Release of Interface Confined Water Significantly Improves Dentin Bonding

Water residue and replacement difficulty cause insufficient adhesive infiltration in demineralized dentin matrix (DDM), which produces a defective hybrid layer and thus a bonding durability problem, severely plaguing adhesive dentistry for decades. In this study, we propose that the unique properties of a highly hydrated interface of the porous DDM can give rise to 1 new type of interface, confined liquid water, which accounts for most of the residue water and may be the main cause of insufficient infiltration. To prove our hypothesis, 3 metal ions with increasing binding affinity and complex stability (Na+, Ca2+, and Cu2+) were introduced respectively to coordinate negatively charged groups such as -PO43-, -COO- abundant in the DDM interface. Strong chelation of Ca2+ and Cu2+ rapidly released the confined water, significantly improving penetration of hydrophobic adhesive monomers, while Na+ had little effect. A significant decrease of defects in the hybrid layer and a much decreased modulus gap between the hybrid layer and the adhesive layer greatly optimized the microstructure and micromechanical properties of the tooth-resin bonding interface, thus improving the effectiveness and durability of dentin bonding substantially. This study paves the way for a solution to the core scientific issue of contemporary adhesive dentistry: water residue and replacement in dentin bonding, both theoretically and practically.

Automated summary

In this study, it was found that the highly hydrated interface of the porous dentin matrix (DDM) can form a unique interface called confined liquid water, which is one of the main causes for the bonding durability problem in adhesive dentistry. By introducing three metal ions (Na+, Ca2+, and Cu2+), it was discovered that calcium and copper can rapidly release the confined water and significantly improve the penetration of hydrophobic adhesive monomers, leading to a decrease in defects and optimization of the tooth-resin bonding interface. This study provides a foundation for solving the core scientific issue of water residue and replacement in contemporary adhesive dentistry, both theoretically and practically.