Polymer-Based Chemistry of Carbohydrate-Derived Fulvic Acid and Its Comparative Effect with Chelating Agents on Root Dentin Microhardness

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Roshan M. Samuel,

  • Rushikesh Mahaparale,

  • Priyanka Zinge,

  1. Professor & HOD, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, Maharashtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry &Endodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, Maharashtra, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The interaction between the polymer science and the endodontic biomaterials field has increased recently while considering the search for chelating agents. CHD-FA (Carbohydrate-Derived Fulvic Acid), a naturally occurring low-molecular-weight polymeric organic acid, has potential chelating and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This investigation examines the polymeric chemistry of CHD-FA and compares the effect of CHD-FA with other chelating agents, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and citric acid, on root dentin microhardness. A total of thirty human extracted mandibular premolars were decoronated, instrumented, and irrigated with 5% CHD-FA, 17% EDTA, and 20% citric acid, and hard-ness was measured with a Vickers indenter at the apical third. It was statistically deduced that CHD-FA was the only agent that was better at preserving dentin microhardness than EDTA and citric acid, as the latter two caused a greater loss of softer dentin and demineralization. With the unique molecular architecture of CHD-FA and the greater presence of carboxyl, ester, and amide groups, complexation of calcium was manipulated with little to no loss of dentin matrix structural integrity. Additionally, compared to EDTA, CHD-FA’s polymeric functional groups provide a means for controlled chelation, thus less dentin erosion is resulted. Combined with the microbicidal and oxidative activities, CHD-FA correlates to a grand major constituent endodontic irrigant. More than that, the research also demonstrates the importance of polymer chemistry in creating other bio-based chelators with better effectiveness and compatibility. CHD-FA has been an innovatively sustainable option which is polymer-derived as well. It has also offered a unique ability to remove smear layers while evenly preserving dentin. This study advances the polymer- based fulvic acid formulations in endodontics and extends the range of use of polymer composites in dental biomaterials.

Keywords: Polymer chemistry; Carbohydrate-derived fulvic acid; Chelating agents; Root dentin microhardness; EDTA; Citric acid; Bio-based polymers; Dental composites.

How to cite this article:
Roshan M. Samuel, Rushikesh Mahaparale, Priyanka Zinge. Polymer-Based Chemistry of Carbohydrate-Derived Fulvic Acid and Its Comparative Effect with Chelating Agents on Root Dentin Microhardness. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Roshan M. Samuel, Rushikesh Mahaparale, Priyanka Zinge. Polymer-Based Chemistry of Carbohydrate-Derived Fulvic Acid and Its Comparative Effect with Chelating Agents on Root Dentin Microhardness. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=241188


