Tetrahydrofuran as solvent in dental adhesives: cytotoxicity and dentin bond stability

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity and 1-year dentin bond stability of solvated etch-and-rinse dental adhesives based on tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone, or ethanol, containing water or not. Seven primers were prepared using the following solvents: THF, acetone, ethanol, water, THF/water, acetone/water, and ethanol/water. Bovine dentin was used, and specimens for microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test were prepared. Specimens were tested after storage in distilled water for 24h or 1year. Cytotoxicity of the solvents was evaluated in 3T3/NIH mouse fibroblasts using a colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay after exposure for 24h. No significant differences were detected among solvents after storage for 24h, except for the water-based group, which showed the lowest μTBS values. After storage for 1year, the THF-based adhesive system resulted in more stable bonds. Yet, THF showed an intermediate cytotoxicity when compared with the other solvents, being less toxic than phosphate monomer and similar to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. THF seems to be a suitable solvent for adhesive systems. THF is a promising solvent that can be used to improve dentin bond stability.