Assessment of Protein-repellent and Antibacterial Capability of Dental Adhesive and Primer Containing 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine in Primary Dentition

Aim: Resin composites are one of the favorite restorative materials used for treating early childhood caries (ECC). The biofilm accumulation at the microgaps between teeth and restoration with resin composite materials is more than other restorative materials. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the protein-repellent capability by measuring the total amount of protein adsorbed and anti-bacterial activity by measuring the production of lactic acid and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) incorporated into dental adhesive and primer. Materials and methods: The 2-MPC powder was added into dental primer and dental adhesive at mass fractions of 7.5% by mass individually. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model with human saliva was used as the inoculum. Laury's method of protein estimation was used for measurement of total protein adsorbed. To evaluate the lactic acid production, enzymatic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) method was employed. Tryptic soy blood agar and Mitis Salivarius agar were used for measuring the CFU counts for total microorganisms, total streptococci and only Streptococcus mutans. Results: Results indicated that resin disks fabricated using dental adhesive and primer containing 7.5% 2-MPC significantly reduced the protein adsorption, lactic acid production, and total streptococci and S. mutans counts (p < 0.05). Clinical significance: Incorporation of protein repellent into dental adhesive and primer could help repel bacterial attachment and plaque buildup, assisting in the reduction of secondary caries.