Evaluating mesoporous zinc oxide nanoparticles for dentin pretreatment: Synthesis, characterization, and bond strength performance with a universal adhesive

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to synthesize mesoporous zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)
and evaluate their effect as dentin pretreatments on the microshear bond strength (μSBS) of a
universal adhesive.
Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study used 100 extracted human molars
sectioned to expose mid‑coronal dentin. Samples were divided into five groups (n = 20) based on
pretreatment: no treatment, chlorhexidine (CHX), calcined mesoporous ZnO NPs, noncalcined
mesoporous ZnO NPs, and ZnO NPs. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n = 10)
based on the universal adhesive application mode: etch‑and‑rinse (E and R) or self‑etch (SE).
Pretreatments were applied for 1 min. Composite resin was bonded using a universal adhesive.
After 24 h of storage in distilled water at 37°C, μSBS testing was performed. Statistical analysis
included the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality, two‑way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc
test, and t‑tests, with significance set at P < 0.05.
Results: The noncalcined mesoporous ZnO NP group showed the highest μSBS, followed by the
ZnO NP group, with significant differences compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Lower μSBS values
were observed in the calcined mesoporous ZnO NP, CHX, and untreated groups. The adhesive
application mode had a significant effect only in the untreated and calcined mesoporous ZnO NP
groups (P < 0.05), with SE yielding higher μSBS than E and R.
Conclusion: Noncalcined mesoporous ZnO NPs enhanced dentin bond strength more effectively
than other pretreatments, including CHX, indicating their potential as a promising alternative in
adhesive dentistry.
Key Words: Dentin‑bonding agents, nanoparticles, shear strength, zinc oxide

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 Zahra Jowkar: Pubmed,Google Scholar