To assess, in vitro, the influence of heat air treatment on cytotoxicity and degree of conversion (DC) of universal self-etch adhesives (Ambar Universal APS, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, and Tetric N-Bond Universal) in an NIH/3T3 fibroblast cell culture. Samples were divided into three groups: 1) no heat treatment (control), 2) 37°C and 3) 60°C heat treatment before photopolymerization. Cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay and the DC by FTIR. All adhesives heated at 60°C showed reduced cytotoxicity levels when compared with those heated at 37°C. In general, DC of Ambar Universal APS presented the highest DC than Scotchbond Universal Adhesive and Tetric N-Bond Universal, and the hot air treatment do not influence the conversion. Heat treatment at 60°C was able to reduce the cytotoxicity of universal self-etch adhesives, even, the heat treatment does not enhances the DC.
Keywords: Cytotoxicity; Degree of conversion; FTIR; MTT; Universal adhesives.