Biomimetic Supramolecular Protein Matrix Restores Human Dental Enamel
Tooth enamel regrowth after decay and sensitivity remains a significant challenge. Researchers have developed a protein-based material that mimics natural enamel formation, enabling epitaxial growth of apatite nanocrystals to repair enamel structure and function.
Enamel Structure and Challenges in Regeneration
Dental enamel features a complex hierarchical arrangement of apatite nanocrystals that provides exceptional stiffness, hardness, and fracture resistance. Despite these properties, enamel cannot naturally regenerate, and replicating its microstructure and mechanical qualities artificially has been difficult in clinical practice.
Innovative Supramolecular Matrix Approach
The solution involves engineering a tunable and durable supramolecular matrix derived from elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs). This matrix mimics the enamel-developing environment and, when applied as a coating on eroded teeth, remains stable and facilitates the epitaxial growth of apatite nanocrystals.
By reproducing the microarchitecture of various enamel anatomical regions, this technology successfully restores mechanical properties lost due to erosion.
Formation of dental enamel, the hardest and most mineralised tissue of vertebrates, relies on the 3D assembly and organisation of the protein amelogenin.
Clinical Significance and Potential
- The mineralising technology shows promise for clinical use in treating enamel erosion and dental hypersensitivity.
- It offers a novel pathway to recover enamel's natural structure and durability, which are otherwise irreparable.
This biomimetic approach opens new avenues for effective dental treatments addressing enamel loss.
Author's Summary
A tunable protein matrix mimicking enamel formation enables nanocrystal growth to restore enamel’s microarchitecture and mechanical strength, offering promising clinical applications.
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