A Comparison of the Enamel Remineralisation Potential of Self-Assembling Peptides

Abstract

The aim of this research was to compare the efficacy of the remineralising potential of self-assembling peptides (SAPs): Curodont Repair (P11-4), P26, and leucine-rich amelogenin peptides (LRAP) with the standard 5% NaF varnish (Duraphat) on early enamel caries lesions (EECLs). A demineralising solution (DS) was used to create artificial EECLs in human dental enamel specimens, which were randomly allocated to treatment groups: P11-4; P26 solution; LRAP solution; 5% NaF varnish; and deionised water (DIW). Each specimen was subjected to 8 days of pH cycling. Specimens from each test group were subjected to microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and nanomechanical testing to assess mineral density (MD), hardness (H), and elastic modulus (EM) properties of sound, demineralised, and treated enamel. The mean MD percentage gain was highest in the P26 and P11-4 groups, followed by the LRAP, 5% NaF varnish, and DIW groups. There were statistically significant differences amongst groups. In the outer layer of EECLs, the EM and H were highest in P26 and P11-4 groups, followed by the LRAP and 5% NaF varnish. In the inner layer of EECLs, the EM and H were highest in P11-4 and P26 groups, indicative of enhanced penetration and remineralisation of the deeper parts of the artificial EECLs. P26 and P11-4 SAPs are more effective than 5% NaF varnish in remineralising the depth of EECLs.