Synthesis and characterization of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate nanocapsules used in a self-healing bonding resin

Abstract

ObjectivesTo date, the production of highly durable dentine bonding is still a challenge. Self-healing bonding resins may provide a new direction for the improvement of the bonding durability. The objective of the current study was to synthesize polyurethane nanocapsules encapsulated with the core material triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) for use as a major component in a self-healing bonding resin. MethodsTEGDMA nanocapsules were synthesized via interfacial polycondensation in a miniemulsion, and the TEGDMA nanocapsules were then characterized via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to investigate the morphology, the average TEGDMA loading (DL%), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The mechanical property of dental adhesive with different concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12wt%) of the TEGDMA nanocapsules were also measured, and the cytotoxicity was investigated using an MTT assay. ResultsFTIR confirmed that the TEGDMA nanocapsules were successfully synthesized. These nanocapsules showed a high drug load. The bond strength of the dental adhesive incorporated with 9wt% TEGDMA nanocapsules was significantly higher compared with those of the other groups (P<0.001). Moreover, the biocompatibility of the dental adhesive was not affected by the incorporation of the TEGDMA nanocapsules. ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated the successful synthesis of TEGDMA nanocapsules, and the overall properties of the dental adhesive were not compromised.