Effect of collagenase enzyme on collagen degradation at different time intervals

Background/Purpose: To compare the effect of collagenase enzyme on collagen degradation at different concentrations and time intervals. Materials and Methods: Forty bovine root dentin blocks were demineralized with acetate buffer (0.1M pH 4.3) for 3 days at 37°C. The specimens were divided into one control (n = 10) and three experimental groups (n = 10 each) allocated for collagenous challenge by 1U/ml collagenous enzymes for different time interval; 6, 9, and 16 h. The 16 h (1.0 U/ml) (n = 10) was further compared with 16 h (0.5 U/ml) group (n = 10). After the cyclic treatment, the images of the specimens were captured with a light microscope and the lesion depth (LD) of degraded collagen layer was measured. Mean LD was calculated and compared between the groups using descriptive, one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey's tests, and independent sample t-test. Significant level was set at P < 0.05. Results: The effect of 1 U/mL collagenase enzyme significantly increased with time (P < 0.000). The mean LD at 6 h was (27.8 μm ± 3.8), followed by 9 h (48.1 μm ± 8.6), followed by 16 h (74.2 μm ± 9.8). No significant difference in mean LD was found between 0.5 U/mL (78.4 μm ± 18.4) and 1 U/mL (74.2 μm ± 9.8) at 16 h (P = 0.556). Conclusion: The effect of collagenase enzyme significantly increases with time. However, there were no differences in LD among the different collagenase enzyme concentrations.