Distinct effects of polyphenols and solvents on dentin collagen crosslinking interactions and biostability.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of different polyphenols and solvents on dentin collagen’s crosslinking interactions and biostabilization against MMPs and collagenase degradation. Methods Two polyphenols [proanthocyanidin (PA) and quercetin (QC)] with different water solubility were prepared as treatment solutions using ethanol (EtOH) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvents. 6-um-thick dentin films were microtomed from dentin slabs of third molars. Following demineralization, films or slabs were subject to 60-s treatment (PA or QC) or no treatment (control) with subsequent extended-rinse with original solvent (EtOH or DMSO) or distilled water (DW). Collagen crosslinking interactions were assessed by FTIR. Biostability was assessed through endogenous MMPs activity via confocal laser scanning microscopy, and exogenous collagenase degradation via weight loss, hydroxyproline release and SEM. Finally, direct collagenase inactivation was also evaluated. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests (α = 0.05%). Results Distinct effects of two polyphenols and solvents on collagen crosslinking and biostabilization were observed. Higher crosslinking and biostability efficacy occurred with PA than QC (p  Significance Collagen crosslinking interactions and biostability depend on polyphenol chemical characteristics. Treatment-solution solvents may affect interactions between polyphenols and collagen, specifically, DMSO showed detrimental effects on collagen crosslinking and biostability and should be used with caution.