Developing a Strong and Durable Universal Self-Etching Adhesive Resin Agent.

Abstract

Conventional methacrylate-based dental adhesives are prone to hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation, limiting their durability and long-term clinical success. This study introduces two novel self-etching universal adhesive formulations that replace hydrolytically unstable monomers with ether-based alternatives—TEGDVBE combined with either UDMA or PMGDM—alongside the functional monomer 10-MDP, known for its strong chemical affinity to dentin. These formulations were evaluated against an experimental Bis-GMA/HEMA/10MDP control and a commercial benchmark, Scotchbond Universal. Adhesive performance was assessed across key parameters: water contact angle, resin spreading kinetics, degree of conversion, flexural properties, and both shear and micro-tensile bond strengths. The TEGDVBE-based adhesives demonstrated greater hydrophobicity and enhanced resistance to moisture-induced degradation, while maintaining efficient polymerization. Both experimental formulations achieved bond strengths on par with or superior to the controls, and exhibited mechanical properties within clinically acceptable ranges. These results support ether-based monomers as a viable, biocompatible alternative to traditional methacrylate systems. By improving hydrolytic stability without compromising adhesion or mechanical performance, these formulations represent a promising direction for next-generation dental adhesives. Further, in vivo studies are warranted to validate their long-term clinical performance.