Evaluating the Effect of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Inhibitors on the Bond Strength of Dentin Bonding Agent – In Vitro Study
Rashmita Dalsaniya1*, Anup Panda1, Tanvi Jadeja1, Yashwi Doshi1
1College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Nr. Navneet Printing Press, Bopal, Manipur, Gujarat 382115, India.
*Corresponding Author: Rashmita Dalsaniya, College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Nr. Navneet Printing Press, Bopal, Manipur, Gujarat 382115, India. https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.036
Received: July 09, 2026
Published: September 15, 2026
Citation: Dalsaniya R, Panda A, Jadeja T, Doshi Y. Evaluating the Effect of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Inhibitors on the Bond Strength of Dentin Bonding Agent – In Vitro Study. SVOA Dentistry 2026, 7:5, 286-295. doi: 10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.036
Abstract
Background: Degradation of the resin–dentin hybrid layer remains a major challenge affecting the longevity of adhesive restorations, particularly in primary teeth. Activation of endogenous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during acid etching leads to collagen breakdown and reduced bond durability. The use of MMP inhibitors as dentin biomodifiers has been proposed to improve adhesive performance.
Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of different MMP inhibitors on the shear bond strength (SBS) of dentin bonding agents in primary teeth.
Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted sound human primary posterior teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=20): Group I – 2% chlorhexidine, Group II – 17% EDTA, Group III – 2% minocycline, and Group IV – control (0.01 M phosphate-buffered saline). After standardized dentin preparation and acid etching with 37% phosphoric acid, the respective MMP inhibitors were applied for 60 seconds. Adhesive application and composite build-up were performed using a standardized protocol. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C for 48 hours and subjected to shear bond strength testing using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test.
Results: Statistically significant differences were observed among all groups (p < 0.001). The highest mean SBS was recorded in the chlorhexidine group (11.56 ± 0.37 MPa), followed by minocycline (10.25 ± 0.32 MPa), EDTA (9.31 ± 0.54 MPa), and control (4.49 ± 0.28 MPa). All MMP inhibitor groups demonstrated significantly higher SBS than the control group.
Conclusion: Application of MMP inhibitors significantly enhances the shear bond strength of dentin bonding agents in primary dentin. Among the tested agents, 2% chlorhexidine showed the most effective improvement, suggesting its potential clinical use for improving the durability of adhesive restorations in primary teeth.
Keywords: Matrix metalloproteinases; MMP inhibitors; Chlorhexidine; Minocycline; EDTA; Shear bond strength; Dentin bonding agent; Primary teeth; Adhesive restorations; Dentin biomodification.
