RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the incorporation of niobophosphate bioactive glass (NbG) fillers into a commercial adhesive resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The silanized (NbGs) or non-silanized (NbG) NbG was added to the commercial adhesive system One Step (OS) at 30% by weight; unfilled adhesive served as control. The bioactivity of adhesives was analyzed by SEM and FTIR/ATR after 28 days in PBS. The adhesives were evaluated as regards microtensile bond strength immediately and after six months (n = 6); degree of conversion (n = 3), microhardness (n = 5); and radiopacity (n = 3). Data from each test were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (P <0.05). RESULTS: FTIR/ATR analysis showed phosphate and carbonate precipitates on the NbG adhesive specimen surface. Statistical analysis of microtensile bond strength values showed that material x time interaction was not significant, but NbG group values were similar to those of unfilled adhesive (p <0.05). Addition of NbG did not alter the degree of conversion, but did increase microhardness and radiopacity values of the adhesive systems compared with those of the control group (OS). Incorporation of NbG into the adhesive system did not compromise the properties of the adhesive. CONCLUSION: A smart adhesive system with bioactive properties, high radiopacity, microhardness, and similar bond strength and degree of conversion was obtained by incorporating 30% by weight of NbG.
