The use of collagen cross‐linking agents to enhance dentin bond strength

To investigate the effect of three different cross‐linking agents (Glutaraldehyde [GD], Grape seed extract [GSE], and Genipin [GE]) on the tensile bond strength (TBS) of resin‐dentin bonds.

Sixty‐four sound human molars were collected and their occlusal surfaces were ground flat to expose dentin. Dentin surfaces were etched using a phosphoric acid and then teeth were randomly divided according to the dentin treatment: Control group (no treatment), 5% GD, 6.5% GSE, or 0.5% GE. Teeth were restored either with One Step Plus or Adper Single Bond Plus adhesive systems and resin composite. After 24 h, teeth were sectioned to produce a cross‐sectional surface area of 1.0 mm² and tested for tensile bond strength. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD tests (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant interaction between factors (treatment and adhesive p < 0.001). Treatment affected TBS (p < 0.0001), while no differences were observed between the adhesive systems (p = 0.6961).

Chemical modification to the dentin matrix promoted by GD and GSE, but not GE, resulted in increased bond strength. The application of selective collagen cross‐linkers during adhesive restorative procedures may be a new approach to improve dentin bond strength properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009