Study on bionic mineralization of dentin using gallic acid as a linker for calcium phosphate nanocluster formation and collagen modification

Abstract

Dentin hypersensitivity and dental caries are prevalent symptoms and diseases in the oral cavity that markedly affect quality of life. The etiology of these conditions is directly or indirectly associated with the process of dentin demineralization and exposure. It is therefore imperative to identify an effective method for mineralizing demineralized dentin and sealing exposed dentin tubules. This study examines the potential of gallic acid, a polyphenol with a strong affinity for type I collagen, as a building block for calcium phosphate nanoclusters, with varying ratios of gallic acid to calcium. The objective is to utilize gallic acid as a linker to facilitate the docking, deposition, and mineralization of calcium phosphate nanoclusters and type I collagen. The study revealed that when the ratio of calcium to gallic acid was 0.05, calcium phosphate nanoclusters with an approximate particle size of 11.62 nm were formed. The nanoclusters were observed to effectively mineralize the intrafibrillar and interfibrillar spaces of type I collagen fibers, as well as the dentin itself. Following the mineralization treatment, the mechanical properties of the demineralized dentin were restored, and the depth of dentin tubule occlusion of 46.84 ± 12.83 μm, significantly reducing the permeability of dentin. This strategy demonstrates potential for clinical applications in the restoration of demineralized dentin and the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.