Evaluation of Self-assembling Peptides on Mineralization Using Ultrasonic Device

Objectives: It has reported that a rationally designed biomimetic self-assembling peptide nucleated hydroxyapatite and was apparently capable of in situ enamel regeneration following infiltration into caries-like lesions. The current study evaluated the effect of a self-assembling peptides on demineralisation of bovine enamel, using ultrasonic techniques to determine the change in mineral content.
Methods: The specimens were prepared by cutting enamel and dentin of bovine madibular enamel into blocks (4x4x1-mm). The specimens were stored in a demineralization solution (pH=4.75, Ca: 0.75mM, P:0.45mM) for 10 min, and then stored in the artificial saliva (De group). Other specimens were applied self-assembling peptides (Curodont), followed by 10 min immersion in a demineralization solution twice a day before storage in the artificial saliva (Pd group). Specimens stored in the artificial saliva were employed as a control. The propagation time of longitudinal ultrasonic waves was measured by a Pulser-Receiver (MODEL 5900, Panametrics). The ultrasonic waves propagated from the transducer to the tooth were transmitted through the substrate and were detected by a transmitter set on the opposite side. Six specimens per group were used for each condition, and Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05) were done.
Results: The average ultrasonic velocity of intact bovine enamel in the control group ranged from 4,894 to 4,950 m/s, and did not vary significantly with test period. The ultrasonic velocity in the De group decreased over time, and was significantly lower than that in the test group after 7 d (4,506 ~ 4,606 m/s). For peptide Pd group, an increase in ultrasonic velocity was found (5,346 ~ 5,460 m/s) compared to those of the other groups.
Conclusions: It could be considered that the application of the self-assembling peptide acted to prevent demineralization or to enhance remineralization of bovine enamel.