24 h or 6 months of SBS storage. SEM analysis was performed after de-bonding, while CLSM was used to evaluate the ultra-morphology/nanoleakage and the mineral deposition at the resin–dentin interface. Results High μTBS values were achieved in all groups after 24 h. Only Res-HOPC and Res-HCPMM showed stable μTBS after SBS storage (6 months). All the resin–dentin interfaces created using the bonding agents containing the bioactive micro-fillers tested in this study showed an evident reduction of nanoleakage and mineral deposition after SBS storage. Conclusion Resin bonding systems containing specifically tailored Portland cement micro-fillers may promote a therapeutic mineral deposition within the hybrid layer and increase the durability of the resin–dentin bond.