A tapping mode AFM study of collapse and denaturation in dentinal collagen.
OBJECTIVE
Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the surface changes of collagen exposed to phosphoric acid treatment. We focus on denaturation and collapse following demineralization and exposure to air.


METHODS
Unpolished dentin disks, obtained from freshly extracted human molars, were etched in 37% phosphoric acid for 15s, rinsed ultrasonically and gently blotted with soft paper; the specimens were then continuously observed using tapping mode AFM.


RESULTS
Immediately after the removal of bulk water, the surface consisted of a porous network of banded collagen fibrils, having periodicities of 67nm. After approximately 8min of subsequent air-drying, the spacing between fibrils was lost, and the surface was observed to consist of a dense array of closely spaced fibrils. The banding periodicity was still observable.


CONCLUSIONS
The air drying of etched dentin results in the collapse of the collagen network, but not in the denaturation of the collagen fibrils. This study indicates that collapse and denaturation are separate phenomena. It further shows that water loss occurs rapidly, and disrupts the native conformation of the collagen network. This would have adverse effects on adhesion.
El Feninat
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F
Département de chimie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Que., Canada H3C 3J7.
Ellis
T H
TH
Sacher
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Stangel
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I
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D003094:Collagen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003890:Desiccation; D006801:Humans; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D010756:Phosphoric Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D016062:Porosity; D011487:Protein Conformation / Q000187:drug effects; D011489:Protein Denaturation; D016369:Smear Layer; D013997:Time Factors; D014732:Vibration; D014867:Water
D010756:Phosphoric Acids; D014867:Water; D003094:Collagen