Synthesis, characterization and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition of doxycycline modified dental adhesives

Abstract

The biodegradation of the hybrid layer of dental restorations is due in part to the degradation of the demineralized collagen by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). During the bonding procedure, phosphoric acid/acidic primers activate MMPs that degrade denuded type I collagen. As a result, the hybrid layer loses its integrity overtime, leading to the failure of the resin composite restoration. This study aimed to evaluate doxycycline (DOX) for its effects on preventing the degradation of the hybrid layer through the modification of the dental adhesive with aluminosilicate clay nanotubes (HNT) loaded with doxycycline. Doxycycline was encapsulated into HNT at three distinct concentrations (10%, 20% and 30% DOX, w/v). The increases in the concentration of doxycycline significantly increased the amount of doxycycline that was encapsulated into HNT and the drug loading into the HNT. Conversely, the encapsulation efficiency was significantly decreased with the increases in concentration of doxycycline. The modified adhesives were fabricated by incorporation of DOX-encapsulated HNT into a commercially available dental adhesive (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, SBMP). The degree of conversion (DC), Knoop microhardness, doxycycline release profiles, the biological activity (antibacterial and anti-MMP activity), and cytocompatibility of the modified adhesives were investigated. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in DC and Knoop microhardness compared to the control (SBMP). None of the adhesive eluates was cytotoxic to the human dental pulp stem cells. Although higher concentrations of doxycycline led to a higher release of doxycycline from the modified adhesives, the differences were not significant (p = 0.259) among the groups (10%, 20% and 30% DOX). A significant growth inhibition of S. mutans and L. casei by direct contact illustrated successful encapsulation of doxycycline into the modified adhesives. Doxycycline released from the modified adhesives did not inhibit the growth of both cariogenic bacteria but inhibited MMP-1 activity. The results suggested that subantimicrobial levels of doxycycline were gradually released. The immediate microtensile bond strengths were not significantly different from those of the control (SBMP), suggesting no negative effect of doxycycline on dentin bonding (only 10% DOX were investigated). The long-term resin-dentin bond durability should be evaluated.