Dentin Beyond Its Ontology: A Platform to Produce Dental Adhesives

Description

This dataset documents the development and characterization of novel photopolymerizable biomaterials derived from demineralized human dentin. Teeth extracted for clinical reasons were processed to obtain dentin matrix, which was subsequently demineralized and chemically modified with acrylamide functional groups. These modifications enabled the formulation of light-curable adhesive primer systems. The dataset includes detailed information on dentin sourcing, preparation protocols, chemical functionalization, and physicochemical characterization of the resulting materials. Emphasis is placed on leveraging the inherent structural composition and physicochemical stability of dentin as a naturally derived biomaterial platform. Experimental data encompass: - Demineralization procedures and dentin matrix processing - Acrylamide functionalization methods and reaction conditions - Spectroscopic and chemical validation of functional group incorporation - Photopolymerization behavior and curing kinetics - Mechanical properties and stability assessments of the resulting polymers - Biocompatibility of the resulting polymers - Adhesion performance relevant to dental substrate bonding This work supports the exploration of sustainable and bioinspired alternatives to conventional resin-based dental adhesives, particularly focusing on ester-free chemistries to enhance hydrolytic stability and long-term performance. The dataset contributes to craniofacial and dental research by providing a resource on the reuse of human dentin as a functional biomaterial. It is relevant to studies in tooth structure, biomaterials innovation, tissue engineering, and adhesive dentistry. Potential Applications: - Development of next-generation dental adhesives and primers - Biomaterial design using naturally derived matrices - Studies on dentin structure-function relationships - Hydrolysis-resistant polymer systems for oral environments Data Accessibility: All raw and processed data, along with experimental protocols and metadata, are provided to facilitate reproducibility and reuse by the scientific community.

Steps to reproduce

Ninety extracted, caries‑free second premolars and molars—otherwise destined for disposal as biowaste—were collected from oral surgery clinics without donor identifiers, in compliance with IRB‑approved protocols. Dentin powder obtained from both the crown and root portions of the teeth was demineralized and subsequently functionalized through reaction with methacrylic anhydride (MA) to introduce methacrylate groups. Following the reaction, the material was purified via dialysis and lyophilized, yielding granular, mildly adhesive products. The degree of functionalization (methacrylation) was assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively using the TNBS (2,4,6‑trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid) assay and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR‑FTIR) spectroscopy. The methacrylated dentin derivatives were then suspended in phosphate‑buffered saline (PBS) and blended with collagen methacrylamide, with lithium acylphosphinate incorporated as a photoinitiator system. This mixture was injected into custom-designed molds and photopolymerized using a dental curing unit, producing photocrosslinked three-dimensional constructs. These constructs were comprehensively characterized for physicochemical and mechanical properties, including morphology, water sorption, solubility, swelling behavior, and flexural modulus, as well as for biological performance, specifically biodegradability and in vitro biocompatibility using two murine pulp–derived cell lines. As a proof of concept, the material exhibiting the highest yield (CD‑MA) was further evaluated as an adhesive primer and compared with a commercial methacrylate‑based etch‑and‑rinse adhesive. Specimens bonded with the experimental dentin methacrylamide–based primer demonstrated significantly lower initial bond strength (24 hours) than the control; however, after six months of storage in simulated body fluid, the experimental group maintained stable bond strength, whereas the control group exhibited an approximately 30% reduction. Collectively, these findings support dentin as a viable raw material for the development of methacrylamide‑based dental primers with improved long-term bond strength stability compared to conventional methacrylate‑based adhesive systems.

Institutions

• Midwestern University

  Illinois, Downers Grove

Categories

Funders

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

  National Institutes of Health

  Bethesda

  Grant ID: 1R15DE032836-01A1

Licence