Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) enhances the therapeutic activity of a dental adhesive

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial potential and physicochemical properties of a dental adhesive incorporated with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in different concentration over time. Methods: EGCG was incorporated at a ratio of 100, 200, and 300 mu g/ml into a dental adhesive. The effects of the cured adhesives on the growth of Streptococcus mutans were determined by direct contact test immediately or one month later and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Microtensile bond strength (mu TBS) test was used to test the mechanical property of the adhesives immediately or six months later. The degree of conversion (DC) of the adhesives was evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: Compared with negative control, the 200 mu g/ml and 300 mu g/ml EGCG-incorporated dental adhesive were found to exhibit inhibitory effect on the growth of S. mutans. The mu TBS of the EGCG-incorporated dental adhesive was higher than the control. The DC of the adhesive system was not affected by the addition of EGCG. Conclusions: 200 mu g/ml EGCG incorporated dental adhesives could accomplish therapeutic goals that play in antimicrobial function whilst keeping the durability of resin-dentine bond. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.