Changes in Dentin Collagen After Sample Grinding and Heating

ABSTRACT

Changes to the structure of the organic matrix of the dentin tissue were determined after sample grinding and heating. Powder dentin measuring 25–38 µm and slices with a thickness of about 50 µm were employed. Spectra acquisition was conducted with a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer. The thermal treatment was performed between 100°C and 300°C, with steps of 25°C. After grinding, two bands (1283.5 ± 0.5 cm^?1 and 1240.7 ± 0.5 cm^?1) shifted to higher wavenumbers, while three bands (1339.5 ± 0.5 cm^?1, 1283.5 ± 0.5 cm^?1, and 1202.7 ± 0.5 cm^?1) shifted to lower wavenumbers after thermal treatment in the range 100–300°C; the band at 1283.5 ± 0.5 cm^?1 shifted only 2 cm^?1. Thermal treatment produced a wavenumber shift in the opposite direction compared with the shift produced after grinding. The observed changes in the vibration modes of the structure indicate that sample preparation or sterilization involving grinding and heating must be carefully evaluated in order to preserve the natural characteristic of the collagen structure.