Polyphenols and Brazilian red propolis incorporated into a total-etching adhesive system help in maintaining bonding durability.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and bond strength of a commercial dental adhesive modified by the incorporation of quercetin, resveratrol (RES), and Brazilian red propolis (BRP).

Methods: BRP markers were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector, and the antioxidant activity (AAO) of the three substances was analyzed. Single Bond 2 adhesive (3M ESPE) was modified by adding BRP, quercetin, and RES, separately, at 20 μg/mL, 250 μg/mL, and 500 μg/mL, respectively. The degree of conversion (DC) was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy 24 h after photopolymerization. Measurements of the resin-dentin microtensile bond strength (μTBS) were carried out after 1 day and 1 year. Student's t test and ANOVA with Tukey's test were used for data analysis (α = 0.05).

Results: The markers daidzein, liquiritigenin, pinobanksin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, pinocembrin, and biochanin A were found in the ethanolic extract of BRP. Quercetin, RES, and BRP showed high AAO. The DC of the tested adhesives remained adequate for this category of material, with a slight increase in the DC of adhesives with quercetin and BRP ( > 0.05). Comparisons between μTBS measurements made at 1 day and 1 year showed that, contrary to the control group, μTBS values for all modified adhesives were maintained after 1 year in distilled water ( > 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that quercetin, RES, or BRP might be useful in adhesive dentistry to help improve hybrid layer resistance.

Clinical Significance: Dentin bonding agents with quercetin, RES, and BRP have potential to increase the longevity of composite restorations.