Degree of Conversion and Antibacterial Activity of Total-Etch Versus Self-Etch Adhesive Systems

Abstract Objectives: This research was conducted to compare the degree of conversion and antibacterial activity of the total-etch (etch-and-rinse) versus self-etch adhesive systems. Materials and methods: Degree of conversion was done using Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy. Uncured and cured specimens were prepared from each adhesive system and tested using potassium bromide disks. The antibacterial activity of the adhesives was evaluated using agar disc-diffusion test against the following bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus salivarius obtained from soft carious dentin. Paper disks were coated with the tested adhesives and placed in the suitable growth media for each microorganism. The diameters of inhibition zones were measured at three different points. Sizes of inhibition zones were calculated by subtracting the diameter of the specimen from the average of the three measurements of the halo. Results: G-Bond showed higher degree of conversion than that of Stae and Adper Prompt L-Pop adhesives. Adper Prompt L-Pop exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against S. mutans and S. aureus, while Stae exhibited the lowest antibacterial activity against S. mutans and S. aureus. All adhesives failed to demonstrate antibacterial activity against L. salivarius. Conclusions: The tested adhesives showed degree of conversion with various percentages. All adhesives showed antibacterial action against S. aureus and S. mutans. On the other hand, they were failed to inhibit the growth of L. salivarius.