Polycarboxylated microfillers incorporated into light-curable resin-based dental adhesives evoke remineralization at the mineral-depleted dentin

This study aimed at evaluating the remineralizing properties of three experimental light-curable resin-based dental adhesives containing tailored polycarboxylated microfillers. A co-monomers blend was firstly formulated and then mixed with each of the following microfillers: polycarboxylated bioactive glass (PBAG), polycarboxylated calcium silicates (PCS), and polycarboxylated calcium silicates-doped brushite (PDP). The three experimental and a filler-free control resins were applied onto 10% orthophosphoric acid treated dentin discs and light cured. The specimens were soaked in artificial saliva (AS) for 3, 7, and 14?days. Dentin mineral variation was monitored using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was employed to observe the ultra-morphology/nanoleakage along the resin–dentin interface. The bonding ability and the durability of the resin–dentin bonds were investigated through microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test. ATR-FTIR and Raman showed a significant increase of the mineral matrix area ratio and phosphate peak intensity in specimens treated with the experimental resins within 14?days (p?p?>?0.05). Dentin treated using PBAG or PCS exhibited higher level of remineralization than the specimens in PDP group. CLSM showed reduction in nanoleakage, although the remineralization of the hybrid layer induced a significant drop in the μTBS after 3-month storage (p?