FT-Raman Spectroscopy Study of Organic Matrix Degradation in Nanofilled Resin Composite

Abstract This in vitro study evaluated the effect of light curing unit (LCU) type, mouthwashes, and soft drink on chemical degradation of a nanofilled resin composite. Samples (80) were divided into eight groups: halogen LCU, HS—saliva (control); HPT—Pepsi Twist®; HLC—Listerine®; HCP—Colgate Plax®; LED LCU, LS—saliva (control); LPT—Pepsi Twist®; LLC—Listerine®; LCP—Colgate Plax®. The degree of conversion analysis and the measure of the peak area at 2,930 cm −1 (organic matrix) of resin composite were done by Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopy (baseline, after 7 and 14 days). The data were subjected to multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence followed by Tukey's HSD post-hoc test. The DC ranged from 58.0% (Halogen) to 59.3% (LED) without significance. Differences in the peak area between LCUs were found after 7 days of storage in S and PT. A marked increase in the peak intensity of HLC and LLC groups was found. The soft-start light-activation may influence the chemical degradation of organic matrix in resin composite. Ethanol contained in Listerine® Cool Mint mouthwash had the most significant degradation effect. Raman spectroscopy is shown to be a useful tool to investigate resin composite degradation.