Improvement of dentin bonding via adhesive monomers with multiple hydrogen bonding moieties.

Despite advancements in bonding techniques, the resin-dentin interface remains the weakest point in dental restorations, susceptible to collagen degradation and methacrylate hydrolysis. One strategy to enhance the resin-dentin interface is to incorporate hydrogen-bonding-rich functional groups into dental adhesive resins, such as 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy). These hydrogen bonds may bridge the adhesive resin and dentin substrate, which contains collagen and hydroxyapatite, as well as form non-covalent crosslinks within the resin.

Compatibility versus reaction diffusion: Factors that determine the heterogeneity of polymerized adhesive networks.

Objectives: Heterogeneity and phase separation during network polymerization is a major issue contributing to the failure of dental adhesives. This study investigates how the ratio of hydrophobic crosslinkers to hydrophilic comonomer (C/H ratio), as well as cosolvent fraction (ethanol/water) influences the degree of heterogeneity and proclivity for phase separation in a series of model adhesive formulations.

Methods: Twelve formulations were investigated, with 4 different C/H ratios (7:1, 2.