ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the chemical composition and morphological properties of eroded dentin after biomodification with phosphorylated chitosan (P-Chi) and carbodiimide (EDC). METHODS: 42 bovine dentin specimens were used; 21 of these specimens were subjected to erosive challenge with 0.3% citric acid (pH = 3.2) for 2 hours. The specimens were randomly divided into six groups according to dentin substrate (sound or eroded) and biomodification [with 2.5% P-Chi, with 0.5 mol/L EDC, or no biomodification (control)]. The specimens were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, n= 5, in triplicate) and atomic force microscopy (AFM, n= 2) to verify the phosphate, carbonate, and organic matrix absorption peaks and to investigate surface morphology, respectively. The data were analyzed with Origin 6.0. RESULTS: Dentin erosion reduced the intensity of the phosphate (1,100 cm⻹) and carbonate (872 cm⻹) related bands, which evidenced demineralization. Eroded dentin consisted of a more irregular surface containing slightly more open tubules. Modification with P-Chi removed intertubular dentin, which was compatible with surface demineralization; however, this modification obliterated dentin tubules. EDC did not promote demineralization. Biomodified dentin had a more irregular surface, irrespective of substrate type. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Eroded dentin demineralization promoted by biomodification with 2.5% phosphorylated chitosan (P-Chi) is a promising indicator for further studies and highlights the dentin intrinsic characteristics. From the point of view of dentin surface chemical analysis, more studies with P-Chi should be conducted to achieve greater interactions with surfaces and to improve the adhesive interface.