References

  1. Wong J, Manoil D, Nasman P, Belibasakis GN, Neelakantan P. Microbiological Aspects of Root Canal Infections and Disinfection Strategies: An Update Review on the Current Knowledge and Challenges. Front Oral Health. 2021.25;2:672887.
  2. Rossi‐Fedele G, Roedig T. Effectiveness of root canal irrigation and dressing for the treatment of apical periodontitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials. International Endodontic Journal. 2023 Oct;56:422-35.
  3. Mokhtari H, Shahi S, Janani M, Reyhani MF, Zonouzi HR, Rahimi S, Kheradmand HR. Evaluation of apical leakage in root canals obturated with three different sealers in presence or absence of smear layer. Iranian endodontic journal. 2015 Mar 18;10(2):131.
  4. Kamble AB, Abraham S, Kakde DD, Shashidhar C, Mehta DL. Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Efficacy of 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid and Chitosan for Smear Layer Removal with Ultrasonics: An: In vitro: Study. Contemporary clinical dentistry. 2017 Oct 1;8(4):621-6.
  5. Ballullaya SV, Vinay V, Thumu J, Devalla S, Bollu IP, Balla S. Stereomicroscopic dye leakage measurement of six different root canal sealers. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR. 2017 Jun 1;11(6):ZC65.
  6. Belmabrouk FC, Metref ZS, Bouziani N, Gahlouz SI, Tadja SM. Comparative study between manual and mechanized endodontic desobturation. International Dental Journal. 2024 Oct 1;74:S309-10.
  7. Iandolo A, Dagna A, Poggio C, Capar I, Amato A, Abdellatif D. Evaluation of the actual chlorine concentration and the required time for pulp dissolution using different sodium hypochlorite irrigating solutions. Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. 2019 Mar 1;22(2):108-13.
  8. Cardoso LR, Baldasso FE, Delai D, Montagner F, Kopper PM. Effect of EDTA, sodium, and calcium hypochlorite on the inorganic component of root canal dentin: A SEM analysis. Microscopy research and technique. 2019 Feb;82(2):128-33.
  9. Ballal NV, Ray AB, Narkedamalli R, Urala AS, Patel V, Harris M, Bergeron BE, Tay FR. Effect of continuous vs sequential chelation on the mechanical properties of root dentin: An ex vivo study. Journal of Dentistry. 2024 Sep 1;148:105214.
  10. Rath PP, Yiu CK, Matinlinna JP, Kishen A, Neelakantan P. The effect of root canal irrigants on dentin: a focused review. Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics. 2020 Jun 30;45(3).
  11. Karthikeyan HR, Rajakumaran A, Rajendran MR, Balaji L. Evaluation of effect of natural extract sodium gluconate on smear layer and dentine decalcification compared with EDTA–An in-vitro study. European Endodontic Journal. 2023;8(4):274.
  12. Brauckmann V, Nambiar S, Potthoff A, Höxtermann S, Wach J, Kayser A, Tiemann C, Schuppe AK, Brockmeyer NH, Skaletz‐Rorowski A. Influence of dietary supplementation of short‐chain fatty acid sodium propionate in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2022 Jun;36(6):881-9.
  13. Plotino G, Özyürek T, Grande NM, Gündoğar M. Influence of size and taper of basic root canal preparation on root canal cleanliness: a scanning electron microscopy study. International endodontic journal. 2019 Mar;52(3):343-51.
  14. Baldasso FER, Roleto L, Silva VDD, Morgental RD, Kopper PMP. Effect of final irrigation protocols on microhardness reduction and erosion of root canal dentin. Braz Oral Res. 2017; 31:e40.
  15. Fortea L, Sanz-Serrano D, Luz LB, Bardini G, Mercade M. Update on chelating agents in endodontic treatment: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry. 2024 Apr 1;16(4):e516.
  16. Taneja S, Kumari M, Anand S. Effect of QMix, peracetic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on calcium loss and microhardness of root dentine. Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. 2014 Mar 1;17(2):155-8.
  17. Zou X, Zheng X, Liang Y, Zhang C, Fan B, Liang J, Ling J, Bian Z, Yu Q, Hou B, Chen Z. Expert consensus on irrigation and intracanal medication in root canal therapy. International Journal of Oral Science. 2024 Mar 1;16(1):23.
  18. Alamoudi RA. The smear layer in endodontic: To keep or remove–an updated overview. Saudi Endodontic Journal. 2019 May 1;9(2):71-81.
  19. Doumani M, Habib A, Doumani A, Seirawan MK, Sadeka MA, Alnofiai SR. A review: the applications of EDTA in endodontics (Part I). IOSR-JDMS. 2017;16(9):83-5.
  20. Ballal NV, Jain H, Rao S, Johnson AD, Baeten J, Wolcott JF. Evaluation of SmearOFF, maleic acid and two EDTA preparations in smear layer removal from root canal dentin. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 2019 Jan 2;77(1):28-32.
  21. Mishra SP, Pandey VK, Yadav AS, Singh RP. pH determination of acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer: an application of Henderson-Hasselbalch equation at room temperature. Chemical Science International Journal. 2024 Oct 23;33(6):32-8.
  22. Girish Suragimath, Aishwarya Achari, Siddhartha A Varma, Sameer A Zope, Ashwinirani S R. Polymer Chemistry-Driven Design of a Severable Dental Prophylaxis Instrument: Leveraging PEEK and Composites for Enhanced Functionality. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):-.
  23. Chotzen RA, Polubesova T, Chefetz B, Mishael YG. Adsorption of soil-derived humic acid by seven clay minerals: a systematic study. Clays and Clay minerals. 2016 Oct;64(5):628-38.
  24. Pronob Sanyal, Sushma R, Parikshit A Barve, Krupa M Patil, Rajat M Gupta. Advances in Polymer-Based Materials for Dental Applications: A Case Study on PVC and Ceramic Coatings in Digital Mouth Mirrors. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):-.
  25. Dineshkumar MK, Vinothkumar TS, Arathi G, Shanthisree P, Kandaswamy D. Effect of ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid, MTADTM, and HEBP as a final rinse on the microhardness of root dentin. Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. 2012 Apr 1;15(2):170-3.
Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
02
Received 14/10/2025
Accepted 04/12/2025
Published 27/04/2026
Publication Time 195 Days
40

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics