Bonding strategy of a universal adhesive system containing chitosan: influence on dentin permeability, and effect on adhesive layer micromorphology

Aim: This study evaluated the influence of chitosan added to a universal adhesive system used in totaletch (TE) or self-etch (SE) mode on dentin permeability, and on the micromorphology of the adhesive layer. Materials and Method: Dentin discs were obtained from human third molars and randomly distributed according to bonding strategy (TE or SE), and to whether or not 1% chitosan (C) was added to a universal adhesive system (Single Bond Universal/3M ESPE), to create the following groups (n=10): TE, TEC, SE, and SEC. Dentin permeability was measured at baseline and after application of dentin treatments. The surface of the adhesive layer (AL) and the dentin adjacent to the AL were examined under a scanning electron microscope. Results: There were no significant differences in permeability percentage between the groups with and without C (TE and SE versus TEC and SEC) (p>0.05; Mann Whitney test). Dentin permeability was lower when the adhesive system was applied in the SE mode, regardless of the addition of C. The micromorphology of the AL surface showed irregularities, and a greater degree of porosity, when the adhesive system was applied in the SE mode, regardless of chitosan addition. There was a greater depth of penetration of the adhesives into the dentin adjacent to the AL in both the TE and TEC groups. Chitosan added to the adhesive system did not influence dentin permeability. Conclusions: The self-etch strategy led to lower dentin permeability, and to more irregularities on the surface of the adhesive layer.