Purpose: To evaluate the effect of urethane methacrylate precursor (UMP) on the enzymatic resistance of demineralized dentin (DD) matrices.
Materials and Methods: Experimental treatments containing 0 (control), 1, and 5 mmol/L UMP dissolved in an acetone (Ace) solution were formulated. Dentin matrix specimens were demineralized in vitro and immersed in the experimental treatments for 1 h. The treated specimens were then stored in 0.1 mg/mL collagenase solution for 24 h, after which their dry mass loss and hydroxyproline (HYP) release were assessed. The swelling ratios of specimens in each group were also evaluated. The interaction between UMP and the dentin matrix was observed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Endogenous enzyme activity in dentin was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
Results: Compared with the other treatment groups, treatment with 1 mM and 5 mM UMP-Ace significantly decreased the dry mass loss, HYP release and swelling ratio of the DD matrix (p < 0.05). FE-SEM and CLSM observations showed that treatment with UMP-Ace protected the structure of the dentin matrix and decreased porosity within the dentin-collagen network.
Conclusion: Treatment with 1 mM and 5 mM UMP-Ace protects DD matrix against collagenase degradation and may be clinically useful for improving the durability of the hybrid layer.